HILL, DALES AND MOUNTAIN HIKING

10th Feb 2008: Holmwood Common - Leith Tower - Holmbury Hill - Holmwood Common, (UK)

Start/Finish on Holmwood Common, Surrey UK, 90m

Highest point: top of Leith Tower 294m

Distance: circa 25 kms

Weather: Mild and sunny.

Vertical altitude gain: circa 730m

Time: 7hrs 30 mins

Holmwood Common car park

My first walk on the Surrey Hills had been on February 2nd, and with the superb weather of that weekend continuing it was no surprise I should plan to visit this wonderful walking area again so soon. This walk was planned to last longer and to be done in the company of Judy Armstrong, someone who knows a thing or two about long distance walking!

The area has plenty of walker's car parks, so 09.30 saw us meet at the Scammells car park on Holmwood Common.

10th February hike continued
Holmwod Common - Leith Hill - Holmbury Hill and back Leith Hill from Holmwood Common

Holmwood Common was somewhat muddy, and presented many footpaths. But our direction was generally WSW, with the Eastern side of Leith Hill clearly visible in the superb sunny weather, from quite early on in the walk.

10th February hike continued
Holmwod Common - Leith Hill - Holmbury Hill and back Icy Track Bridge

The mud of Holmwood Common was soon left behind as we climbed a steep track, (circa 25 degrees), towards Waterden Wood and then Coldharbour. In the continuing warm and sunny weather we soon arrived at the top of Leith Hill with it's Tower.

10th February hike continued
Holmwod Common - Leith Hill - Holmbury Hill and back Holmbury Hill and Upfolds Farm

After a short break we headed off West, though or skirting woodland to the North, with farmland to the South. And with a nice view of Hombury Hill apparent as we approached Upfolds Farm.

10th February hike continued
Holmwod Common - Leith Hill - Holmbury Hill and back Holmbury Hill Warning Sign Track up Holmbury Hill

The sign at the bottom of Holmbury Hill warned it was a steep climb: but we knew that from seeing how close together the contour lines on the OS map were!

10th February hike continued
Holmwod Common - Leith Hill - Holmbury Hill and back Mountain bikers on Holmbury Hill Mountain bikers on Holmbury Hill

The climb up was around 30 degrees, with one short stretch at 35 degrees. Too steep for these mountain bikers to ride up!

10th February hike continued
Holmwod Common - Leith Hill - Holmbury Hill and back Leith Hill from Holmbury Hill

In the superb weather there was a good view from the cairn on top of Holmbury Hill back to Leith Hill.

10th February hike continued
Holmwod Common - Leith Hill - Holmbury Hill and back Tilling Springs Sign to Tilling Springs

We returned on less well used tracks to the North of our outward route. Passing the pretty Tilling Springs.

10th February hike continued
Holmwod Common - Leith Hill - Holmbury Hill and back Leith Hill from Holmbury Hill

Our route back crossed a few valleys, but the extra effort was well rewarded with some lovely views.

10th February hike continued
Holmwod Common - Leith Hill - Holmbury Hill and back Leith Hill from Holmbury Hill

We passed this unusual outhouse on the way back to Holmwood Common, where our walk in the lovely Surrey Hills ended shortly after sunset.

Feb 2008 Trip Index     Back to Main Index