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Surrey Hills Walking Weekend

A wonderfully sociable weekend of guided walks in Surrey’s beautiful, close-to-London countryside.

Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 30
Level: Leisurely (with Active walks subject to participant numbers)
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

In a Nutshell: 

  • Unwind in countryside that’s only a short distance from London.

  • Discover the delights of winter walking in the company of expert guides.

  • Savour plenty of post-walk downtime – whether it’s lifting a pint in a pub, slinking into the hostel’s comfy seats, or tucking into cake at a mighty fine cafe.

 

How do we grade our walks?

Unwind with walks through Surrey’s rolling hills and woodland trails...

Just a stone’s throw from London, Surrey is a walking wonderland filled with tracks through rolling hills, quiet woodland and great pubs to finish up at, so we thought this might be pretty much perfect for a weekend’s exploring in winter and early spring.

Hop on a train out from the Big Smoke and we’ll collect you for two days’ of easy ambles - or more serious hikes for those who want a full-on day - through scenery that will leave you relaxed and switched off from urban life.

It matters not whether you’re a newbie to Large Outdoors and/or new to countryside walking, or whether you’re an experienced hiker, as we’ll have walks to suit all levels. As we have exclusive use of a very smart hostel, there’s plenty of opportunity to chill out and chat with other members of the group.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

It’s a smidgeon over one hour from central London by train to Gomshall train station, where we will be offering a free collection for participants at 7pm. Of course, you’re also free to arrive by car (any time after 5pm) at our abode for the weekend – the very smart YHA Holmbury St Mary between Guildford and Dorking, which is set in acres of woodland within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Your Large Outdoors host will offer cups of tea as soon as you step through the door and help make introductions to the other members of the party, before then conjuring up a meal for the group’s first night, served around 8pm. During dinner we’ll outline the walking options for the following days so you can decide whether you’d prefer an easy amble or tougher stride-out.

Day 2

Breakfast enjoyed - tick; packed lunch made - tick; walking gear on - tick; we then head out into countryside. There are umpteen routes we can choose but for the walks we’ll be leading today we’ll aim for a more leisurely choice, as well as a more active option.

The exact routes we choose will depend on the weather and the numbers in each group, but all will venture into Surrey’s delightful surroundings. Think chocolate box villages (including Shere which some will remember as the place where Hugh Grant strode out from in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral); rambling lanes; beauty spots such as the Devil’s Punch Bowl; and hills offering panoramic views.

Once back at base, your Large Outdoors host then turns attention to preparing the group’s evening meal, whilst you chat about the day’s adventures and swap stories with the other participants.

Day 3

Ok, so today you’ll be a well-honed team – breakfast, kit on – you know the routine. We’ll pack up and check out of the accommodation, before heading out to walk. Again, there will be a choice of walks on offer.

Rested, relaxed and ever-so slightly elated at having been in the great outdoors all weekend, it’s then time journey back home. (For those travelling by train and taking advantage of our free collection service - which must be selected as an ‘Extra’ when booking - we will offer a free shuttle back to the train station - please note, this may dictate the walk options available.)

Please Note: On some days there could be a short drive required - where activities don’t start from the door of the accommodation. We don't include transport and participants normally car share.

Good to Know

  • Meeting Time: from 5pm.
    You can arrive any time from 5pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.

    Meeting Location:
    YHA Holmbury St Mary Surrey Hills
    Radnor Lane
    Dorking
    RH5 6NW

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    Parking: There is ample free parking at the accommodation.

    Public Transport: YHA Holmbury St Mary Surrey Hills is located 2.5 miles from Gomshall Train Station, with services to/from Reading and London.

    Train Station Collection: We will be offering a free collection from Gomshall Train Station at 7pm on Day 1, this must be booked in advance - simply select the collection as an ‘Extra’ during checkout.

    Please Note: On some days there could be a short drive required - where activities don’t start from the door of the accommodation. We don't include transport and participants normally car share.

    Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.

  • Our base for this experience is YHA Holmbury St Mary Surrey Hills, which stands in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the very edge of 2,000 acres of open access countryside and woodland. The hostel has a large open plan lounge and dining area which is perfect for relaxing with fellow participants.

    Bedding is provided - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries. The beds in this hostel are a little shorter than a standard bed.

    Accommodation Address:
    YHA Holmbury St Mary Surrey Hills
    Radnor Lane
    Dorking
    RH5 6NW

    Room Types:
    You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
    Bed in a Shared Female Room
    Bed in a Shared Male Room
    Twin Room (bunk bed)

    There are primarily Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a room - bunk beds - with other participants (room sizes vary and bathrooms are shared). Twin Rooms sleep up to two participants booking together in a bunk bed (bathrooms are shared with other rooms).

  • Included:

    • We offer a free collection at Gomshall Train Station at 7pm on Day 1 and can drop you back off there on the morning of Day 3, following one of that day’s walks. When making your booking, please select the collection from the optional ‘Extras’ if required - there are a limited number of places available.

    • 2 nights accommodation in YHA Holmbury St Mary Surrey Hills - we have taken over exclusive use of the hostel, so it will just be Large Outdoors participants staying.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.

    • Guided walks on 2 days (Day 2 & Day 3) through the Surrey hills.

    • Home-cooked set 2-course dinners at the accommodation on both evenings.

    • A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).

    • A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for Day 2’s walk.

    • Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.

    • Bedding - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door. On some days there could be a short drive required - we don't include transport and participants normally car share.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.

    • Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

  • • What level of fitness is needed?
    This trip is graded as Leisurely and Active, as a choice of walks will be on offer. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.

    • Can I attend on my own?
    Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
    Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.

    • What transport is provided during this trip?
    We providea free collection from Gomshall Train Station for this experience - see Meeting Location & Time section above. On some days there could be a short drive required to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the accommodation - participants normally car share.

    • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

 

 Book your Surrey Social and Newbies Weekend

Early Bird Offer! 

Save £50 with anEarly Bird Ticket: £175pp booking a Bed in Shared Room, or £450 for two participants booking a Twin Room.
October 2023 trip - book by Sunday 4th June 2023, from Monday 5th June 2023 price will be £245pp Bed in Shared Room, or £550 for two participants booking a Twin Room.
March 2024 trip - book by Sunday 1 October 2023, from Monday 2 October 2023 price will be £245pp Bed in Shared Room, or £550 for two participants booking a Twin Room.