Box hill circuit, North Downs

We had arranged with Noelene to meet up for a walk around Box Hill ...  given the popularity of the area I chose a carpark 
 out of the way up a single track road - Crabtree lane, after going through a very narrow section over the railway tracks at Westhumble and up a hill.

The car park was a nice secluded area used mainly by locals, but opened into the Norbury Park nature reserve. The track left from the end of the car park on a wide stone packed trail, that soon turned into a tarmac/ concreted path heading into the woods of Norbury Park.

Out of the woods and close by amore open heathland we cut up to a more meadow field with open grass lanes leading up to a motor vehicle track.

This track lead to the outskirts of Norbury park house (private estate) ...  some enterprising collective had a coffee van parked here.

The main entrance had guards and chain link fence blanked off, so we hurried past, continuing away from the drive we cut up a path beside the fence which soon opened up with views across to Mickelham downs and across to box hill. 

Dropping down to the valley bottom, and past a cell tower the track became surfaced, and lead to a bridge over the river, and to the edge of the A24 dual carriage way, where we had to race across between the traffic.

The other side lead into Mickleham village - filled with old buildings - one labelled in the 1600's, others with orate roofs decorated with dragons. (part of the public school there)

The village pub was opposite the church ...  some looked really old - like the stone roof and others like the columns looked newer.

Then up beside the graveyard and back into the woods,.

Initially the track started off with a steady climb before it got much steeper.

Across the downs road and things eased up to the shoulder of the Mickelham downs (just below the trig point) which we bypassed.

A welcome respite seat as the view opened out in front.

We paused for a drink and snack before contouring around to the start of the descent (second of the day).

The desxcent was down a steep drop that had been renovated with a large number of steps (all different heights and distances)

At the bottom of the steps and across the road into the car park - the alternative start if we could not have found the original one). then onwards into Box Hill Country Park.

Our chosen path luckily took us up Juniper Bottom - a long and moderate climb up the back of Box hill, as opposed to the steps directly up to the shoulder.

Approaching the top of Flint Hill .. the vegetation got a little thicker as the trees closed in. then we reached the more popular routes from the large car park on the top of Box Hill itself.

The main tracks along the top of the ridge of the north downs here was mainly flat as the track meandered along heading for the "service area" at the main carpark.

Last section before the crowds in the carpark ...  there was a "woodhenge" and a tree doorway to entertain.

Then back into civilisation with a huge carpark and a big building servicing the needs of the visitors. Lots of cyclists making the trail up the zigzag route. No photos here as it was not pretty!

After a comfort break, drink adn few snacks using teh picnic tables at the visitor's centre we set off for the "stepping stones", but first the view from the viewpoint looking over Dorking.

Then down the steps (third descent of the day). This was made harder by the popularity and the awkwardness of the steps.

At the bottom, Bertie was relieved to get into the water, however it was a bit deep for him and he did not want to cross on the stepping stones.

The indignantly of being carried over using the harness - humans found it much easier of course.

Once more it was across the A24, and a game of chicken with the cars - speed limit ignored!

then through some very pretentious gates, following the north downs way - effectively someone's driveway - and under the railway arch.

After the Denbies gatehouse - with out known road access to the Denbies estate - the track settled down to a stone and mud variety through the woods (again).

We parted from the NDW, when it met a road which we followed down to the western end of Westhumble, with occasional glimpses back to Box Hill through the hedgerows.

At last the sight of the finish line ...   just up the hill to the tree line and slightly beyond.

First past a single wall remaining of a ruined chapel.

Up the field - the sun baking down made this very hot, with the heat bouncing up as well as down. It was a relief to get into the trees again cutting across the slope.

Out into the heat for the final time as we cut across the last meadow field to the car park.

The cars were parked in the shade but still warm, so a perfect excuse to sit around and picnic for a while.

Then it was negotiating the way back to the road.