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Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK - walk and photos
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Box Hill walk
New year walk through National Trust park
(Photos/words © urban75, 2nd January, 2009)

Close to the southern outskirts of London, Box Hill stands on the North Downs of Surrey, overlooking Dorking to the south-west.

Named after the box trees on its steep southern and western flanks, Box Hill occupies around 490 hectares of wooded downland and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation.

The land was donated to the nation by Leopold Salomons in 1914, and now serves as a country park, owned by the National Trust.

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Carved sign by the National Trust cafe.

The area has the dubious honour of featuring in a song by Brit biker band, Dumpy's Rusty Nuts, called 'Boxhill or Bust.'

It's also mentioned on Ben Watt's 1983 B-side, 'On Box Hill,' Richard Thompson's, '1952 Vincent Black Lightning' song and Skin Games', 'Tirade.'

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
There's a cafe and shop near the top of Box Hill, which has become a favoured destination for road cyclists, keen to test their strength on the steep 'zig zag' hill that leads to the top.

There were some lovely road bikes on display when we were there and we spent some time salivating over various high-end carbon fibre frames and advanced gearsets.

It's also a popular ride for motorcyclists.

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Our favourite bike however, was this vintage motorised bicycle that had been put together by this charming fella.

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Sourcing the parts from eBay, he'd fitted this 50 year old petrol-driven 'Mini Motor Gearless Cycle Outboard' engine on to his old bike, and it successfully powered him to the top of the hill.

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Built in 1899, Box Hill Fort was one of a line of 13 'mobilisation centres' built to protect London from the threat of invasion from across the channel.

Standing close to the cafe, the building is a scheduled Ancient Monument and provides a home for several species of bat.

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Near the top of the hill is a stone viewpoint, offering a panoramic view of Dorking and beyond.

The true summit of the hill lies a little to the east, reaching a height of 224 metres (735 ft) at the radio mast.


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Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Looking south.

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Looking over Dorking from near the top of Box Hill.

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
My walking chums!

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
We'd brought along a proper walking route but quickly managed to get lose our place so enjoyed a random wander instead. There's loads of paths and you're never far from the road so it's easy to find your way back.

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Heading east.

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Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Up the hill.

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Charming church and village hall.

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Pretty house with yellow shutters and weather vane.

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Fading light of a cold and crisp winter afternoon.

Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Pile on! Kids playing on Box Hill.

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Box Hill walk,  National Trust, North Downs, Tadworth, Surrey, England UK
Watching the sunset over Dorking.


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