Here’s why I love hiking:
I’m a person who likes to think a lot; I like to reflect, analyse and create things in my head. Though this can be great for creative projects and my professional job – I don’t think it’s healthy to constantly be doing. When you hike, you are forced to use your brain to concentrate on what your body is doing only. Something as simple as walking down steep piece of ground, rather than a standard pavement street, forces your brain and body to focus – so it can maintain balance and use muscles we are not use to. It’s creating energy and focus in an entirely different part of the mind; it’s refreshing and in my opinion pretty damn cool.
When I think back to the three weeks I spent in Thailand earlier this year. A hike and camping trip I did in Chiang Mai was possibly my favourite part. And upon returning from my trip, I was possibly in some of the best shape of my life (although I truly ate curry every day). So I thought, I need to get back into this!
Me at my local station, very excited for the hike
As someone born in the UK, and specifically a Londoner, we can be really bad at exploring our own turf. The hike that this post is about is 45 minutes from my house – the same as my daily commute, so I really had no excuse for why I hadn’t ever been! Nevertheless, early this week, when I realised that I had a 40km walk coming up in 2 week’s time, I thought this is a good opportunity to train for the walk (more like test if I will be able to do it at all). I invited a few friends to join me – not big hikers either – and on a Saturday morning we headed to Box Hill, Surrey. (See the gallery below for the photos)
Box Hill Hike is a challenging 8 mile hike; however, most of us were beginners and only had trainers (no special gear). If you want to try this hike I wouldn’t worry too much about being in good shape, unfit, not having the right shoes, or ‘not being a hiker’.
PRICES
Free.
LOCATION
If you are arriving by car, you need to make it to the Visitor Centre car park. If you are coming by train you need to go to Box Hill & Westhumble station. The Visitor Centre (where the Box Hill Hike begins) is a 30 minute walk from the station.
Click to route to Box Hill & Westhumble station from your location
Click here for walking route from Box Hill & Westhumble station to the start of the Box Hill Hike (the visitor centre)
What to pack
Just a suggestion really – this was my packed lunch for the hike!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Official website: nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill
Map and information about the Box Hill Hike: Box Hill Hike
We opted for the hardest route, which is the Box Hill Hike but there are several walks you can do, see them in full here: Walks at Box Hill, Surrey
Gallery
The point of no return: the ‘happy’ hike or the Box Hill Hike – eek!
Getting our energy up
Me looking very happy with my good friend Elisa
Made it to the Stepping Stones!
We did it!
Got any questions about the hike? Give me a shout on any of the Wading Wade social channels or comment below!
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