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Leisurely
8 miles, Circular

Details

The nights are drawing in, the leaves are falling from the trees, and we're all starting to remember waterproofs again. You know what that means - it's nearly time for the annual Surrey Young Walkers trip to Brockham Bonfire! 

Before anything else, there's three things you need to remember:

  • Bring a torch (ideally a head torch). It's going to be dark for parts of this, and you'll want to be able to see! 
  • Bring layers and waterproofs. It's colder at night than during the day, and you'll want to be able to keep warm and dry.
  • Bring some cash to donate on entry to the bonfire (£10+ suggested). Trust me, it's worth it, and the Bonfire raises £20k+ for good causes. 

That out of the way, what's the plan? 

We're going to meet out front of the main Dorking station at 15:30. From there, we'll wind our way across town and up to Deepdene Terrace. 

This is a nature reserve formed from the grounds of the old Deepdene House, established by Charles Howard in the 17th Century. There's some interesting landscaping and architecture we'll be walking through, along with some hidden history, before we head up the steps to the terrace itself (nb: this is a longish section of steps). There's some awesome views here back to Dorking, and out across the countryside to the South. 

We'll drop down here, cross Dorking Golf Club, and make our way to our stop for food and drink at Goldenlands Farm. There's some good locally produced options here. DropKick Brewing's tap room with locally brewed craft beers, and WeFumo's pizza and burgers.  

After slaking our thirst and satisfying our stomachs we'll head up the road, pick up the Greensand Way, and head over to Brockham itself for the bonfire. We'll aim to get here for about 19:00. The bonfire itself is lit at 19:45, with the fireworks at 20:15, but there's a torchlit parade beforehand. 

Once we're significantly deafened by the explosions we'll meet up by the village pump on Brockham Green. It's really easy to spot, and I'll point it out when we arrive, so don't worry about finding it! We won't be doing a full headcount/trying to find everyone at this point, as there are a lot of people heading back to Dorking, so if you want to leave earlier or later, feel free. There's so many people going back, you will not get lost. It's a trip back along the Coach Road towards Dorking, and to the Station car park. 

If you want, you can grab a copy of the route GPX from here.

This walk is free for Ramblers members. Non-members are welcome to try out 3 free walks prior to joining. See our FAQs.

Is this your first time? No need to be logged into our site to sign up for a walk - just use the 'Register here' button, and include any plus ones (the same goes if you're doing some taster walks).

  • At this time of year we generally need to be more prompt at starting due to reduced daylight, so please make every effort to be timely.
  • We also recommend having a torch of some sort in case the walk doesn't finish before dark.
  • If you're driving, we recommend you arrive at around 15:15 to allow for parking, putting boots on, and finding the group. If you're arriving by public transport, you should be ok as long as you've located the group before 15:30.
  • The map above shows the starting location. In most cases this has been set by the leader to show an accurate meeting location - see the text description as well.
  • The leader will have your details - you don't need to bring anything to confirm your space.
  • Newcomers are welcome to come on three 'trial' walks before deciding to join the Ramblers. You'll still be able to register for walks once your trial is over - we only ask that you look into joining the Ramblers once you've decided this is the group for you.
  • For most daytime walks please bring water and lunch.
  • Be prepared for rain (waterproofs), mud, or sun, appropriate for the forecast. Also wear appropriate footwear (generally walking boots, walking shoes or similar).
  • As this walk has a group size limit, if you find you can't come and the walk's on the full side, please cancel so that someone else can take your place. Some routes prove extremely popular and our leaders can only handle so many people.
  • Dogs are ok on most walks - keep them on a lead and be mindful of anyone who doesn't like dogs.
  • If you want to leave the walk part way through, make sure you tell the leader.
  • If you come to a walk without registering, please be aware that the leader will not have your contact details in the event of an emergency, and that you may not be covered by the Ramblers' liability insurance. You will be attending to some extent at your own risk.

Our walk gradings

  • E

    Easy

    Easy Walks are for anyone who does not have a mobility difficulty or a specific health problem. Comfortable walking shoes or trainers can be worn.

  • L

    Leisurely

    Leisurely Walks are for reasonably fit people with at least a little country walking experience and generally include rural paths.

  • M

    Moderate

    Moderate Walks are for people with good country walking experience and a good level of fitness. May include some steep paths and be at a brisk pace. Walking boots are recommended, plus layers appropriate to the weather and food/water.

  • S

    Strenuous

    Strenuous Walks are for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level and may include hills and rough country and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots are essential, as well as bringing suitable clothing for the weather as well as food and water. Those in doubt about their fitness are advised to contact the walk leader in advance. Note that there may be just one element of a walk which elevates it to strenuous - see walk descriptions.


About our walks

Non-members are welcome to join us for 3 "trial" walks before deciding to join us. Please register in advance so that we know who's coming.

All our walks are graded to give you an idea of what each one will be like. If you're unsure of your fitness level, try a short, easy walk first. It's better to find a walk too easy than to make yourself miserable and exhausted.

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