When: September 27th 2025
Where: Amersham Cricket Club, Amersham, HP7 0RN
Organiser: Chiltern Harriers AC
Distance: 10 km
Elevation: +/- 133m
Course: 1 small loop of the cricket club field then a large clockwise loop via Mop End, Beamond End and Little Missenden
Other routes touched (Walk): South Bucks Way, Chiltern Heritage Trail
Other routes touches (Cycle): Chiltern Heritage Trail Hampden Route
Finish time: 1 hour, 36 seconds
When: September 21st 2025
Where: Creative Juices Brewery, Woodoaks Farm Cottages, Denham Way, Maple Cross, Rickmansworth WD3 9XQ
Organiser: Racing Line Running
Distance: 10 km
Elevation: +/- 189m
Course: 3 loops either side of the M25 starting at Woodoaks Farm and reaching to Philipshill Wood
Other routes touched (Walk): Chiltern Way, Chiltern Heritage Trail
Other routes touches (Cycle): Chiltern Heritage Trail Milton Route
Finish time: 1 hour, 38 seconds
Summit of Fuji shortly after sunrise
Also known as: Fuji-san, Japanese: 富士山
Significance: Highest Point in Japan, high point of the island of Honshu
Nearest Higher Neighbour: Xueshan - Beilengjiao, Taiwan
Elevation: 3,776m
Date “climbed”: September 3rd 2025
Coordinates: 35° 21' 38'' N, 138° 43' 38'' E
Links: Wikipedia (Japan, Honshu, Mount Fuji), Peakbagger, Fuji Mountain Guides
It took us a few months to decide on what our big trip should be to celebrate my 50th birthday. The ascent of Mount Toubkal for my 40th had set a high bar, so it was hard to find something to match it. As Toubkal was over 4,000m, my first thought was to do a peak higher than 5,000m. Timea quickly vetoed Mount Ararat (5,137m) as it was a bit too near a conflict zone. Several similar ideas were also rejected for other quite sensible reasons.
When we came upon the idea of two weeks in Japan with a climb of Mt. Fuji plus two parkruns, it was an immediate “Hell Yes!”. Timea hadn’t been to Japan before but wanted to go for a long time. I had been once before, but it was 18 years ago, and I didn’t do Fuji. I was very excited to bag another iconic mountain.
We booked the Fuji part of our Japan trip with Fuji Mountain Guides, who specialise in English language treks. I honestly can’t recommend them highly enough, as the experience was excellent from the booking process through to the end-of-hike wrap-up.
While many hikers flock to the popular Yoshida Trail, a more serene and equally rewarding alternative is on the eastern side of Japan's most iconic peak: the Subashiri Trail. Offering a unique and much less crowded experience, this route is a favourite among hikers seeking a more intimate connection with the mountain.
Date: September 2nd 2025
Start: Subashiri 5th Station
Finish: Fujisan Hotel, 8th Station
Distance: 5.3 km (3.3 miles)
Elevation change: +1,373m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched: Yoshida Trail
Our journey began at Gotemba Train Station, one of the pick-up points for Fuji Mountain Guides. We were staying in a ryokan in Hakone, so it was a convenient place to get to. Others in the group had already been picked up in Tokyo.
The first stop was the Fuji Mountain Guides base, a 15-minute drive from the station. The guides checked the mandatory kit, and we picked up the hiking poles that we rented from them. From there, it was another 25-minute drive up through the forest road to the 5th Station.
The trail begins at the Subashiri 5th Station, at an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters. After a final toilet stop and a chance to buy some more food and a souvenir wooden walking stick, we had the hike briefing and started the ascent at 11 a.m.
One of the defining features of the Subashiri Trail is its first half, which winds through a lush forest of Veitch's fir and Erman's birch. This shaded path provides a welcome reprieve from the sun and offers a stark contrast to the barren, volcanic landscape of the higher elevations. This forested section continues until around the 7th Station, where the trail opens up, providing expansive views of the surrounding landscape and views to Lake Yamanaka and the towns of Oshino and Fujiyoshida to the north-east.
Although the group was quite large, 40 people, it never felt crowded as the different walking paces thinned us out during the first hour. The six guides spaced themselves among the group, so there was always one of them close by.
The Subashiri Trail is considered an intermediate route, slightly more challenging than the Yoshida Trail due to its lower starting elevation and a greater overall elevation gain of about 1,750 meters. The ascent typically takes five to seven hours, with a total distance of approximately 6.9 km (4.3 miles). We were at the slower end of this, but we got to the 8th Station comfortably before dark (around 6 p.m.).
As you ascend, you'll encounter a number of mountain huts where you can rest, buy food and water, and have your walking stick stamped. Be aware that the huts only take cash, and prices for food and drink are higher than in normal Japanese shops. However, with a favourable pound-to-yen exchange rate, it was still no more than UK prices.
It's important to note that the ascent and descent paths are different for a large portion of the trail, which helps manage foot traffic. However, the Subashiri Trail merges with the Yoshida Trail at the 8th Station, where the crowds can increase significantly, especially during peak season.
By the time we reached the 8th Station, the group had reduced to 36. Four of the group had turned back before the first hut. One of them was an American guy that I was chatting to on the first section. He was doing the hike as a new goal after a heart attack 18 months before. While it was a great goal, he was clearly not fit or prepared enough for such a demanding hike. The guides told us that it’s unusual for the whole group to complete the full trek.
Our early evening at the 8th Station Fujisan Hotel (not a hotel) consisted of being assigned our sleeping area, changing clothes, dining on a boil-in-the-bag beef curry, and having a briefing for the morning hike. We went to bed at 20:00 to get some sleep ahead of the next day’s hike.
There was no real sleep, though. A mix of a thin mattress, a slight lingering headache, and the constant rumble of snoring and rustling from the group kept us awake. Timea and I probably got about 10 minutes of sleep each. On the plus side, I did manage to listen to a whole audiobook while I wasn’t sleeping.
Our wake-up call from Dan, our head guide, was at 02:30. We were already up and ready, though, as the loud preparations of some of the others at 01:00 meant there was no more rest to be had.
Date: September 3rd 2025
Start: Fujisan Hotel, 8th Station
Finish: Subashiri 5th Station
Distance: 10.4 km (6.5 miles)
Elevation change: +357m / - 1,740m. Net -1,383m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched: Yoshida Trail
The final push to the summit began at 03:05. As we made our final preparations outside the 8th Station, we could see the lights of Tokyo in the distance and lightning through the clouds on the horizon.
Rather than being spread out at different speeds on the first day, the group kept together with a very slow pace. In the second hour, we saw some big groups already descending. This made our guides concerned about conditions on the summit. It turned out, though, that they had started too early and summited way before sunrise. Our guides were better organised, though, and timed our ascent to get us to the Torii Gate exactly at sunrise.
In the Japanese Shinto religion, the sunrise holds profound significance, as it is seen as the daily rebirth of Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and central deity. Amaterasu is believed to have been born from the left eye of the creator god Izanagi, and her light is considered the source of all life and purity. Therefore, the act of witnessing the sunrise is a form of worship and a ritual of purification known as "misogi," allowing practitioners to cleanse themselves of spiritual impurities and renew their connection with the divine. The rising sun, with its vibrant red disc, is also a powerful symbol of Japan itself, often referred to as "the land of the rising sun," representing hope, renewal, and the enduring spirit of the nation.
Fuji sunrise was also significant for us. It was the centrepiece of my 50th birthday celebrations and a challenge that Timea had been training for several months. During our planning for the trip, we agreed that if Timea wasn’t able to make the summit, then she would stay at one of the huts while I would complete the ascent. While this would have been OK, it was particularly special that we could reach the top and see the sunrise together.
Although the weather at the summit was better than the guides feared, there were still strong winds and heavy mist at the crater rim. In good conditions, they take some of the group on a circuit of the crater, but that wasn’t an option that day. Even so, we still managed to have enough time to get our stick stamped, walk to the highest point of the eastern edge, and get photos at the Shinto Shrine and Torii Gate. We would have loved to have spent more time there, but the guides knew what they were doing, so we followed their instructions and started the descent.
What we didn’t realise until after the trip was that the highest point of 3,776m was on the other side of the crater. It actually has its own name: Mount Kengamine. Although I was a bit disappointed not to get there, I was happy with reaching the high point of the eastern edge at 3,744m. We got as high as we could based on the weather. Given the unpredictability of the conditions, you’d have to be very lucky, or do multiple attempts to get to 3,776m. As it turned out, a typhoon was approaching that cancelled all ascents a day later. We were very lucky and grateful that we had the chance to do the trek at all.
The first part of the descent back to the 8th Station took just 30 minutes versus the two hours to ascend earlier. We stopped for breakfast and took some layers off to continue down towards the 5th Station.
The descent is where the Subashiri Trail truly stands out. From the 7th Station onward, the path becomes a unique and exhilarating experience known as "Sunabashiri" or "sand running." This section is a steep, long slope of soft volcanic gravel, allowing hikers to descend at a quick, almost running pace. While it's a fun and fast way to get down the mountain, it requires careful footing and is a test for your leg muscles. This "run" can drastically shorten your descent time, with the entire return trip taking as little as 2.5 to 4 hours.
By the time the trail levelled out after the sand running, Timea’s left knee started hurting. It was similar to the pain she had on Toubkal 10 years before. Back then, she was able to take a donkey for the rest of the descent, but there are no donkeys on Fuji.
For those in real trouble, the emergency evacuation is via one of the bulldozer trucks that takes supplies up to the huts. Four of the group ended up taking the bulldozer down, but Timea’s knee wasn’t so bad. She got through it by taking it slow, some stretching, and a bunch of painkillers.
We were grateful for Scott, one of the guides, for watching out for us and two other slower couples in the final hour. After the 5th Station, he took us on a lesser-known shortcut, called the “mushroom trail,” that avoided the stone steps with a more gradual route through the woods.
We were tired, dirty, and thankful that we had booked a day and a half of rest back at the ryokan with our very own onsen in Hakone. Our thanks go to the six members of Fuji Mountain Guides who made our trek a safe, fun, and memorable adventure.
If you have any allergies, it’s best to take your own food. Timea is both dairy and gluten-free, and there were limited options for her at the stations.
Breakfast at the 8th station was advertised as pastries. You can buy these (packaged, not fresh), but there were a range of other hot and cold options too (for example, rice with beef, ramen noodles, etc.).
Take both salty and sweet snacks. Salty is great for replacing salts in your body, and sweet (e.g., Haribo) is great for the summit.
I’m not a big fan of either gaiters or walking poles, but both are essential for Fuji. I rented poles but only used them for the descent. I didn’t use gaiters but wish that I had, as I had both boots full of volcanic ash and stones after the scree-run.
If you get into real trouble and can’t walk down, the bulldozers are your emergency option. Helicopters are not allowed to land on the mountain, so your evacuation may take some time. The bulldozers are mainly used to take supplies to the huts and can be used to take you down if you are injured. It’s a slow and bumpy trip, so you really don’t want to do it, despite how much fun it may sound. Bulldozer evacuation costs around £80 to £100 per person.
It should be obvious, but don’t hike Fuji in new boots. We met one hiker with new boots that she had only used once before in a very short walk at home. They would have rubbed a lot later in the hike.
Even if you have well-worn-in shoes, take blister plasters.
Take electrolytes to add to your water bottle or CamelBak. We lost five litres of sweat according to our Garmin watches.
Take dry roll-on sun lotion, especially for the descent. Sand and ash will stick to liquid lotion.
The huts take cash, not cards, so take enough for the two days, remembering that prices are higher than normal Japanese shops. Most toilets take coins, but you can get change from the huts when buying food and drink.
Bring wet wipes to clean yourself when getting changed in the 8th Station. There are no showers.
Bring leaf soap, as the toilets don’t have any soap, only water.
Only take up to 1 litre of water to drink between huts and buy more along the way. This will reduce the weight that you need to carry.
The parkrun Regionnaire status used to be a major part of parkrun tourism, with South-East England being the largest region. Changes in the parkrun website in 2019 removed the regions making it harder to track completion status. All is not lost though as here’s the complete parkrun guide to what’s in and what’s out of the counties of South-West England.
The South West England region is the largest of England's nine regions by area, encompassing the historic and ceremonial counties of Cornwall (including the Isles of Scilly), Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and the city of Bristol. It stretches from the border with the South East and West Midlands, down to the far southwestern tip at Land's End, giving it the longest coastline of any English region. The area is often romantically referred to as the West Country and includes ancient landscapes such as Wessex. The key urban centres are the thriving city of Bristol, the historically important naval port of Plymouth, and the coastal conurbation of Bournemouth/Poole.
Map of South-West England showing the Historic and present-day (Ceremonial) counties
There are currently 86 parkrun events in the South-West region. Three of these events were in Hampshire in South-East England before the county boundary changes in 1974, however this was a long time before parkrun started. There are currently no parkrun events in the present day / Ceremonial county of the Isles of Scilly
Numbers of event above exclude prison parkruns and permanently cancelled events.
Bournemouth and Moors Valley parkruns were part of Historic Hampshire and would have been in Historic South-East England, but are now part of Present-day Dorset, so would be in the South West England region.
Tidworth: South Tidworth where the parkrun takes place was moved from Hampshire into Wiltshire in 1992 but houses there still have Hampshire on their address for post.
The course for Tamar Lakes is in both Cornwall and Devon however the start and finish are on the Cornwall side so I’ve included it there.
Click on each of the images below to go to the page with details of the parkrun events for the county. Bristol is included in the Gloucestershire page.
parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.
Featured and popular parkrun posts:
There are currently 9 parkrun events in present-day Cornwall of which I have completed 1. The first was Lanhydrock which started on January 18th 2014 and the newest is Penryn Campus which started on October 16th 2021. The name for having completed all parkrun events in the county is CornwALL
The course for Tamar Lakes is in both Cornwall and Devon however the start and finish are on the Cornwall side so I’ve included it here.
The interactive maps below take you to the approximate location for the course, typically the centre of the park. See the course instructions in the parkrun page for each event for specific directions to the start. Course maps show the route at the time that I ran it and may have changed since then.
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: November 11th 2017
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: April 14th 2018
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: November 9th 2019
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: January 18th 2014
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I completed this event on: October 21st 2025 with a finish time of: 29:46
Other routes touched (walk): England Coast Path
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 2
Inaugural: January 30th 2016
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: March 28th 2015
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: October 16th 2021
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: November 11th 2014
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: December 3rd 2016
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.
Featured and popular parkrun posts:
There are currently 19 parkrun events in present-day Devon of which I have completed 2. The first was Killerton which started on April 30th 2011 and the newest is Greendale Farm Shop which started on January 11th 2025. I’m not aware of a collective name for having completed all Devon parkrun events, but let me know in the comments below if you know of one.
The course for Tamar Lakes is in both Cornwall and Devon however the start and finish are on the Cornwall side so I’ve included it there.
The interactive maps below take you to the approximate location for the course, typically the centre of the park. See the course instructions in the parkrun page for each event for specific directions to the start. Course maps show the route at the time that I ran it and may have changed since then.
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: January 5th 2013
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: April 2nd 2016
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: March 7th 2020
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: November 13th 2021
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: September 25th 2021
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: August 2nd 2014
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: August 2nd 2014
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: January 11th 2025
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: February 23rd 2019
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I completed this event on: June 4th 2022 with a finish time of: 25:25
Other routes touched (walk): Two Counties Way, National Trust walks through the estate
Inaugural: April 30th 2011
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: April 5th 2014
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I completed this event on: October 26th 2019 with a finish time of: 28:40
Other routes touched (walk): West Devon Way, Plym Valley Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 27
Inaugural: September 22nd 2012
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: November 12th 2016
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: April 1st 2023
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: October 26th 2024
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: October 29th 2016
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: September 29th 2018
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: December 31st 2016
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: December 15th 2018
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.
Featured and popular parkrun posts:
There are currently 9 parkrun events in present-day Dorset of which I have not yet completed any. The first was Poole which started on April 2nd 2011 and the newest is Durlston Country Park which started on March 19th 2022. The name for having completed all parkrun events in the county is The Dor Set
Bournemouth and Moors Valley were in historic Hampshire but are now part of present-day Dorset.
The interactive maps below take you to the approximate location for the course, typically the centre of the park. See the course instructions in the parkrun page for each event for specific directions to the start. Course maps show the route at the time that I ran it and may have changed since then.
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: July 26th 2014
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: March 19th 2022
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: April 2nd 2011
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: June 29th 2019
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: October 30th 2021
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: June 3rd 2017
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: August 31st 2013
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.
Featured and popular parkrun posts:
There are currently 15 parkrun events in present-day Somerset of which I have completed 3. The first was Ashton Court which started on April 23rd 2011 and the newest is Brickfields park which started on May 10th 2025. The name for having completed all parkrun events in the county is The Somer-Set
Yeovil Montacute parkrun was active until the Covid-19 parkrun pause and is now permanently closed. Henstridge Airfield parkrun closed in September 2023.
The interactive maps below take you to the approximate location for the course, typically the centre of the park. See the course instructions in the parkrun page for each event for specific directions to the start. Course maps show the route at the time that I ran it and may have changed since then.
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: April 23rd 2011
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I completed this event on: January 18th 2025 with a finish time of: 28:27
Other routes touched (walk): Bath Skyline Walk
Inaugural: October 4th 2014
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I completed this event on: June 28th 2025 with a finish time of: 26:21
Other routes touched (walk): N/A
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 244
Inaugural: May 10th 2025
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: June 20th 2015
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I completed this event on: December 30th 2023 with a finish time of: 28:34
Other routes touched (walk): England Coastal path
Inaugural: September 21st 2019
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: September 23rd 2023
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: March 25th 2022
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
***Henstridge Airfield parkrun is now permanently cancelled ***
I did not complete this event while it was active
Inaugural: September 8th 2018
Final Event: #167 on September 2nd 2023
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: October 5th 2013
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: January 15th 2022
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: August 13th 2016
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: September 4th 2021
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: April 29th 2017
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: November 17th 2018
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: May 5th 2018
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
I have not yet completed this event
Inaugural: August 17th 2019
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
***Yeovil Montacute parkrun is now permanently cancelled ***
I completed this event on: September 15th 2018 with a finish time of: 25:41
Other routes touched (walk): Monarch’s Way
Inaugural: September 7th 2013
Final Event: #295 on March 14th 2020
Links: Event Home Page, Course Page
parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.
Featured and popular parkrun posts:
The summit of Malminkartanonhuippu
If you’ve stumbled across this page hoping to find out about the top things to do in the Finnish capital, you may be disappointed. If you’re hoping to find out about the literal highest point in Helsinki, this is the page for you.
I have been visiting friends in Finland for most summers since 2003. In the intervening years I had developed my obsession for bagging high points but I never thought to find out where is the highest point of this very flat part of the country. With a spare morning before flying back to London in August 2025 I convinced my mates that the best thing to do was to climb to the top of an old landfill site.
Vanhakaupunki, which literally translates to "Old Town," holds the distinction of being the original settlement of Helsinki. Founded by Swedish King Gustav I Vasa in 1550, the city was strategically located at the mouth of the Vantaa River, where it was hoped it would develop into a bustling port to compete with the Hanseatic city of Tallinn. While the grand plans for a major trading hub didn't immediately materialize, this spot laid the foundation for what would eventually become Finland's capital. Today, visitors can still feel a sense of history in this tranquil area, though much of the urban life has long since shifted south to the modern city center.
While not filled with the medieval cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings one might associate with other European old towns, Vanhakaupunki's charm lies in its unique natural setting and historical remnants. The Vantaa River flows through the area, creating a series of beautiful rapids known as the Vanhankaupunginkoski. These rapids, once the power source for old mills and factories, are now a picturesque feature enjoyed by fishermen and nature lovers. A pedestrian bridge offers a fantastic viewpoint of the churning water and the surrounding green spaces, which are a haven for local birdlife.
For those interested in the area's industrial heritage, Vanhakaupunki offers fascinating insights. The old power plant, a striking red-brick building, is a prominent landmark, and the area is home to the Helsinki City Museum's technical and industrial exhibitions. It's a place where you can appreciate the balance between nature and industry, a theme that has long defined the city. Though it may not be on every tourist's main itinerary, a visit to Vanhakaupunki provides a peaceful escape from the urban bustle and a unique opportunity to connect with the very origins of Helsinki, all while enjoying some of the city's most beautiful natural scenery.
You can find the highest point in the area on top of a rock just off Vanhankaupungintie (street), There’s a staircase to the top and a monument marking the summit.
Malminkartanonhuippu, a name that translates to "Malminkartano's Peak," holds the unique distinction of being the highest point in Helsinki. Located in the Malminkartano district, this impressive man-made hill reaches an elevation of 91 meters (299 feet) above sea level. It's not a natural geological feature but rather a testament to urban development and innovative land reclamation. The hill was constructed over a number of years, using excavation soil and rubble from various construction sites across the city, including material from the excavation of the Helsinki Metro. What was once a landfill site has been ingeniously transformed into a popular recreational area.
The ascent to the summit is a journey in itself, often referred to as the "Malminkartano stairs." A long, winding staircase of around 426 steps, along with a more gentle, accessible path, leads visitors to the top. The climb is a popular challenge for locals looking for a good workout, with many people using the stairs for their daily exercise routine. As you ascend, the views begin to open up, offering glimpses of the surrounding suburban landscape.
Reaching the top of Malminkartanonhuippu is well worth the effort. The panoramic views from the summit are arguably the best in Helsinki. On a clear day, you can see far beyond the city limits, with vistas stretching across the entire metropolitan area. The view encompasses both the urban landscape of central Helsinki with its iconic buildings and the vast forests and waters of the surrounding Uusimaa region. The hill is a popular spot for picnics, evening strolls, and watching the sunset, providing a peaceful escape from the city's noise and bustle and a unique perspective on the Finnish capital.
Descent from the southern side of Worcestershire Beacon with view to Herefordshire Beacon (British Camp)
Significance: Highest peak in Worcestershire (Historic County Top), Malvern Hills National Landscape
Member of: Marilyn, Hardy
Parent Peak: Hergest Ridge
Nearest higher Neighbour: Titterstone Clee Hill
Elevation: 425m
Date climbed: 19th April 2014 and 9th August 2025
Coordinates: 52°06′17″N 2°20′25″W
Route Start: Malvern Clock Tower, North Malvern Road, Malvern, WR14 4ND
Route Finish: British Camp Car Park, A449, Great Malvern, Malvern, WR13 6DW
Route Distance: 8.6 km (5.3 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +346m /- 249m. Net 97m
Subsidiary tops on route: End Hill (328m), North Hill (398m), Table Hill (375m), Sugarloaf Hill (369m), Summer Hill (383m), Perseverance Hill (324m), Jubilee hill (328m), Pinnacle Hill (358m), Black Hill (317m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Geopark Way, Three Choirs Way, Worcestershire Way
Other routes touched (cycle): none
OS Trig Pillar: TP0724 - Malvern
Cafe / pubs on route: Cafe H20 or The Wyche Inn (just off route at 4.93km in), The Malvern Hills Hotel & Restaurant or Sally's Place at the end
Map: OS Explorer Map (190) Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill
Guidebook: The UK's County Tops (Jonny Muir), Walking the County High Points of England (David Bathurst)
Links: Wikipedia (Worcestershire), Wikipedia (Worcestershire Beacon), Peakbagger, Hillbagging
Worcestershire Beacon was an early bag for us in our UK County Tops mission. We were in Malvern to visit some friends and did the short 2.5 km out-and-back from the Beacon Road Car Park at Upper Wyche. It was a nice walk on a windy April day but it was always at the back of my mind to return one day to do the Malvern Ridge Properly. So, 11 years later, we returned for a long weekend to celebrate our anniversary and walk the northern half of the Ridge.
We were staying at the Malvern Hills Hotel at the end of the walk. It’s conveniently positioned at the base of Black Hill, the final summit of the northern half of the ridge. We were pleasantly surprised to that there was a good Uber service in town and we only had to wait 10 minutes to get picked up for the 15 minute drive to the Clock Tower.
From the Clock Tower walk up North Malvern Road in a north-westerly direction until you pass the town sign for West Malvern. Just before the road bends cross over to the left hand side to take the track up into the ridge. Soon the tree line will clear and you’ll already have spectacular views. Continue south to ascend to the first summit of End Hill. Table Hill is the next obvious summit heading south, but this route takes a left shortly after end Hill to scale North Hill before a sharp westerly turn to take in Table Hill. Continue heading south to summit Sugarloaf Hill then continue to the summit of Worcestershire Beacon.
Worcestershire Beacon is the highest point in the Historic County of Worcestershire. I also heard that there’s nothing higher to the east until the Ural Mountains in Russia. I’m not completely convinced of that so post a comment below if you know of a reliable source. The "Beacon" in it’s name points to its long-standing use as a crucial signaling point. The hill was part of a chain of warning fires lit to alert the country of the approaching Spanish Armada in 1588. This tradition continued for centuries, with fires being lit for national celebrations like Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and the Millennium.
The section south of the Beacon to Upper Wyche is the busiest part of the walk with many doing the short out-and-back from the car park as we did 11 years before. If you’re bagging all of the summits remember to take in Summer Hill rather than following the main path around it.
Wyche Road at Upper Wyche is the only road crossing on the route at a little over half way. We were very happy to meet an ice cream van on the very hot day that we were there. There’s also a pub and cafe near the crossing and public toilets near the start of the ascent to Perseverance Hill.
This second half of the route has fewer people and is an easier section with gentler climbs between the summits. After Perseverance Hill you’ll pass over Jubilee Hill. Pinnacle Hill and Black Hill before descending to the end point at the Malvern Hills Hotel and British Camp car park on the A449. If you’re not ready to finish walking for the day you can rest a while here then take in the short circular up to Herefordshire Beacon. Scroll down for details.
Route Start and Finish: British Camp Car Park, A449, Great Malvern, Malvern, WR13 6DW
Route Distance: 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 83m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Three Choirs Way
Other routes touched (cycle): none
Map: OS Explorer Map (190) Malvern Hills & Bredon Hill
Links: Wikipedia: (Herefordshire Beacon / British Camp), Peakbagger: (Herefordshire Beacon / Millennium Hill), Hillbagger: Herefordshire Beacon,
If you’ve been following the main route above you’ll see Herefordshire Beacon in the distance for much for the walk. It’s distinguishable by a flat grassy top and ringed by earthworks. Summiting it plus Millenium Hill at the end of the plateau is a short, steep but rewarding walk either as an add on to the main ridge walk or a short walk in it’s own right.
Rednal Hill North Top (250m) Birmingham Unitary Authority High Point: Peakbagger / Hillbagging
Devil’s Punchbowl
The Greensand Way is a magnificent long-distance footpath that stretches for 108 miles (173 km) across the beautiful landscapes of Surrey and Kent in southeast England. From its western starting point in Haslemere, Surrey, the trail meanders eastward, culminating near Hamstreet in Kent, close to the edge of the Romney Marsh.
True to its name, the route predominantly follows the prominent Greensand Ridge, a geological feature that rises distinctly from the surrounding clay vales. This provides walkers with an incredibly varied and rewarding experience. You'll traverse ancient woodlands, including sections of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, both celebrated for their natural beauty and ecological significance. The trail also passes through charming villages, open farmland, and areas of heathland, offering ever-changing vistas.
One of the defining characteristics of the Greensand Way is the breathtaking views it affords from its elevated position. From various points along the ridge, particularly in Surrey, you can often enjoy expansive panoramas across the Weald to the south, and northwards towards the more distant North Downs. The trail is well-marked with its distinctive Greensand Way logo, making it relatively easy to navigate, though its undulating nature with frequent ascents and descents can provide a good workout for walkers and runners alike.
Beyond the natural beauty, the Greensand Way is rich in history and heritage. You'll encounter historic churches, ancient castles and picturesque villages with traditional pubs, perfect for a refreshment stop. The trail also links to other significant walking routes, offering opportunities for longer adventures. Whether tackling the entire route over several days or enjoying shorter sections, the Greensand Way provides a fantastic opportunity to explore some of southern England's most picturesque and historically significant landscapes.
Start: Start of the Greensand Way at alley to the left of 43 High Street, Haslemere, GU27 2LA
Finish: Oxted Station, Oxted, RH8 9EU
Distance: 88 km (55 miles)
Elevation change: + 1,479m / - 1,522m. Net -46m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Maps:
- Haslemere & Petersfield Map | Midhurst & Selborne | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL33
- Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
- Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: LDWA: Greensand Way, Surrey County Council: Greensand Way, Wikipedia: Greensand Way
See individual section posts linked below for other links.
If you’re not up for a 88 km walk in one go, you can take in the Greensand Way in the Surrey Hills in 20 walks of between 7 and 11 km each. We chose this option, completing all 20 sections over 2 years from 2022 to 2023. The advantage of this option is exploring more of the villages and side paths close to the route.
Each number refers to a circular walk below. Base map: Esri Topo via RideWithGPS
Section 1: Haslemere and Hindhead
Start & Finish: Start of the Greensand Way at alley to the left of 43 High Street, Haslemere, GU27 2LA
Alternative Start: National Trust Devil's Punchbowl Car Park, Thursley, Hindhead, GU26 6AG
Distance: 9.8 km (6.1 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 231m
Section 2: Devils Punchbowl and Thursley
Start & Finish: National Trust Devil's Punchbowl Car Park, Thursley, Hindhead, GU26 6AG
Distance: 11.1 km (6.9 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 199m
Section 3: Thursley and Witley Park
Start & Finish: St Michael and All Angels Church, Thursley, Godalming, GU8 6QQ
Distance: 10.9 km (6.8 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 163m
Section 4: Witley and Hambledon
Start & Finish: Hambledon Church, 1 Church Lane, Hambledon, Godalming, GU8 4DS
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 124m
Section 5: Hydons Ball and Holloways Heath
Start & Finish: National Trust - Hydon's Ball and Heath car park, Salt Lane, Godalming, GU8 4BB
Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 172m
Section 6: Winkworth and Hascombe
Start & Finish: Free parking opposite the White Horse Pub, The Street, Hascombe, Godalming GU8 4JA
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 179m
Section 7: Shamley Green and Grafham
Start & Finish: Shamley Green Christ Church, Church Hill, Shamley Green, Guildford, GU5 0UD
Distance: 10.3 km (6.4 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 107m
Section 8: Winterfold Wood and Reynards Hill
Start & Finish: Hurtwood Car Park 3, Pitch Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 7NL
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 204m
Section 9: Pitch Hill and Holmbury Hill
Start & Finish: Hurtwood Car Park 3, Pitch Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 7NL
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles),
Elevation change: +/- 239m
Section 10: Leith Hill and Broadmoor
Start & Finish: Starveall Car Park, Leith Hill Rd, Dorking, RH5 6LU
Distance: 10.3 km (6.4 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 206m
Section 11: Westcott and Bury Hill
Start & Finish: Holy Trinity Westcott, Logmore Lane, Westcott, Dorking RH4 3NN
Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 163m
Section 12: The Nower and Dorking
Start & Finish: Reigate Road Car Park, 9 Reigate Rd, Dorking RH4 1SN
Distance: 10.8 km (6.7 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 222m
Section 13: Brockham and Betchworth
Start & Finish: St Michael's Church, The Street, Betchworth, RH3 7DN
Distance: 10.4 km (6.5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 149m
Section 14: Betchworth and Reigate Heath
Start & Finish: St Michael's Church, The Street, Betchworth, RH3 7DN
Distance: 9.6 km (5.9 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 98m
Section 15: Reigate and Redhill Common
Start & Finish: Bell St Car Park, 83 Bell Street, Reigate, RH2 7AN
Distance: 9.1 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 136m
Section 16: Earlswood and Nutfield Priory
Start & Finish: St John the Evangelist Church, Redhill, Church Rd, Redhill, RH1 6QA
Distance: 8.8 km (5.5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 165m
Section 17: Nutfield and Bletchingley
Start & Finish: High Street, Bletchingley, Redhill, RH1 4PA
Distance: 9.9 km (6.1 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 164m
Section 18: Bletchingley and Godstone
Start & Finish: High Street, Bletchingley, Redhill, RH1 4PA
Distance: 10.4 km (6.5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 143m
Section 19: Tandridge and Oxted
Start & Finish: Oxted Station, Oxted, RH8 9EU
Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 165m
Section 20: Oxted and Limpsfield
Start & Finish: Oxted Station, Oxted, RH8 9EU
Distance: 11.2 km (7 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 142m
Tilford Bridge
Start and Finish: Parking on Tilford Green, 2 Tilford Street, Tilford, Farnham, GU10 2BN
Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 170m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): None
Other Routes Touched (cycle): Surrey Cycleway
OS Trig Pillar: TP2614 - Crooksbury Hill
Cafe / pubs on route: The Barley Mow Tilford (at start and end), The Barley Mow in The Sands (4.2 km in)
Map: Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Links: River Wey, Tilford, Waverley, Waverley Abbey, Seale and Sands, Surrey’s Countryside: Medieval Waverley
We did this walk as an epilogue to our Walking the River Wey and Wey Navigation series. In those 9 walks we followed the Wey from its confluence with the Thames at Weybridge to Eashing, the final place you can access via footpath. Further upstream to the south-east you’ll find Tilford, with a medieval bridge that spans the river near where it splits and leads to 2 different sources.
This walk is part of Surrey County Council’s “Surrey Countryside” walks and is well documented on their web-site. I won’t repeat anything here as it’s a great guide to the walk.
River Wey Previous section: Walking the River Wey Part 9: Godalming and Eashing
The Wey Navigation near Byfleet
The River Wey Navigation, often simply referred to as the Wey Navigation, is a remarkable feat of 17th-century engineering that transformed the natural course of the River Wey into a navigable waterway. Stretching for just under 20 miles (32 km) through the heart of Surrey, from Godalming to its confluence with the River Thames at Weybridge, it holds the distinction of being one of Britain's first truly successful navigations. Opened in 1653, its creation predates many other well-known canals, making it a pioneering example of inland waterway transport and a vital artery for goods like timber, flour, and agricultural produce to reach London.
Unlike many later canals that involved extensive cutting and embankment, the Wey Navigation largely followed the natural river course, enhanced by a series of 17 locks, weirs, and cuts. This blend of natural river and engineered improvements allowed barges to bypass shallow sections and rapids, ensuring a reliable transport route. The infrastructure along the navigation is a testament to the ingenuity of its original builders, with many of the locks, lock houses, and associated buildings retaining their historic character. Walking or cycling along its towpaths offers a picturesque journey through diverse landscapes, from tranquil water meadows and ancient woodlands to the fringes of bustling towns like Guildford.
Today, the Wey Navigation is no longer a commercial highway but has found a new life as a cherished recreational asset. Managed by the National Trust since 1968, it provides a haven for wildlife and a tranquil escape for visitors. Boating, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular activities, offering a unique perspective of the Surrey countryside. Anglers enjoy its well-stocked waters, and birdwatchers are often rewarded with sightings of kingfishers, herons, and various waterfowl.
Beyond its recreational appeal, the Wey Navigation serves as a living museum, offering insights into the industrial past of Surrey. Many of the old wharves and warehouses can still be seen, hinting at the bustling trade that once flowed along its waters. Interpretive boards along the route provide snippets of its history, and the National Trust actively works to conserve its heritage, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this historic waterway. Whether you're interested in engineering history, wildlife, or simply a peaceful day out, the Wey Navigation offers a rich and rewarding experience, connecting communities with nature and a fascinating past.
Start: Thames Lock, Jessamy Road, Weybridge, KT13 8LG
Finish: Godalming Station, Station Approach, Godlaming, GU7 1EU
Distance: 32.5 km (20.2 miles)
Elevation change: + 146m / - 111m. Net -35m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (160) Windsor, Weybridge & Bracknell
- Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Links: LWDA: Wey Navigations, Wikipedia: Wey and Godalming Navigations, National Trust: River Wey and Godalming Navigations
See individual section posts linked below for other links.
If you’re not up for a 32 km walk in one go, you can take in the Wey Navigation and River Wey in 9 walks of between 7 and 12 km each. We chose this option, completing all 9 sections over 2 years from 2024 to 2025. Two of the walks are point-to-point with an easy rail connection from the finish back to the start. The others are circular walks from good parking spots. The final section follows the River Wey beyond the end of the Wey Navigation to Eashing, the final point where you can walk next to the river.
Each number refers to a circular walk below. Base map: Esri Topo via RideWithGPS
Part 1: Weybridge and Desborough Island
Start & Finish: Churchfield Car Park, Churchfield Road, Weybridge, KT13 8DB
Distance: 8.4 km (5.2 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 34m
Part 2: Weybridge Locks and Levels Trail
Start & Finish: Churchfield Car Park, Churchfield Road, Weybridge, KT13 8DB
Distance: 7.3 km (4.5 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 43m
Start / Finish: Weybridge Railway Station, Station Approach, Weybridge, KT13 8UD
Distance: 7.3 km (4.5 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 28m
Start & Finish: High Road Parking, 10 High Road, Byfleet, West Byfleet, KT14 7QG
Distance: 8.1 km (5 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 33m
Start & Finish: Ripley High Street, Ripley, Woking, GU23 6AN
Distance: 8.6 km (5.3 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 50m
Start & Finish: Newark Lane Car Park, Ripley, Woking, GU23 7ES
Distance: 9.7 km (6 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 39m
Part 7: Worplesdon to Guildford
Start: Worplesdon Station, Woking, GU22 0RN
Finish: Guildford Station, Guildford GU1 4UT
Distance: 11.9 km (7.4 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 52m
Part 8: Guildford to Godalming
Start: Guildford Station, Guildford GU1 4UT
Finish: Godalming Station, Godalming GU7 1EU
Distance: 8.9 km (5.5 miles)
Elevation Change: +49m / - 42m. Net +7m
Start and Finish: Crown Court Car Park, 41 The Burys, Godalming, GU7 1HR
Alternative Start and Finish: Godalming Station, Godalming GU7 1EU
Distance: 8.2 km (5.1 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 90m
Start and Finish: Parkin on Tilford Green, 2 Tilford Street, Tilford, Farnham, GU10 2BN
Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 170m
When: July 27th 2025
Where: The 3 Brewers of St. Albans, The Potato Shed, Symondshyde Farm, Symondshyde Lane, Hatfield AL10 9BB
Organiser: Racing Line Running
Distance: 10 km
Elevation: +/- 110m
Course: 2 lap loop of farmland to the north of the Brewery.
Other routes touched (Walk): Hertfordshire Way, The Romans and Nomansland Trail
Finish time: 57 minutes, 43 seconds
The Trig Pillar that stands in place of the northern Cannon
For anyone who has ever consulted an Ordnance Survey map, the precision and detail are immediately apparent. But few might realise that the foundations of this remarkable mapping endeavour lie in meticulously measured "baselines," and one of the most historically significant of these is the Salisbury Plain Baseline.
Established in 1794 by Captain William Mudge of the Royal Artillery, under the nascent Board of Ordnance (the precursor to today's Ordnance Survey), the Salisbury Plain Baseline was a crucial component of the "Principal Triangulation of Great Britain." This ambitious project aimed to accurately map the entire British Isles, driven in part by military considerations during a period of threatened French invasion.
The baseline on Salisbury Plain stretched for approximately 11.2 km between a point near Old Sarum Castle and Beacon Hill, east of Amesbury. The measurement was an incredibly painstaking process for the time. Surveyors used meticulously calibrated 100-foot steel chains, taking into account factors like temperature changes and the Earth's curvature. To mark the precise ends of this vital line, cannons were buried muzzle-up at both locations one of which can still be found today near Old Sarum, a testament to the enduring legacy of this work.
The significance of the Salisbury Plain Baseline cannot be overstated. By accurately measuring this fundamental distance, Mudge and his team could then use a large, precise theodolite (an instrument for measuring angles) to establish a network of triangles across the country. Through trigonometry, the precise positions of hundreds of landmarks could be determined, forming the bedrock for all subsequent, more detailed local surveys. The accuracy achieved by these early surveyors was remarkable; it's estimated that Mudge's overall survey across Britain was no more than 20 metres out compared to modern GPS measurements. The Salisbury Plain Baseline, therefore, stands as a tangible monument to the dawn of systematic, scientific mapping in Britain, a pivotal step in creating the detailed maps we rely on today.
Further Reading: Principal Triangulation of Great Britain
The Baseline route
I discovered the Hounslow Baseline in 2018 and cycled between the 2 cannons in Kingston and Heathrow. On discovering that there was another Baseline in Salisbury I was keen to cycle that too. I changed my plans when I discovered that you can’t cycle very close to the line itself. The route, which I drove instead, takes you along the busy A345, through Amesbury then onto the even busier A335 dual carriageway. Driving is much safer and there’s free parking spaces a short way from each cannon.
To access the southern cannon there’s a layby suitable for 5 cars opposite the Harvester Old Sarum Castle on Castle Road. If you’re visiting the Old Sarum English Heritage site you can also use their large car park although there is a charge.
Cross over the road to the eastern side and walk along the pavement in a northerly direction for approximately 500 metres until you reach the welcome to Salisbury sign. You’ll see the Mapping Monument Stone on the right of the pavement. Look behind the Monument Stone and you should be able to see the top of the Cannon poking up through the earth in the maize field. Some reports on Trigpointing say that they couldn’t see the Cannon due to hedge overgrowth or crops in the field but it was clearly visible on the day in July that I went.
Trigpointing.uk record: TP7570 - Salisbury Plain Baseline South
After the southern cannon drive north along the A345, then onto the A335 heading east after Amesbury. Shortly after the A3028 joins the road, pull into the small parking space at the side of the road. Be very careful getting out of the car here as it’s a very fast road.
Take the path on the left just east of the parking space and follow it up to the top of the hill. After ~650m you’ll reach the Trig Pillar, just off the main path. The Trig Pillar stands in place of the original cannon. From the pillar you can get great views across to Salisbury to the south-west.
Trigpointing.uk record: TP8928 - Salisbury Plain Baseline North
Trigpointing.uk record: TP0742 - Beacon Hill
Peakbagger record: Beacon Hill, England
Telegraph Hill is generally understood to be the highest point in the New Forest National Park. However, other sources list the high point as Piper’s Wait which is 0.5m higher. I had only discovered Piper’s Wait after having bagged Telegraph Hill, so I had to return a couple of years later to complete them both.
Significance: New Forest National Park high Point
Member of: N/A
Nearest Higher Neighbour = Farley Mount
Elevation: 127m
Date “climbed”: December 28th 2022
Coordinates: 50° 56' 57'' N, 1° 40' 37'' W
On route of: N/A
Map: New Forest Map | Southampton, Ringwood, Ferndown, Lymington, Christchurch & Bournemouth | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL22
Links: Wikipedia (New Forest), Peakbagger
Bagging Telegraph Hill is pretty simple as the high ground is at and around the car park. The car park can be a good base for walk around the area. We were there on a rainy day just after Christmas so opted for a quick drive-by instead. Two nearby OS Trig Pillars, Pound Bottom and Bramshaw can be bagged in either a walk based from the Telegraph Hill car park or as quick drive-bys.
The name Telegraph Hill is due to a semaphore telegraph station built here in 1795. The station was one of the points where the admiralty communications were transmitted to London. This station was on the uncompleted London to Plymouth line.
Significance: New Forest National Park high Point (alternative)
Member of: N/A
Nearest Higher Neighbour = Farley Mount
Elevation: 128m
Date “climbed”: July 26th 2025
Coordinates: 50° 56' 52'' N, 1° 38' 53'' W
On route of: N/A
Map: New Forest Map | Southampton, Ringwood, Ferndown, Lymington, Christchurch & Bournemouth | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL22
Links: Wikipedia (New Forest), Peakbagger
Piper’s Wait is an equally simple bag and worth doing in the same trip as it’s a very short drive from Telegraph Hill. There no need to wait 2.5 years between them like I did. Park at the Piper’s Wait Car Park, cross Forest Road and walk towards the reservoir. The natural high point is roughly half-way between the road and the reservoir. It’s very flat ground though, so use a GPS if you want to get to the exact point. It’s worth climbing up to the top of the reservoir for a better view.
View to the south from Ockley Hill
The North Downs Way is a National Trail that weaves its way for 153 miles (246 km) across the stunning landscapes of Surrey and Kent in southeast England. From its starting point in Farnham, Surrey, the trail extends eastward, culminating dramatically at the iconic White Cliffs of Dover in Kent. This well-marked route largely follows the chalk ridge of the North Downs, offering walkers a diverse range of terrain. You'll encounter ancient woodlands, chalk grasslands and panoramic views across the Weald.
Beyond its natural beauty, the North Downs Way is steeped in history. Sections of the trail closely trace the ancient Pilgrims' Way, a historic route used by pilgrims travelling to Canterbury Cathedral, famously immortalised in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of Roman roads, Norman castles like Rochester and Thurnham, and even Neolithic burial chambers such as Kit's Coty House. The trail passes through two designated National Landscape – the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs – both recognised for their unique ecological importance and scenic charm. With excellent public transport links, including numerous train stations along its length, the North Downs Way is easily accessible, making it perfect for both multi-day expeditions and shorter day walks.
We completed the Surrey section of the North Downs Way in a series of 7 point-to-point walks over 2 years. This post details both the whole section through the Surrey Hills and links to the 7 individual sections. For further details there’s several books about the Trail and web resources including northdownsway.org and the National Trails’ site.
Start: Farnham Station, Farnham, GU9 8AG
Finish: The Velo Barn, Unit 1, Betsoms Farm, Pilgrims Way, Westerham TN16 2DS
Distance: 75 km (46.6 miles)
Elevation change: + 1,272m / - 1,186m. Net -86m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Maps:
- Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
- Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
- Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Guidebook: The North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Dover (Cicerone)
Links: LDWA: North Downs Way, National Trails: North Downs Way, northdownsway.org
See individual section posts linked below for other links.
If you’re not up for a 75km walk in one go, you can take in the North Downs in 7 point-to-point walks of between 9 and 13 km each. We chose this option, completing all 7 sections over a few years from 2021 to 2024.
Each number refers to a circular walk below. Base map: Esri Topo via RideWithGPS
Section 1: Farnham to Puttenham
Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles)
Elevation change: +118m / -100m. Net +8m
Section 2: Puttenham to Newlands Corner
Distance: 12.8 km (7.9 miles)
Elevation change: +256m / -181m. Net +75m
Section 3: Newlands Corner to Ranmore
Distance: 11.6 km (7.2 miles)
Elevation change: +128m / -107m. Net -21m
Section 4: Ranmore to Betchworth
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation change: +192m / -292m. Net -100m
Section 5: Betchworth to Merstham
Distance: 11.1 km (6.9 miles)
Elevation change: +206m / -197m. Net -9m
Section 6: Merstham to Gangers Hill
Distance: 11.8 km (7.3 miles)
Elevation change: +270m / -140m. Net -130m
Section 7: Gangers Hill to Westerham Hill
Distance: 9.1 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation change: +161m / -216m. Net -55m
If you’ve searched for or stumbled across this page then you probably already know what an OS Trig Pillar is. If you don’t then this article from the Ordnance Survey is a good place to start.
There were 30 OS Trig Pillars built in Greater London of which 24 are still in place. Of these some are on private land and are visible from a distance but not reachable. There’s a further 14 Trig Pillars that are outside of Greater London but inside of the M25. Special mention goes to TP9117 North Ockenden which is inside Greater London but outside of the M25.
I completed my mission to visit all accessible and visible Trig Pillars within Greater London and the M25. The definition of accessible is somewhat subjective though as some that I’ve listed as accessible are just off the public right of way. Looking at the logs, there’s others who have successfully bagged ones I’ve listed as inaccessible but I’ve taken a more risk-averse approach and avoided trespassing, causing damage or scaring animals. Always check the logs on Trigpointing.uk to see how easy it is to access a pillar.
Click on each icon to see the Trig Pillar name and a link to the page on Trigpointing.uk
No photo for TP5676 - Riddles Down
If you would like a PDF version of my manual Greater London OS Trig Pillars Log Sheet, please BuyMeACoffee and let me know on the Contact Page. It’s a table of all Greater London Trig Pillars, plus a separate page for those outside of London but inside the M25. You can track your date completed and there’s space for your own Notes. It’s simple and you could easily make one yourself, but let me know if you want a copy of mine. 20% of each virtual coffee goes to one of the Causes that I support and the rest goes toward the running of this website.
When we think of historical English counties, Kent often conjures images of Canterbury Cathedral, hop fields, and a rich maritime past. But dig a little deeper into its administrative history, and you'll uncover a fascinating and uniquely Kentish set of subdivisions: the Lathes. Similar in concept to Sussex's Rapes, but with an even more ancient lineage, the Lathes of Kent represent a remarkable glimpse into Anglo-Saxon governance and the enduring legacy of early English kingdoms.
The term "Lathe" is believed to derive from an Old English word, possibly related to "læth," meaning a "division" or "district." These were large administrative and judicial units that predate the Norman Conquest, likely evolving during the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Kent. Unlike the more uniform shires that became common across much of England, the Lathes were particular to Kent and functioned as significant regional groupings, each with its own local assembly (or moot) and a degree of administrative autonomy. They effectively served as a tier of governance between the individual hundred (a smaller administrative unit) and the county as a whole.
Historically, Kent was divided into five main Lathes, each stretching roughly from the coast inland:
Sutton-at-Hone: The westernmost lathe, encompassing areas now part of Greater London.
Aylesford: Centred on the ancient crossing point of the River Medway at Aylesford.
Scray (or Shirley): A large central lathe, extending across much of mid-Kent.
St Augustine: Named after St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury, reflecting its ecclesiastical importance.
Shepway: The southernmost lathe, bordering the coast and the Romney Marsh.
Having visited the high points of the Sussex Rapes in the previous year I set about visiting the high points of the Kent Lathes. I couldn’t find an established list of the Lathe High Points so I worked them out based on Trigpointing.uk and Peakbagger logs. Although I’m reasonably confident that these are the Lathe High Points, please leave a comment or reach me via the Contact form if you know of a different high point for any of the Lathes.
Highest Point: Betsom’s Hill
OS Trig Pillar: N/A
Links: Blog Post, Wikipedia, Wikishire, Peakbagger, Hillbagging
Flag Image Source: British County Flags
Highest Point: Wrotham
OS Trig Pillar: TP7083 - Wrotham
Links: Blog Post, Wikishire, Peakbagger, Hillbagging
Flag Image Source: British County Flags
Highest Point: Kingswood
OS Trig Pillar: TP4236 - Kingswood
Links: Blog Post, Wikipedia, Wikishire
Flag Image Source: British County Flags
Highest Point: Farthingloe
OS Trig Pillar: TP3122 - Farthingloe
Links: Blog Post, Wikipedia, Wikishire
Flag Image Source: British County Flags
Highest Point: Paddlesworth
OS Trig Pillar: TP0449 - Paddlesworth
Links: Blog Post, Wikipedia, Wikishire
Flag Image Source: British County Flags
View to the south from nearby the high point
Significance: Highest point in the Kent Lathe of Aylesford
Parent Peak: Botley Hill
Nearest Higher Neighbour: Toys Hill
Elevation: 235m
Date “climbed”: 12th July 2025
Coordinates: 51° 19' N, 0° 17' E
Route Start / End: On street parking in Stansted village on Labour-In-Vain road west of the junction with Plaxdale Green Road.
Route Distance: 2.5 km (1.6 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 31m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): None
OS Trig Pillar: TP7083 - Wrotham
Map: Maidstone & the Medway Towns Map | Kent Downs | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 148
Links: Wikipedia: Stansted, Wikishire: Lathe of Aylesford, Peakbagger, Hillbagging
I visited the Wrotham Trig Pillar as a part of a mission to bag the High Points of the Kent Lathes, the historic sub-divisions of Kent. I couldn’t find an established list of the Lathe High Points so I worked them out based on Trigpointing.uk and Peakbagger logs. I’m pretty sure that Wrotham is the high point of the Lathe of Aylesford but please let me know if you think that the high point is somewhere else.
This is a short out-and-back walk from a parking space in Stansted village on Labour-In-Vain road west of the junction with Plaxdale Green Road. Walk south-east along Labour-in-Vain road, past the Hilltop Restaurant, then take the footpath on the right that crosses the A20. Continue along the footpath across the field and cross the bridge over the M20. Take the first footpath on the right to head in a south-westerly direction.
I was there in mid-summer and there were narrow, nettle-filled bushes surrounding the path but it was just about passable. Longer trousers and secateurs may have helped but it was OK apart from taking home a few scratches. There’s a lot of paths around the area and they didn’t exactly match up with the map so using the GPX file was very helpful here. Eventually I found the pillar in the middle of a thorny bush on the edge of a field.
Return via the same route, taking in the long views to the south.
