Londoners seeking a rapid countryside escape have just been handed a major travel upgrade. From December 14, getting to the picturesque Surrey Hills, including the famed beauty spot of Box Hill, becomes significantly easier with the introduction of contactless payment on rail services.
A Scenic Escape on Your Doorstep
The Surrey Hills, a sprawling 422 square-kilometre Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers a world away from the capital's hustle. With its rolling landscapes, wildflower meadows, and quaint villages, it has long been a favourite weekend destination for city dwellers.
One of its crown jewels is the area around Box Hill & Westhumble station. Just a ten-minute walk from the platform lies the start of one of the South East's most beloved walking routes.
Exploring the Box Hill Circular Walk
The most popular circuit is a 4.7-mile moderate graded walk that begins from the National Trust car park on Old London Road. The route typically takes a little over two hours to complete and treats walkers to a variety of scenery.
Highlights of the trail include:
- The iconic stepping stones across the River Mole.
- Salomons Memorial viewpoint, offering panoramic views across the Weald.
- Serene woodland paths and open meadows, often dotted with seasonal wildflowers and grazing cattle.
The National Trust maintains waymarked trails, with options for both shorter and longer hikes. For refreshments, there are two on-site cafes, picnic spots, and public toilets. Walkers can also detour to the King William IV pub in Mickleham for a well-earned meal and pint.
Simpler Journeys with Contactless Payment
The key change making this all more accessible is the expansion of the contactless payment system. As part of a government initiative to make rail travel more convenient, passengers will be able to tap in and out using their bank card, Oyster card, or mobile pay at an additional 50 stations outside London.
This includes Box Hill & Westhumble station, meaning a direct journey from London Waterloo or London Victoria now requires nothing more than the card in your pocket. The train journey takes just under an hour, followed by a simple ten-minute walk to the start of the trail.
For those considering driving, be aware that the National Trust car park is pay-and-display and can fill up quickly on sunny weekends, with a drive time of roughly an hour and a half from the capital.
