The Putting Down Routes team and project partner Black Girls Hike are delighted to offer a scenic walk in Surrey.

Join us for a guided walk with artist and nature facilitator Maymana Arefin, from Chilworth Station to the Optohedron and Newlands Corner. Our route takes us through the beautiful Surrey countryside, featuring tree-lined paths and panoramic views.

Starting at Chilworth Station, we’ll begin our journey toward the Optohedron, an art installation by Will Nash on the North Downs Way National Trail, known for its striking geometric design. After a lunch break, we’ll continue to Newlands Corner, a popular spot to take in views of the surrounding countryside.

The route is perfect for those newer to walking or anyone looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. The full walk is approximately 6 miles in total. We’ll maintain a comfortable pace for the group, with opportunities to pause, connect and reflect.

Event Theme:

🌳 Countryside Walk

🏖 Coastal Walk

🎨 Art and Sculpture Walk

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⏰ What is the duration of this event? The event is 3 hours with breaks.

📏 What is the distance of the walk? 9.6km

🔄 Is this a circular or linear walk? This is a circular walk, starting and finishing at the same location: Chilworth station.

🧭 Where is the meeting point? This will be provided in your event confirmation email.

👩🏿‍🦱 Who can attend this walk? This is a safe space for Black/Mixed Race cis and trans women and non-binary people of Black African and/or Caribbean descent who are comfortable in a space that centres the experiences of Black women. We are not a BAME, POC, BIPOC,WOC, Politically Black or Ally organisation.

👨‍🦯 Is this walk suitable for those with those with physical, learning, or mental health needs? This walk is suitable for most physical, learning, and mental health needs. Support and carers welcome.

🚸 What ages is this suitable for? All ages are welcome.

🎒 What do I need to bring? Please make sure you bring: Lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Please wear walking boots with ankle support. Please also bring any medication you require.

🚂 Is this walk accessible via public transport? Yes. We begin this walk at Chilworth station which is well served by trains, less than an hour from London.

🅿 Is there parking? Please note that there are no parking facilities at Chilworth station.

🏞 What is the terrain like on this walk? This is a beginner-friendly route, but there are likely to be some uneven paths and moderate inclines, along the length of the walk. Mostly grassy footpaths but there are some uneven, rocky paths on the route and moderate inclines.

🚽 Are there toilets nearby? No toilets at Chilworth station but next to it, there are toilets at The Percy Arms.

🐕 Is this walk dog-friendly? Support pets and well-behaved dogs welcome. Dogs need to be kept on leads throughout the walk.

☕ Is there somewhere to get refreshments? Please bring a packed lunch, snacks and water. We are not planning to stop for refreshments.

🪑 Is there seating options along the route? There may not be benches on the walk but we can rest on the grass along the way.

🙏 Is there an opportunity to break for prayer if needed? Yes, talk to one of the leaders and we will take appropriate breaks for prayer.

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📷 Photos or videos are taken during the event for promotional and marketing purposes across the Kent Downs National Landscape, Aspiring Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark, North Downs Way National Trail and Black Girls Hike. Please notify the walk leader of your preferences and complete the consent form here.

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This event is part of the North Downs Way National Trail and Kent Downs National Landscape’s Putting Down Routes Project.

The Putting Down Routes project seeks to encourage new audiences from under-represented communities to the North Downs Way National Trail, as well as upgrading and enhancing parts of the trail so they are more accessible to a wider range of people.

The project aims to position the North Downs Way National Trail as a safe, inclusive and accessible destination where all are welcome.

Putting Down Routes is a collaborative project between the Kent Downs National Landscape and the North Downs Way National Trail, working with partners Black Girls Hike and Wild With Wheels. Putting Downs Routes is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes.