leith hill

N2739WEjohnb

Living fairly locally, I have ascended the hill several times and love taking visitors there. There are many walks in the surrounding countryside. We have always parked in a very small off-road area due South of the summit and Tower. The ascent is challenging as there are many steps, and extra care must be taken in wet/inclement weather.The climb is worth it as there are extensive views, especially from the top of Leith Hill Tower, for which there is a small charge for non-members of the National Trust. The steps to the top will be very difficult for those with limited mobility. A room within the tower contains an interesting display of this area and its history.A small serving café is attached to the base of the tower.Apparently the tower was built so that people could ascend to over 1000 feet above sea level, as the hill summit fell just short of that elevation.There is a viewing telescope at the top of the tower and views extend to the South Downs, Gatwick airport and North to central London.Naturalists and walkers will be in their element here.

131KerryP

Its a bit hard to find, but the view are worth a look. The path ways are hard to navigate up this hill, if your not steady on your feet etc.

jomU3716US

A fantastic spot for a dog walk, it can be busy at the weekends but during the week is lovely and quiet. The café (a serving hatch in the wall) was open but we did not have enough money to buy a cup of tea as it was £1.50 for a plastic cup! We have had the cakes before and they were delicious and home made. The view from the tower is spectacular particularly on a clear day, it is free to NT members. The signs are clear but if you stray off the route it is easy to get lost.

CharlesGraham79

the highest point in southeast has small tower, which you can climb for a small fee and get to 1000 feet. I recommend you do this only a very very clear day to get full advantage of views there a car park quite nearby the holmwood station is near

SarahC09

This is a really beautiful place with the most amazing views of both London and the South Downs. It is managed by The National Trust and in the tower at the top there is a really quirky Tea Shop selling lots of yummy things. If you are a NT member it is free to go up the tower, if you are not then it is quite expensive to pay for this.Excellent signage through the woodland and a choice of gentle or steep pathways depending on where you choose to start your route.

Roly54

The walk route to the top is apparently easy, well I dread to think what medium is like, it was pretty steep and we walked for an hour to get there from the Parrot in Forest Green, so I would say it was quite a tough walk for any normal human!

mrthom1316

The family made the relatively easy walk to the top of Leith Hill. The tower at the top is cute. You can go to the top for a fairly small fee.It has a tight winding stone staircase to get you to the top. There is a room about 2/3 of the way up where you can read some of the history of the Tower.Check the opening days because it is not open every day.

markmahoney73

Leith hill is one of the highest points in south east England. To get here you can park below the valley at scattered car parks and walk up( quite strenuous, about 15-20mins theirs benches on way up for rest stops) The views are outstanding for the region. Once here you observe the castle type tower at close quarters and even for a small fee go to the top. In summer the wildlife is at its most vibrant with its wildflowers and butterflies.

AlexKChristie

We parked in the rhododendron car park and walked the circular route up to the tower. The views were stunning and it was busy with walkers, cyclists and family's and dog walkers. Really lovely and clean and tidy. It was nice to get a hot drink in mug from the little tea shop there. We will defiantly come back and try a longer route. The path we followed was well marked and apart from a bit boggy great condition.

pb56422

Unlike the heart bursting climbs up Box Hill this is a gentle climb to an even greater height. We walked from Westcott up the hill and back to the same spot via Coldharbour - around a 9 mile walk passing interesting and quirky scenery which included a beautiful cascading waterfall, streams, country hedges, the highest cricket pitch in Surrey, various wildlife and tremendous country views. We arrived after 4 miles at the top of Leith Hill after walking up some gentle inclines most of the way to be met by the first breaks in the mist and some lovely views. It was very cold and windy though and although the coffee and flapjack from the tower was delicious we were very cold by the time we departed - outside seating only by the way. In some ways we wish we had gone on to The Plough at Coldharbour which was empty and with a roaring log fire for a warm up. This is perhaps a mile from the Tower just after the quirky little cricket pitch. We didn't go up the tower itself although with our NT cards entrance would have been free but all in all a very pleasurable walk!

DevonJasper

Old folly tower no used as a cafe, good range of sandwiches and hot/cold drinks. Lovely for a trip out with the kids plenty of open space to let off steam

SteveRetroSoul

So much countryside so close to London. Pack lunch , grab those boots and walk,Plenty or paths and routes to take . Leith Hill Tower gives great views on a clear day. If you have a bike be wary as some of the car parks that have height restrictions.

U4146BCpaulh

Parked at Windy Gap and walked the Woodland Trail on a sunny day in late November. The drive to the location took us through gorgeous woods of beech trees in the prime of their autumn colours. The trail was well marked and included wooded areas as well as open fields with some parts being fairly muddy, so wear good hiking boots. A steep climb to the Tower was challenging but well worth it as the views to the south and north were spectacular. The small cafe at the base of the Tower served a welcome cup of tea and snacks. The only issue I have is that there were NO dog waste bins on the entire trail. If National Trust welcome dogs and expect their owners to pick up waste on a hike then they must provide bins!!

KerryR842

Beautiful woodlands old houses and the tower at the top all well worth a visit, lost of parking all dotted over the hill for easy acess to walks and biking on the hill

dales238

A wonderful view and great place to have a picnic with the family. WE bought homemade sausage rolls just made and fresh tea as well. The view at the top of the tower is definitely worth seeing and the overall view on the ground is just as nice.