Back to Nature: Hiking in Guildford with the Jurassic Explorers

Date: 27 October 2024

Start: Guildford, 10.30

Finish: Guildford, 15.00

Duration: 4h

Distance: 16km

Elevation Gain: 350m

Route Type: Circular

Weather: Warm and Sunny

Companions: Jurassic Explorers

It feels wonderful to get back to our roots after many months away. Summer flew by across Spain, Italy, and even Kyrgyzstan, and it’s been a long time since the last hike with the iconic group, the Jurassic Explorers. This group formed after the success of our multi-day hike along the Jurassic Coast in May 2023, back when this blog didn’t yet exist.

Today, the group gathers in Guildford, refreshed by the extra hour of rest from the time change but aware of the shortened daylight hours for today’s hike. Guildford is an easy choice, offering circuits and trails of varying distances and difficulties.

In the end, with daylight in mind, we opt for an easier route, one that we’ll adapt as we go, map in hand, aiming for a manageable pace that won’t have us rushing to finish.

As usual, though, life, Great Britain, and hiking are full of surprises. The sun shines brightly, and the sky is a crystal-clear blue like I rarely remember seeing here—it stays that way all hike long. It’s almost like a spring day, with barely any sign that this is the weekend before Halloween, apart from a few yellow leaves scattered on the trail.

Another surprise is the llamas we spot at the foot of St. Martha’s Hill, momentarily bringing back Peruvian memories right here in Surrey. We leave behind the famous Downs Link, with its starting pillar established in 1982, and take on a climb to St. Martha’s Church that feels worthy of a pilgrimage.

And then there’s the baby rabbit that darts across the path—a little sign from the universe, maybe—almost kissing my feet before it disappears.

On our return, we change things up a bit, taking a short section of the North Downs Way before diverting into Chantries Hill, where we’re greeted by views of villages below. We finally reach the River Wey and follow it north toward Guildford, ending our hike with the traditional pint at the Britannia.

After the pub, the tradition continues: it wouldn’t be a hike in Guildford without some poetry or a bit of performance.

After reciting a poem at the castle, we’re handed a flyer with a vegan poem to read on the train. We’re asked to share it, so here it is for you all to enjoy.A carefree Sunday, perfect for catching up with everyone. Until the next adventure!