Off the Map
Hail, British weather, and a hidden brewery in the Surrey Hills
Date: 28 March 2026
Start: Dorking Main Station, 10.15
Finish: Dorking Main Station, 17.15
Duration: 4h15’
Distance: 19km
Elevation Gain: 450m
Route Type: Circular
Weather: British, very British :)
Companions: SYW (Surrey Young Walkers), led by Charlotte, around 20 people
The best things lie off the map — that’s what I’d like today’s title to be. Despite being a lover of maps — and in fact today I brought along my trusty OS Explorer of Dorking — I’d like, as I often do, to start from the end of this beautiful walk. I’ll explain why later… but I’ll try not to :)
We meet at 10:15 at Dorking Station, and it’s nice to already see familiar faces like Maya and SenSen. I have no real idea where we’re going — or rather, just a vague one — but I also like the idea of figuring it out along the way on the map. And today more than ever, I feel curious and happy about that decision.
From the station we head towards Denbies and the Mole Gap Trail, leaving the hotel on our right and joining the North Downs Way heading west, towards the rectory at Ranmore Common. After the climb and the rectory, we enter the woods of the common, crossing them from south to north until we reach Tanner’s Hatch. From there, we continue towards Polesden Road and then arrive at our lunch spot right at the famous National Trust site.
After a nice bresaola sandwich, we set off again heading south, leaving the common and rejoining the road just before the NDW viewpoint over Westcott, with the unmistakable silhouette of Leith Hill in the distance. And then everything happens: hail starts falling — who would have expected that? I enjoy how the weather keeps changing; I like how British weather keeps us on our toes. Then the sun comes back, then clouds again…
I’m with Oscar, recalling his walk, when we take in the view of Leith Hill and a road that leads us towards Denbies Vineyard — with its farm shop, hotel, coffee roastery — and, surprise surprise, not on the map and barely advertised, the Surrey Hills Brewery. Just a small, almost tiny sign points us behind the much more famous Denbies Vineyard, which I step into but which doesn’t impress me much.
The brewery, on the other hand, has affordable prices and a very special vibe and atmosphere.
It’s definitely a surprise and a revelation. My mind drifts to the Fogolar and our next adventure… and suddenly I find myself already on my second (delicious) pint while speaking with some locals.
