Walk 4 : Merstham to Epsom Downs

Main walk: 17¾ km (11 miles). Four hours 45 minutes walking time. For the whole excursion including meals and trains, allow at least 8 hours.

Circular walk (from Tattenham Corner): 8½ km (5¼ miles), two hours 15 minutes walking time.

OS Explorer Map 146

4 out of 10

The walk starts along the North Downs Way and then climbs steadily through Gatton Park and the National Trust's Nut Wood to some popular viewpoints above Reigate. The last of these, Colley Hill, is an excellent picnic spot. The walk then crosses the motorway to the isolated village of Mogador for a pub lunch. Afterwards the way continues across Banstead Heath and Walton Downs to finish with panoramic views of the London skyline from Epsom Downs. You end by crossing the famous racecourse, so the full walk is probably best not attempted on Derby Day!

There is a half-hourly service to Merstham from London Bridge (except on Sundays, when there is an hourly service from London Victoria). Tattenham Corner is on a branch which leaves the main line at Purley; its daytime service is from Charing Cross & London Bridge. East Croydon is the best place to make a connection if required.

From January 2nd, 2006, the London Travelcard Zone 6 is being extended to include Tattenham Corner, although not Merstham. For most journeys the best ticket will then be a One-Day Travelcard covering Zone 6, plus a single from the Zone 6 boundary to Merstham.

Take the train nearest to 10.00am from London Bridge Station to Merstham. For the Circular Walk, the train nearest to 10.30am from London Charing Cross to Tattenham Corner is recommended.

The recommended lunchtime pub on the Main Walk is The Sportsman at Mogador, which serves excellent home-cooked food. It has a large garden but limited indoor space, so large groups are advised to phone ahead and book (01737-246655).

The Tattenham Corner Beefeater at Epsom Downs is a convenient tea stop, with fine views over the racecourse.