On the outskirts of London, the North Downs and Surrey Hills have long offered an escape from the city into the fresh air. There are picture postcard villages, sprawling estates and lush woodland to explore on the extensive network of bridleways and byways that criss-cross this stunning countryside.

Our ride begins in the depths of the Surrey Hills as we take in the Leith Hill viewpoint, before a flowing descent down through Wolverns Lane. Now into the Tillingbourne Valley and soaking up the charm of Shere, we begin our tour of the Weald between the North Downs and the Surrey Hills. There’ll be plenty of chances to stop and take in the views from Pewley Down, St Martha’s Hill and Newlands Corner, and to experience the working landscapes of the Albury and Wotton Estates.

This action-packed tour, bursting with variety, finishes with a refreshing drink and the option of a country village pub lunch.

What to expect

You’ll need to have a reasonable level of fitness to be able to enjoy this day out. It is suited for active people and regular riders for a traditional off-road adventure. The riding is a mixture of cross-country on bridleways and byways that criss-cross this national landscape. The natural terrain and trails we will use are not very technical, however there are spicier sections of roots and small rollable drop-offs that will provide an exciting mixture, for all levels of mountain bikers.

This Surrey Hills experience would not be complete without a mid-ride stop coffee and cake stop at one of the many brilliant cafes and the option of a post-ride drink or lunch at the Royal Oak.

If you are still not sure whether this ride is for you, then please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

The area and the trails

The lush woodland that smothers these green sandstone hills is festooned with ancient bridleways and trails. This loop will perfectly link together the two main ridges of very different topology of the North Downs and the Surrey Hills that will include riding in and across the beautiful Tillingbourne valley.

Riding with Marmalade

We pride ourselves on creating the perfect vibe that makes everyone feel comfortable and confident. Combine a super fun and relaxed atmosphere with Marmalade’s expert knowledge and professionalism we will guarantee you the best day out discovering the trails of the Surrey Hills.

E-bikes or manual mountain bikes are all welcome, whether you bring your own or hire from our friends at The Riders Hub.

This route is a traditional mountain bike ride. There will be fun bumpy descents, rooty forest trails and wide-open double tracks. So a hardtail or short travel full suspension mountain bike would be perfect. Big travel bikes are welcome – just be prepared for some extra effort.

This ride can be enjoyed on a conventional or electric mountain bike. If this ride is right for your level of experience and fitness, then bring your choice of machine. Marmalade rides have a friendly welcoming atmosphere, and e-bike riders who find themselves first up the hill are always patient and understanding of those relying on human-power alone.

Ensure your bike of choice is maintained and ready to ride, and please pack a spare mech hanger with your usual trail pack spares.

• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Distance: 32 mi | 52 km
• Ascent: 3,800 ft | 1,160 m
• Level: Advanced Beginner
  (If you have any questions about your level, just contact us)
• Meet time: 9.00am │ 9.30am on bikes
• Meet point: The Royal Oak, Holmbury St Mary

Equipment, kit and clothing

Essentials:

• Suitable mountain bike in good working order (bikes can be hired in advance)
• Helmet (in good condition, with no damage)
• Clothing and shoes appropriate for cycling and weather conditions on the day
• Personal choice of drink and ride snacks

Recommended:

• Gloves
• Glasses, sunglasses or eyeshields
• Backpack
• Spare inner tube
• Puncture repair kit and bicycle pump
• Padded cycling shorts for comfort

What’s not included

• Bike hire – this can be booked via the ‘Bike Hire‘ section
• Personal clothing & equipment
• Overnight accommodation
• Pre, during or post activity refreshments
• Personal travel or accident Insurance

• To take part, you’ll need to be an active person who has the personal fitness to ride for at least 4 hours at a social and comfortable pace, with breaks
• You will be confident in mountain bike handling skills and proficient with operating your bicycle in the correct manner
• The trails do include features such as roots and loose rocks, along with small rollable steps – all of which can be easily ridden or avoided
• This ride does contain undulating trails – and in places, climbs that may be challenging
• This ride requires a suitable mountain bike (Hybrid and budget bicycles are not suitable)
  • See the ‘Bike Hire‘ section below if you need to hire a bike
• Riders should be aged 18 and over
• If this ride sounds a little beyond your current skill and fitness level, please contact us and we’ll help you look at other options

Booking the Surrey Hills and North Downs as a private ride

To enjoi this ride with just you and your own private group, the base price of £240 is for one to four people. Add more riders for a group of five to eight using the ‘Extras’ drop down menu.
If you want a completely bespoke guided ride, then choose the ‘Custom Half or Full Day’ option from the ‘Experiences’ drop down menu.
Still not sure what experience is for you or have a question? Then please send Sean an email or call on +44(0)7840724611.

Need to hire a bike? Then after you have booked your private ride, scroll down or click here to reserve your bike(s).

Meet point: Once you have booked, we can decide on the best location to start your ride. This will depend on whether you are staying locally and whether or not you require bike hire. If required, we can bring the bikes to you.
If you want to discuss this before you book then please send Sean an email or call him on +44 (0)7840 724611.

(All prices include VAT)

How to book your bike:

1. From the system below select the dates to match the ride you have booked with us
2. Select the full day option
3. Select normal mountain bike or electric mountain bike
4. Choose the size of bike, based on your height
5. Go to checkout and complete the bike hire reservation for each rider

These fantastic bikes, and this booking system, are provided by our friends at The Riders Hub. If you have any questions or problems around booking your bike, just contact the Riders Hub team and they’ll help.