TQ1343 : Tower on Leith Hill, Surrey

Leith Hill

294m Elevation
247m Prominence
England Country
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TQ1343 : Tower on Leith Hill, Surrey

Roger Cornfoot Photo source

Explore routes near Leith Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Leith Hill: woodland circuit from Starveall Corner

3.8 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Prospects of Polesden from Denbies Hillside

7.9 km ~3h Moderate

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Box Hill - Stepping Stones Circuit

3.2 km ~2h Moderate

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Winkworth Arboretum: woodland and Rowe’s Flashe lake

3.7 km ~2h Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Leith Hill Circular Walk from Starveall Corner

This popular circular route starts and ends at Starveall Corner car park and takes you through woodland paths and up to Leith Hill Tower. The route includes stunning views from the highest point in South East England, as well as a chance to explore the surrounding heathland and forests.

8 km ~3 hours Moderate

Leith Hill via Coldharbour and Redlands Wood

This scenic route begins in the charming village of Coldharbour, weaving through Redlands Wood and climbing up to Leith Hill Tower. The path is well-marked and offers picturesque surroundings, including views of the Surrey Hills and beyond.

6.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate

Leith Hill Tower and Windmill Walk

This route combines a visit to Leith Hill Tower with a detour to the historic Leith Hill Windmill. Starting at the Windy Gap car park, the walk takes you through beautiful woodland trails and includes a mix of gentle climbs and flat sections.

7 km ~2.5 hours Easy

Leith Hill via Wotton Estate

Starting from the Wotton Estate, this longer route offers a mix of woodland, open fields, and breathtaking views as you ascend to Leith Hill. The trail is slightly more challenging due to its length but rewards you with diverse landscapes and rich history.

10 km ~4 hours Hard

Leith Hill Short Woodland Loop

Ideal for those short on time, this shorter loop starts near the Landslip car park and takes you through the dense woodland around Leith Hill. The route is straightforward and perfect for families or beginners.

4 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill Historic County Top (pre-1889) Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

294m

965 ft

Prominence

247m

Coordinates

51.1765, -0.3715

TQ139431

OS Map

187

Explorer: 146

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find the Leith Hill Tower, a Victorian Gothic-style structure that stands at 1,000 feet above sea level. It's the highest point in south-east England. Be sure to climb the tower for views that might make you question why you never took up mountaineering!

Terrain & Geology

Primarily wooded paths with some rocky sections near the summit. Well-maintained trails make for a pleasant walking experience.

Leith Hill is primarily composed of the sandstones and clays of the Weald, giving it a rather curious mix of hard and soft rock terrains. This allows for a fascinating array of flora and fauna throughout the area.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can see as far as the northern outskirts of London, the Malvern Hills, and even the English Channel – it’s like having your very own panoramic postcard!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Leith' is thought to be derived from the Old English word 'leàh', meaning a clearing in the woods, reflecting its forested environment.

Historical Significance

Leith Hill has historical significance due to the tower which was built in 1776 as a landmark, showing man's desire to conquer the heights. Numerous artists and poets have been inspired by its beauty!

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

You can park at the Leith Hill car park (TQ140424), which has ample space for cars. Please note parking charges apply.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is Holmwood, from which you can catch a bus or enjoy a steep walk directly to the hill.

Nearby Facilities

There is a café at the base of Leith Hill offering refreshments and toilets, perfect for a post-hike treat or where to reminisce about those steep sections!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery paths, especially after rain. The terrain can become muddy. Additionally, be mindful of other walkers and cyclists in the area.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Leith Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Leith Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Leith Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Leith Hill search or of course create your own walk for Leith Hill

Can I organise a walk to Leith Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Leith Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Leith Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Leith Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: TQ139431

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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