Walkmates
Route by PaulWalkmates
Walk from Wray Lane to the B-17 crash clearing on Reigate Hill, then continue around Colley Hill with a lower woodland return. On 19 March 1945 a USAAF B-17G struck the hill while returning to Grafton Underwood in low cloud. All nine crew members died. The National Trust documents the event and the oak wingtip sculptures placed in the clearing to mark the aircraft’s wingspan. Pause here to read the memorial and remember the crew.
Start at Wray Lane car park, beside the toilets and refreshment kiosk. Follow the North Downs Way west, using the footbridge over the A217. Pass Reigate Fort and the mown crash-site clearing, then reach the Inglis Memorial. Continue along the ridge across Colley Hill for the views. At the western end take the descending track past the coal-tax post and turn east onto the lower woodland footpath. Follow the plotted route through the woods to Underhill Park Road; where the road bends, take the steep uphill path towards the Simpson Memorial and climb back to the Inglis Memorial. Retrace the ridge path to Wray Lane. The ridge approach is shared on the outward and return legs; the western and lower section forms the circuit.
Allow about 2 hours 45 minutes for the 6.4 km plotted route, including memorial stops. This circuit follows the National Trust’s Reigate Hill walk outline, including the Wray Lane approach and ridge return. The route is not continuously waymarked. Expect steps, steep gradients, roots and slippery mud or chalk after rain. Underhill Park Road is a short shared road section without a pavement: stay alert for vehicles. Use the A217 footbridge and keep back from steep slopes. It is unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Parking is at Wray Lane; check signs and availability on arrival. The National Trust lists toilets there, normally open 9 am to 5 pm, and refreshments depend on the kiosk’s opening hours. Bring water and footwear with good grip. Keep dogs under close control and leave memorial objects and any historic material undisturbed.
History and access: National Trust, B17 wartime plane crash on Reigate Hill and Reigate Hill walk (nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/reigate-hill-and-gatton-park). Route geometry independently traced from OpenStreetMap data, © OpenStreetMap contributors (openstreetmap.org/copyright).
Use the route details to plan your walk
If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.
The interactive map will load when you reach this section.
Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.
Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.
No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.
Other routes starting close to this one
Explore more: Walks in Surrey
A few things to know before you make plans.
You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.
Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.
The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.
Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.
Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.
Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.
Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.