You don't have to travel to the Alps to enjoy an active holiday hiking, biking and kayaking. The National Trust has put together a glorious outdoors tour around its land and properties in the Surrey Hills, getting off the beaten track, enjoying the rolling landscape - and benefiting from expert insight into the history and nature of the area from National Trust guides.
Using a combination of mountain biking, hiking and canoeing, you'll travel through iconic locations such as Box Hill, site of the exciting Olympic Cycling Road Race (remember Emma Pooley, Nicole Cooke, Lucy Martin and Lizzie Armitstead's epic efforts to win Team GB's first medal?), wild Hindhead Common, the dramatic Devil’s Punch Bowl and the historic River Wey Navigation.
Accommodation is in historic inns in the market town of Dorking and the county town of Guildford. Guests also enjoy exclusive access to National Trust properties such as Polesden Lacey, and sample Surrey Hills' famous wine at Denbies Vineyard. Delicious local and homemade lunches are provided every day.
Sam Bayley, National Trust Head Ranger at Leith Hill and Holmwood Common, leads the tour. He says, 'We have long wanted to be able to really take people into the heart of the Surrey Hills, and by bringing all of the places together we can follow an unbroken trail across this fabulous and diverse landscape. I’m particularly looking forward to cycling some of the Olympic road cycle race route, although I’m glad we’ll be going down the zig-zag road at Box Hill and not up!'
Get in shape for your walking break
There are two departures planned for the tour: a shorter three-day version in April 2013, staying in the National Trust’s Henman Bunkhouse at Leith Hill; and a full seven-day tour in June 2013, starting at the eastern edge of the Surrey Hills estate, ending up some 70 miles further west.
The price for the three-day trip is £499 per person including all meals. The week-long activity holiday costs £899 per person to include breakfast, snacks and lunch, plus dinner on two evenings. All equipment for cycling and canoeing is included, so the guests need only bring walking boots/shoes and suitable clothing.
For full details of the itinerary and how to book, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/surreyhills
