Hi

Got a couple of days off coming up with it being half term for the kids and want to get out in the ridiculously bad weather with the littleuns.

I’m in south east London and am looking for a decent hilly walk for me and the kids (almost 3, and 6) lets say 5k max, and with in 45 mins drive. My guess would be that I am looking at somewhere on the north downs.

The little guy will be fine for stamina, I have taken him walking up over Shooters Hill through Oxleas Woods which is about a 5 or 6k walk, with some hills in it, but obviously I need the terrain to be nice and easy.

There’s actually a nice little loop around box hill which goes over the stepping stones at the bottom and you can extend as you see fit.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill/things-to-see-and-do/walks/

And if you park at the top, you finish with cake!

Used to love Trosley Country Park when I was a kid, big hills and great views. Just off the M20.

http://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/parks-and-outdoor-activities/trosley-country-park

Simon-g – I lived in Meopham for years, albeit 7 miles away at the other end, but I am ashamed of myself for not thinking of Trosley (Trottiscliffe???)

Box Hill is a great call too, thanks

If you’re going to pick a hill in SE England, pick the highest 🙂

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1356404452568/

I’m probably stating the obvious, but the walk to leith hill tower is nice. You can choose your approach, and tea and cake are served at the shop. Not sure what your drive there would be.

Box Hill, they’ve got a great activity walk for the kids too, logs and stuff to climb, then a hill walk as mentioned above.

If you’re in SE London then stay a bit more local and go to Toys Hill and enjoy some awesome views over the Weald. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/toys-hill/
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1356403423866/

Also close to Ide Hill, which has another national trust property, and the village has a nice pub and tea shop. Chartwell and Hever Castle not too far away either if you want a full day out.

Leith Hill, Toys Hill, Ide Hill, how had I not heard of these places.

I’m saving all these down to favourites and will be doing them all

Toys Hill, Ide Hill – my old neck of the woods, looked a bit different before the big 87 storm. Woldingam, Marden Park and Reigate Hill are also worth a visit.

Ivinghoe Beacon, Buster Hill – couple of other options, bit more of a trek

Kings wood Challock and along to Chilham.

Take up road cycling and you will soon find yourself with an intimate knowledge of all the more interesting bits of topography surrounding London.

Another vote for Box Hill. Start at Stepping Stones, tea and cake at top, play area, Fort, roll down hill. Done.

Holly Hill just east of Trottiscliffe / Trosley is good for a wander – you can walk there along the Pilgrims Way from the country park via Coldrum Long Barrow.

http://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walks/walks/walk_b/2210/

The valley to the North of Holly Hill dropping into Luddesdown is lovely too. Beautiful little chapel there at Dode – very quiet and remote feeling, you wouldn’t believe you were only a couple of miles from the motorway.

Ridge walk from Ightham Mote (NT) along to One Tree Hill on the Greensand Way is also lovely.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1355777694892/

All of the above is great on a bike to by the way!

Chartwell / Toys Hill / Ide Hill are also all great shouts.

So, in the end we went to Trosley on Thursday and did the Blue loop anti clockwise, so down the stairs, along the bottom for a way then up the hill at about 3/4 of the way round. Had to help the little guy up there more due to steepness than anything, but he had the legs to get round.

Box Hill next on the list I think

I missed this the first time around, but I sometimes stop off at Reigate Hill for a quick walk…
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/article-1356403248094/

I thought Walbury Hill was the highest point in the south east? Depends if Berkshire is south or south east.

South east london is quite a big place and a 45 min drive could see you only make it from one side to the other!

Farthing downs has some good hills that I remember being steep enough to not be able to run down 😀

https://www.croydon.gov.uk/leisure/parksandopenspaces/parksatoz/happyvalley/hvpark

Another option is to blat down the motorway to Dover and have a look round the castle, it’s HUGE, built over a big hill, and plenty of awesome stuff to keep kids happy all day. English Heritage, and one of their pricier places, but a family membership (I did a one adult family NT membership when the kids were small, very cost effective) will pay for itself again and again if you’re close to the London sites.