Guildford Ramblings: Reigate Hill

Published on: 16 Jun, 2015
Updated on: 16 Jun, 2015

By Kay Hiatt

What a glorious day for a walk! Although I had frequently driven up and down Reigate Hill, I had never stopped at the viewpoint just on the brow of the hill – what stunning views. And this was to be the starting point for our walk.

Memorial to the crew of B-17G.

Turning right we soon came upon a moving sight: fresh flowers, red poppies and several rosettes placed on a memorial created by sculptor Roger Day, to remember the American anti-aircraft crew of the B-17G who lost their lives in March 1945 at this spot on the hill – we walked past in silence.

Inglis Memorial.

Just a few minutes later we saw a Greek temple overlooking the North Downs. This was the Inglis Memorial, donated to the Borough of Reigate in 1909, by Lieutenant Colonel Sir Robert William Inglis VC. It was built as a drinking fountain for horses on the original main route over Reigate Hill. We much enjoyed the view and its interior blue mosaic roof.

Mosaic roof of the memorial.

The walk ahead.

Then we began to move off to start the walk ahead, which stretched into the distance.

Steep hill and stunning views.

Another stunning view soon greeted us, of Box Hill and Leith Hill in the west, and the South Downs in the south. We noted the steepness of the hill – and knew that as we descended the hill later, we would eventually face the challenge of a steep incline to come back up.

Germander speedwell.

Soon we found ourselves walking downhill through leafy woodland dominated by beech and ash with some birch. It was steep and required careful walking on paths laced with tree roots. Towards the bottom of the hill we spotted clusters of germander speedwell. There are nearly two dozen species of speedwell in the British Isles but nearly half of them are rare or uncommon, which makes identifying the remainder a bit easier. Ours were easy to identify.

Yellow archangel.

Then I saw my first yellow archangel, an ancient woodland plant which looks a bit like a stinging nettle. It is described as a ‘dead’ nettle because it dos not sting. The flowers have two ‘lips’. The upper lip is sometimes described as being helmet shaped. Each individual flower is said to be shaped like an angel. Hence the name.

A framed view.

Then out of the woodland, and straight into a beautifully framed view of farmland.

Beginning the ascent.

At last the big challenge arrived – the steep upward walk, which I was not looking forward to. It reminded me of my childhood walking in Wales, when I ran up the hills with my brother. But time has moved on since then.

This time I needed some help and advice – one rambler (Peter) carried my rucksack. Lynne, our ‘back marker’ advised on developing a breathing rhythm and the importance of taking small steps; another, Paul, offered me some water – and I did it – well, we did it!

At the top!

What a team! Pictured from left: Lynne, Kay and Paul – another recommendation for joining our friendly Guildford group.
Anyone in Guildford interested in joining The Ramblers should visit their website

Kay Hiatt is publicity officer for the Guildford Ramblers