THE KNOWLEDGE

ACCOMMODATION

Best for comfort Hurtwood Hotel, Peaslake (01306 730514, www.hurtwoodhotel.co.uk)

The White Horse, Dorking (01306 881138, www.whitehorsedorking.com) Best B&B Rookery Nook, Shere (07946 756344, www.rookerynook.info)

Best budget YHA Holmbury St Mary Hostel – bunk rooms, pods & camping (0845 3719323, www.yha.org.uk)

Best camping The Green Escape, glamping near Forest Green/Leith Hill (01306 711053, www.thegreenescape. co.uk)

Etherley Farm, campsite near Ockley/ Leith Hill (01306 621500, www.etherleyfarm.co.uk)

Other options Mercure Box Hill Hotel, Dorking (020 7660 0685, www.accorhotels.com) Travelodge, Dorking (08719 846026, www.travelodge.co.uk)

FOOD & DRINK Hurtwood Inn, Peaslake (01306 731769, www.hurtwoodinn.com) Peaslake Village Stores (01306 730474, www.peaslakevillagestores.com)

Leith Hill Tower National Trust cafe (01306 712711, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill) Dabbling Duck cafe, Shere (01483 205791, www.thedabblingduck.uk.com) The Stephan Langton Inn, Abinger Common (www.stephanlangton.pub) The Spotted Dog, Dorking (01306 885218, www.thespotteddogpub.co.uk) Chifan Chinese, Dorking (01306 889918)

Chilli & Spice, Dorking

(01306 886481)

BIKE SHOPS, HIRE & GUIDING

Nirvana Cycles in Westcott (01306 740300, www.nirvanacycles.com) Head for the Hills in Dorking (01306 885007, www.head-for-thehills.co.uk)

Pedal & Spoke in Peaslake, with bike hire (01306 731639, www.pedalandspoke.co.uk)

Guided rides & skills coaching Singletrack School (0333 1212 125, www.singletrackschool.co.uk)

MAPS & BOOKS

Guidebook Mountain Bike Rides in & around North & South Downs by Max Darkins (Rough Ride Guide)

Map Ordnance Survey Landranger 187: Dorking & Reigate

OTHER THINGS TO DO

Wild swimming Swim at Tillingbourne Waterfall and a series of idyllic private lakes near Broadmoor (grid ref TQ 135/459 or 51.206, -0.3757)

Go wild in the woods Explore the woods, build a den, climb Leith Hill Tower (built in 1765) to reach the highest point in south-east England, visit the exhibition room and enjoy some refreshment. On a clear day you can see the arch of Wembley Stadium to the north and the South Downs to the south.

If the weather’s against you Have a walk around Dorking and visit the Museum and Heritage Centre (01306 876591, www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk)

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.visitsurrey.com www.visitdorking.com www.friendsofthehurtwood.co.uk www.surreyhillsmountainbiking.co.uk