The vineyards of Surrey - hike and wine tasting adventure

Back by popular demand, this beautiful walk through Surrey countryside and vineyards, combined with wine tasting is a treat for both body and mind.

Price: £28.50, includes the guided hike, return train tickets and wine tasting.

TRANSPORT

If you'd like to meet us directly at Boxhill station (i.e. buy your own tickets) then please contact us for the event price

The walk offers several fantastic view points, and despite being relatively close to London, a deep rural tranquillity. It will take you through a landscape of hidden valleys, pretty woodlands, and gentle pastures that seems lost in a golden yesterday.

The idyllic estate of Polesden Lacey, a fine country house nestling just behind the North Downs escarpment is just one of the highlight of this walk. The biggest British vineyard - Denbies Wine Estate, set in 265 acres where we will have our wine tasting experience at the end of the walk is a real treat!

Length: 12km (7.5 miles)

Toughness: 5 out of 10

Meeting point: We will meet at Clapham Junction Station at the main entrance (the one with Sainsbury's), next to the ticket offices. Look out for the balloon with Curious Kat group's logo.

Meeting Time: at 09:15 am

We will make our way to the platform at 9:40 am. If you are late I'm afraid we will not be able to wait and you will be missing the trip. Of course, if you want, you can try to catch up with us at the platform, but the host will be making sure the group gets on the right train, so you will have to figure out the way. Also, you will have to find another way of getting in as I will have your train ticket.

Train*: We will aim to take the 09.50 am train from Clapham Junction, arriving in Boxhill & Westhumble station at 10:37 am.

*Please note that as the rail network is very unreliable, those details might change depending on the train delays and we may take an earlier or later train. The decision might need to be taken by the leader on the spot to suit the group's needs. If you do not arrive at the meeting time, we can not guarantee that you will be able to catch up with the group as the leader may not be able to update you about any changes - even if you call or message them, as sometimes the phone network might not be available and often they might be busy taking care of the group. Leader's priority will always have to be the customers that arrived on time. We add the train details in order to help you out if you have problems getting to the meeting point on time, but take no responsibility for any changes - so the only way to ensure you do not miss out on the event is to arrive on time at the meeting point.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy2BRFpvzAQ

Wine Tasting:

360° ‘Virtual vineyard tour’ The tour starts in the unique circular cinema with the 20 minute surround vision film, Learn about the geology and history of the estate. Experience the changes in the vineyard through the seasons and appreciate the winemaking process from vine to bottle.

Winery Walking tour Passing through the working winery with a full commentary from Denbies Wine Tour Guide you will see the equipment used in today’s wine production. With particular emphasis on the sparkling wine disgorging line installed in 2013

Cellar Tasting The journey ends in the atmospheric Denbies cellars where you will be guided through three of Denbies classic wines

We will have lunch at Polesden Lacey around 13:00.

It is very difficult to predict exact return time as it depends on the walking speed and the choices we make along the way (lunch, route etc). If you decide to join, please consider yourself committed for the day.

Please note the times are not set in stone (except for the train there and the wine tour) and may change depending on the walking speed of the group. If we are very slow we may need to do the wine tasting first and eat later, so make sure you have some snacks and energy bars with you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnk8fhsHM7w

Polesden Lacey Edwardian estate:

It is a beautiful country house and gardens that were bought by Mrs Greville, an Edwardian hostess, in 1906 and re-modelled to be the perfect setting for her famous weekend parties where she entertained royalty, politicians and the best of society. we will not visit the house and grounds - however, we will access their restaurant with their home-cooked seasonal food.

Please give yourself enough time to find the meeting point - it is quite a large station and has many entrances, please check the TFL journey planner for any planned engineering works and please allow enough time for any unplanned disruptions to your journey. If you are late and miss the group no refunds will be provided and there will be no use calling us and asking us to wait as I'm afraid I will not be keeping 30 people who made it on time, waiting for a late comer.

As it gets quite hectic when everyone starts arriving and looking for the meeting point, please don't email me or leave a voice mail as I will not have time to check it until after the hike. If you realise last minute that you can not make it - please text me.

Clothing and Equipment list:

http://katsadventures.com/blog_type/what-do-you-need-to-bring-with-you-for-a-hike/

Cancellations: Please note that unless the trip is canceled the payments are non-refundable as the costs need to be paid in advance. However, you may be able to sell your place to your friends or other group members