Leith Hill

Leith Hill is the highest point in Surrey and the highest point in South East England, reaching 294 metres (965 feet) above sea level. With its iconic 18th-century tower, stunning views across multiple counties, and rich woodland walking, it forms the centrepiece of the Surrey Three Peaks challenge.

Leith Hill Summit Map

Leith Hill Tower

The Gothic tower crowning Leith Hill was built in 1765 by Richard Hull of nearby Leith Hill Place. Hull's original intention was to raise the summit above the symbolic 1,000-foot mark, and the tower achieves this - standing on the roof platform takes you to 1,029 feet (314 metres) above sea level.

The tower has had a fascinating history:

• 1765 - Tower constructed using local sandstone, with funds from Hull and local contributions
• 1796 - Richard Hull was buried beneath the tower floor, reportedly upside down so that on Judgement Day he would be the right way up when the world turned upside down
• 1864 - Tower extended and battlements added
• 1984 - Major restoration by the National Trust

The tower is a National Trust property and is open to visitors during the summer months. A small admission fee allows access to the top, where the views on a clear day extend across multiple counties - including glimpses of London's skyline to the north and the English Channel to the south.

The Views

On a clear day, the panorama from Leith Hill Tower is exceptional:

• North - The North Downs, London skyline (including the Shard and other landmarks), and on exceptional days, the Chilterns
• South - The Weald stretching to the South Downs, and on the clearest days, glimpses of the sea
• East - The Greensand Ridge extending towards Kent
• West - Holmbury Hill and the Surrey Hills AONB

The tower is also popular for stargazing, being relatively distant from urban light pollution. The National Trust occasionally hosts astronomy events here.

History and Heritage

Leith Hill Place

The nearby Leith Hill Place, now also owned by the National Trust, was the childhood home of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). The house and its musical heritage add cultural depth to any visit to the area.

Rhododendron Wood

The woodland around Leith Hill includes extensive rhododendron plantings from the Victorian era. While these flower spectacularly in late spring (typically May-June), they are now managed to prevent them overwhelming native species. The display remains impressive and draws many visitors during the flowering season.

Geology

Leith Hill sits on the Greensand Ridge, sharing the same geological formation as Holmbury Hill:

• Lower Greensand - Sandy deposits from the Cretaceous period (around 100-120 million years ago)
• Iron-rich Soils - The characteristic golden-brown colour of local paths comes from iron compounds in the sand
• Contrast with Chalk - Unlike the chalk downs to the north (Box Hill), Leith Hill's sandy, acidic soils support different plant communities

Routes to the Summit

From Friday Street

A picturesque approach starting from the hamlet of Friday Street (named after the Norse goddess Freya, not the day). This route passes the atmospheric Stephan Langton pub and climbs through attractive woodland.

From Coldharbour

The village of Coldharbour, one of the highest in Surrey, provides a shorter approach to the summit through mixed woodland.

From Leith Hill Car Park

The National Trust car park near Starveall Corner offers the most direct access, with paths leading to the tower in around 20 minutes of gentle walking.

Via the Greensand Way

The Greensand Way long-distance path passes over Leith Hill, connecting to Holmbury Hill to the west - an excellent day walk combining both Surrey summits.

Surrey Three Peaks Route

On our organised events, Leith Hill typically features as the highest and most significant summit of the day, with the tower providing a memorable landmark and photo opportunity.

What to Expect on the Summit

The summit area of Leith Hill offers:

• The iconic Gothic tower (open seasonally)
• The Servery - National Trust refreshment kiosk serving hot drinks, cakes and snacks (seasonal opening)
• Picnic benches and seating areas
• Interpretation panels about the tower's history
• Well-maintained paths suitable for families

Parking

• Leith Hill (Starveall Corner) - National Trust car park, closest to the summit. Pay and display; free for NT members.
• Friday Street - Small car park near the Stephan Langton pub
• Coldharbour - Limited parking near the Plough Inn
• Landslip Car Park - Alternative NT car park on the eastern slopes

Facilities

• The Servery (at tower) - National Trust refreshment kiosk, seasonal opening (typically weekends and school holidays)
• Stephan Langton (Friday Street) - Traditional country pub with food and garden
• The Plough Inn (Coldharbour) - Historic pub with food and real ales
• Leith Hill Place - National Trust property with cafe (check opening times)

Wildlife and Nature

The extensive woodlands around Leith Hill support diverse wildlife:

• Birds - All three British woodpeckers, nuthatches, treecreepers, tawny owls, and various warblers. Crossbills may be seen in conifer areas.
• Mammals - Roe deer, muntjac, badgers, foxes, and dormice (though the latter are rarely seen)
• Butterflies - The woodland glades support silver-washed fritillary, white admiral, and purple emperor
• Fungi - The autumn months bring impressive displays of woodland fungi

Cycling

The trails around Leith Hill are extremely popular with mountain bikers. The area contains some of the best natural mountain biking terrain in the South East, with routes ranging from gentle forest roads to technical singletrack. Please note:

• Some paths are designated for walkers only
• Respect other users and give way to walkers
• The summer months see heavy use - weekday visits may be quieter

Safety Considerations

• Paths can be muddy and slippery, especially on north-facing slopes
• Root-covered paths require attention underfoot
• The tower stairs are steep and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues
• Watch for mountain bikes on shared trails
• Ticks are present, particularly in bracken areas during warmer months
• Mobile phone signal is generally good on the summit but patchy in the valleys