Leith Hill, Wotton & Abinger Commons
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323.76 ha (800 acres) Wotton Estate.
SCC access agreement. TQ 133 441.
SSSI.
On a clear day, from the summit of Leith Hill and its georgian tower, it is possible to see seven counties and extensive views across the Low Weald to the South Downs and the sea.
The highest point in south east England, Leith Hill sits upon the Greensand Ridge that runs parallel with the North Downs through Surrey.
Leith Hill and the surrounding commons of Wotton and Abinger are amply provided with numerous car parks and some handy Pubs in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from which to explore on foot, horse or bike, the several thousand acres of mixed woodland and heathland.
There are limited facilities for disabled visitors and arrangements for access can be made with the appropriate Rangers.
There are no public conveniences provided in any of the car parks.
Fire is an ever present risk in an area predominately given over to forestry, consequently camping and the lighting of fires is prohibited, other than in a few official campsites in the locality.
This unspoilt countryside is largely owned by Forest Enterprise, The National Trust and The Wotton Estate.
Whilst the majority of the land is open for public recreation, visitors will be expected to abide by the byelaws and The Countryside Code and be mindful of forestry and conservation operations that may be in progress from time to time.
In an ever changing landscape, an Ordnance Survey map will prove useful, particularly to mountain bike and horse riders who are restricted to using bridleways.
Dog owners will be expected to have dogs on a lead, in order to protect wildlife, farm animals and game especially during the breeding season. From the wooded landscape, it is still possible to discern many of the features that attest to the variety of uses to which the land and it's resources were put.
Places of interest also worth visiting in the area, include :-
Friday Street, Abinger Bottom, Abinger Common, Broadmoor Bottom on the headwaters of The Tillingbourne River.
Wotton, Abinger and Broadmoor Commons and Pasturewood, an area of about a thousand acres, is a part of The Wotton Estate, open to public access by agreement with the Evelyn Family as the land owner and Surrey County Council and subsequently Surrey Wildlife Trust Countryside Services.
For further information about the area, volunteering, guided walks and other enquiries please contact Jim Storrar.
Tel:- 01306 730 579
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