Route: Thames Down Link (United Kingdom)

Location
United Kingdom
Distance
26.6 km
Vertical Gain
270 m
Description

The 15-mile Thames Down Link connects the 153-mile North Downs Way with the 184-mile Thames Path by way of a green corridor via the Hogsmill river and lanes. From the beginning of the link in Kingston Upon Thames the route passes Berrylands Station, Old Malden, Maldon Manor, Riverhill (London Loop), Castle Hill, Horton Country Park, Epsom Common, Ashstead Park, Pebble Lane, Tyrrell's Wood to finish at Mickleham Downs.

Matt Buck added a more detailed route description:

he Thames Down Link is a 24 km (15 mi) official walking route linking the Thames Path and the North Downs Way. It starts in the town centre of Kingston upon Thames and finishes at Box Hill & Westhumble railway station.

The path is so called as it connects the River Thames with the North Downs, the hill range which is to the south as far as the western border of Surrey.

The route starts at Kingston upon Thames town centre and finishes at Box Hill & Westhumble railway station. The path follows as closely as possible the banks of the Hogsmill River through the urban fringes of Kingston passing Berrylands railway station. South of this it is more rural following the banks of the river south through fields to the A3 and under the South Western railway line. A pavemented section by roads passes through Old Malden.

After crossing the A240 near Tolworth centre the walk leaves the Hogsmill River and continues on a narrow green strip between houses and beside a stream to reach the Horton Country Park, Ewell. The route follows a wide path through the country park soon passing the former West Park Hospital. It continues over elevated Epsom Common and then crosses the Sutton and Mole Valley Lines to reach Ashtead Park.

The route then passes through the edge of Ashtead and then begins to climb up to the North Downs, crossing the M25 motorway and then following the ancient Stane Street Roman Road through Tyrrell's Wood and on over Mickleham Downs from where a trip to neighbouring Box Hill on the path to the south is recommended for those making the return journey by foot. It otherwise reaches further south then west to reach the A24 and the North Downs Way which continues west about 200 metres to Box Hill & Westhumble railway station (Chapel Lane, Westhumble).

GPS Track

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Profile picture for user Jason Hardrath @jasonhardrath

You're a beast Josh!