The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has long been the jewel in our county's crown, but this spring it's set to become something far more significant: the stage for a movement that's quietly revolutionising how women engage with the great outdoors. Stylist magazine's Strong Women Trek 2025 has chosen our rolling downs and ancient woodlands as the backdrop for what promises to be one of the most empowering events to grace Surrey's landscape in recent memory.
As someone who has walked these hills for decades, witnessing their transformation from relatively unknown rambling territory to a destination that rivals the Cotswolds for weekend appeal, I can attest to their unique ability to inspire. What makes this particular initiative so compelling isn't just its location—though the Surrey Hills certainly provide a spectacular setting—but its recognition of something many of us locals have always known: these landscapes possess an almost transformative quality that makes them perfect for personal challenge and growth.
The Power of Place: Why Surrey Hills Matter
The choice of Surrey Hills for this pioneering trek speaks volumes about the area's growing reputation beyond our county borders. Stretching across approximately 160 square miles, from the dramatic chalk escarpment of the Hog's Back near Guildford to the heather-clad heights of Leith Hill—Surrey's highest point at 294 metres—this landscape offers a remarkable diversity of terrain within remarkably accessible bounds.
What sets the Surrey Hills apart from other Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty isn't just their proximity to London, though that certainly doesn't hurt. It's their unique character: intimate yet expansive, challenging yet welcoming, wild yet civilised. The rolling chalk downs around Dorking and Reigate provide expansive views across the Weald, while the sandstone hills near Haslemere offer more enclosed, woodland experiences. This variety means that whether you're a seasoned hiker from Virginia Water or a newcomer to outdoor pursuits in Godalming, there's terrain to match your ambition.
The Strong Women Trek's recognition of this versatility is particularly astute. These hills have always been democratic in their appeal—accessible by train from London, crisscrossed by well-maintained footpaths, and dotted with welcoming pubs and tea rooms that provide perfect waypoints for longer expeditions.
Beyond the Landscape: A Movement Takes Root
What makes this initiative particularly noteworthy isn't simply its geographical choice, but its timing and intent. The outdoor industry has long been dominated by male perspectives and male experiences, something that anyone who has browsed the outdoor equipment shops in Kingston or Guildford will recognise. The Strong Women Trek represents a conscious effort to redress this balance, creating spaces where women can challenge themselves physically and mentally without the subtle pressures and assumptions that often accompany mixed outdoor pursuits.
The Surrey Hills have always possessed this remarkable ability to make the extraordinary feel achievable, the challenging feel conquerable, and the beautiful feel accessible.
This resonates particularly strongly in Surrey, where our communities have always prided themselves on being both ambitious and inclusive. From the entrepreneurial spirit of our market towns to the collaborative approach of our parish councils, there's something inherently Surrey about an initiative that combines personal challenge with collective empowerment.
The trek also taps into a broader trend that locals will have observed: the increasing recognition of outdoor activity as essential to mental and physical wellbeing. The pandemic saw unprecedented numbers discovering the footpaths around Shere, the bridleways near Effingham, and the woodland walks through Newlands Corner. Many of these new outdoor enthusiasts were women seeking both physical challenge and mental respite, making the Strong Women Trek feel like a natural evolution rather than an imposed concept.
Setting a Precedent: Surrey's Role in National Conversations
The selection of Surrey Hills for such a high-profile initiative positions our area at the forefront of important national conversations about accessibility, empowerment, and the democratisation of outdoor pursuits. This isn't merely about tourism—though the economic benefits to local businesses from Cranleigh to Oxted shouldn't be underestimated—but about establishing Surrey as a thought leader in progressive outdoor programming.
Consider the broader implications: when a publication with Stylist's reach and influence chooses Surrey Hills, it's making a statement about what modern outdoor adventure looks like. It's rejecting the notion that meaningful wilderness experiences require distant mountains or exotic locations. Instead, it's celebrating the kind of accessible, sustainable adventure that sits perfectly with Surrey's values of quality, accessibility, and community engagement.
The ripple effects are likely to extend well beyond the trek itself. Local walking groups, outdoor retailers, and hospitality businesses are already noting increased interest from women seeking similar experiences. The Pilgrim's Way, which crosses our county from Winchester to Canterbury, has seen growing numbers of female solo hikers. The National Trust properties throughout the Hills—from Clandon Park to Hatchlands Park—report increasing engagement with their outdoor programming from women's groups.
As we look toward the Strong Women Trek 2025, it's worth reflecting on what this means for Surrey's identity and future. We've long been known for our excellent schools, our thriving businesses, and our beautiful countryside. Now we're becoming recognised as a destination for empowerment and personal growth—a place where challenging yourself doesn't require compromise on quality or accessibility.
For Surrey residents considering participation, this represents more than just an opportunity to explore familiar terrain from a new perspective. It's a chance to be part of a movement that's reshaping outdoor culture, using our own backyard as the catalyst. Whether you join the official trek or simply take inspiration to explore more adventurously on your own, the message is clear: the Surrey Hills aren't just beautiful—they're transformative.