Netcat two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Modified version of Netcat One which improves the Caterham end. A quiet back lane replaces the busy B2030 Church Hill ascent/descent into/out of Caterham. Safe refuge crossing at the top of the hill. Otherwise as Netcat One.

Where the North Downs merges with London outskirts and green belt, this route is a mix of glorious chalk downland, with hills both steep and rolling, and pleasant residential developments. Apart from the B road at Caterham (which this route almost totally avoids) the big Surrey roads disappear into the background.

The main feature to be aware of is that some of the hills are very steep, but they are always short. Good ankle support and walking poles will assist in those parts. There are some steps, but the steepest part (approaching/leaving Netherne) is not stepped.

Netherne is an interesting village developed around an old asylum, but has restricted facilities - there is a village store at the meeting point but that is all. There is no public transport, so be prepared to walk on if you are coming from Caterham. There is a good bus service on the A23 at the bottom of the hill at Hooley, which you can reach following the Bannet Slow Way.

Caterham has good transport links and refreshments. Close to the meeting point at the bottom of the hill, the route passes a small museum of the North Downs, which may be open, and is worth a quick visit if you are interested in the history of this area

Modified version of Netcat One which improves the Caterham end. A quiet back lane replaces the busy B2030 Church Hill ascent/descent into/out of Caterham. Safe refuge crossing at the top of the hill. Otherwise as Netcat One.

Where the North Downs merges with London outskirts and green belt, this route is a mix of glorious chalk downland, with hills both steep and rolling, and pleasant residential developments. Apart from the B road at Caterham (which this route almost totally avoids) the big Surrey roads disappear into the background.

The main feature to be aware of is that some of the hills are very steep, but they are always short. Good ankle support and walking poles will assist in those parts. There are some steps, but the steepest part (approaching/leaving Netherne) is not stepped.

Netherne is an interesting village developed around an old asylum, but has restricted facilities - there is a village store at the meeting point but that is all. There is no public transport, so be prepared to walk on if you are coming from Caterham. There is a good bus service on the A23 at the bottom of the hill at Hooley, which you can reach following the Bannet Slow Way.

Caterham has good transport links and refreshments. Close to the meeting point at the bottom of the hill, the route passes a small museum of the North Downs, which may be open, and is worth a quick visit if you are interested in the history of this area