More about this scene
he downs are mostly of chalk, and otherwise of
sandstone, and each has its own special flora. The
sandstone hills have their highest point in Leith
Hill, 965ft above sea level, about five miles south-west
of Dorking. From there they fall away in a picturesque
series of steps, rising again to the same level as Leith Hill
at Hindhead and Black Down. Leith Hill and its tower is
a beauty spot not to be missed. With a good eye and on
a clear day all the surrounding counties are visible. 'With
the assistance of a telescope Windsor Castle, Frant Church,
St Paul's Cathedral, Dunstable Downs, Ditchling Beacon
and the spires and towers of forty-one churches can be seen.'
(J S Bright, 1876). It has been said that a reflection of the sun
on the sea has been noted. Richard Hull of Leith Hill Place
built the tower in 1766 for his own delight, but also for that
of his neighbours and everybody else. Richard was laid to rest
beneath the tower, buried upside-down: he believed that the
world would have turned on its axis before Judgement Day,
and he 'wished to stand before his Maker right way up'. This
area is part of the National Trust's holdings; the estate now
boasts over 900 acres owned by the Trust, and another 300
are under protection.
Box Hill has been called the most popular hill in the world,
and Leith Hill most likely comes second. On each hill grow
beeches, junipers, wild clematis and box, which delight the eye.
The short, sweet, flower-starred turf is restful to the traveller. But
there is a wilder, rugged air about Leith Hill and its approaches,
which are clad in larch and fir and carpeted with scarlet and green
whortleberry and purple heather. It has always been known as a
rambler's paradise, for there are innumerable paths and bridle-
ways that wind through the plantations and the heath.
The area covering Box Hill, the Holmwoods, Ranmore, Leith
Hill and Coldharbour contain some of the finest woodland and
natural habitats in Surrey. Generous donations of land and money
by many public-spirited contributors over the years have helped to
ensure the upkeep of this fine and beautiful area.