Colley Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Colley Hill |
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The Inglis Memorial. Dating from 1909, it was originally a drinking fountain for horses.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 722 ft (220 m) |
| Geography | |
 Colley Hill
Location in Surrey
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| Parent range | North Downs |
Colley Hill is a beautiful part of the North Downs in Surrey, England. It is a natural ridge of hills, also known as an escarpment. Imagine a long, steep slope on one side and a gentle slope on the other. That's an escarpment!
Colley Hill is located about 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles) south of London. It sits between Buckland Hills and Reigate Hill, and all three are connected as part of the same long ridge. Colley Hill and Reigate Hill together form a continuous ridge that reaches about 235 meters (771 feet) above sea level. This ridge continues for about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west to Box Hill.
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Exploring Colley Hill
Colley Hill is a great place to visit if you love nature and outdoor activities. It offers amazing views and is part of a larger natural area.
Where is Colley Hill?
Colley Hill is right next to Reigate Hill. Reigate Hill is one of the highest hills in Surrey. Colley Hill is basically the western part of this same high ridge. Sometimes, the highest point of this area is simply called Reigate Hill, even though Colley Hill is part of it.
This section of the North Downs ridge is very steep on its south side. If you look closely, you might see white quarry faces where chalk has been dug out. The north side of the hill is much gentler. It used to be a large area of open grassland, known as Banstead and Walton Downs.
What Can You See and Do?
From Colley Hill, you can enjoy wide-open views of the Surrey and Sussex Weald. This is a large, beautiful area of countryside. The hill is a popular spot for walkers and nature lovers.
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View of Surrey and Sussex Weald from Colley Hill
Nature and Wildlife
Colley Hill is part of a special area known for its many different kinds of plants and animals. This is called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). These sites are protected because they have important wildlife or geological features.
Nearby, Box Hill is also an SSSI and is very famous for its natural beauty. It became well-known in the 1700s because it was easy to reach from London and offered fantastic views. It was even mentioned in famous books like Emma by Jane Austen!
Walking the Pilgrims' Way
The Pilgrims' Way is an old path that follows the ridge of the North Downs. This historic route passes right along Colley Hill and Reigate Hill. It's a great way to explore the area on foot.
If you are walking, you can find places to rest and get refreshments. There's a café at the top of Reigate Hill, near the M25 motorway. Small villages nearby, like Buckland, also offer places for walkers to stop.
Images for kids
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The Inglis Memorial. Dating from 1909, it was originally a drinking fountain for horses.
