Hydon's Ball

Hill, Mountain in Surrey Waverley

England

Hydon's Ball

Church of St Peter Credit: Alex McGregor

Hydon's Ball is a prominent hill located in Surrey, England, near the village of Hydestile. With an elevation of 271 meters (889 feet), it is often referred to as the highest point in Surrey, although technically it is more accurately classified as a hill rather than a mountain. Nevertheless, its commanding position offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers. Numerous trails crisscross the area, providing opportunities for leisurely walks or more challenging hikes. The paths wind through woodlands, open fields, and heathland, offering a rich variety of flora and fauna to observe.

At the summit of Hydon's Ball, there is a trig point, a concrete pillar used in surveying, which serves as a marker. It is a great spot to pause and take in the stunning vistas, including stunning views of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which encompasses the nearby hills and valleys.

Hydon's Ball is also of historical significance. It was once the site of a Roman temple, and remnants of the ancient structure can still be seen today. Additionally, the hill is associated with Ralph Vaughan Williams, a renowned English composer, who lived nearby and found inspiration in the natural beauty of the area.

Overall, Hydon's Ball is a picturesque and accessible hill that offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich history of the Surrey countryside.

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Hydon's Ball Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.147175/-0.60334001 or Grid Reference SU9739. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Church of St Peter

Alex McGregor

Horses south of Little Burgate Farm

Ian Cunliffe

Fields south of Fourteen Acre Copse

Ian Cunliffe

Gate on path east of Court Farm - view to the east

There's a very clear, neat path through the cultivated fields on either side of this gate.

Ian Cunliffe

Shallon - Gaultheria shallon - near Hydon's Ball

I've never seen this plant before. I think I've got the identification right, but I'm happy to be corrected. Shallon is a naturalised native of western North America. A member of the heather family, it grows on acid soils and is regarded as somewhat invasive. It certainly seemed to be dominant here, growing in profusion on either side of the path.

Ian Cunliffe

Winkworth Arboretum - Carousel

Time riding by on "the gallopers", a festive attraction to complement "The Snowman Trail" in the woodland garden. Link

Colin Smith

Hascombe

To the left of picture, Mare Lane vanishes down a steep gradient towards the village of Hascombe. A bridleway continues straight ahead.

Peter Trimming

Hydon's Ball

Viewpoint on top of a sandy Surrey hill near Godalming.

Colin Smith

St Dominic's School, Hambledon

David Howard

Plaque on Hambledon Village Hall

Basher Eyre

Looking southwest in Malthouse Lane

Basher Eyre

Bus stop outside Hambledon Village Hall

Hambledon is a small and scattered village in Surrey, south of Guildford. It is tucked away amongst fields and woodland between Witley and Chiddingfold. Hambledon appears in Domesday Book of 1086 as Hameledune. It was held by Rannulf from Edward de Sarisber (Salisbury). In the 16th century, its land was mined for iron ore. In recent times this was replaced by another local industry - brick making. The village has a church (St Peter's) with giant Yew trees. Website: Link

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2020 vision: Day 15

Rush hour in Hambledon Temperature 10C BBC, 1st headline (Today Programme) British Airways chief Willie Walsh criticises government for considering helping Flybe

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2020 vision: Day 17

Looking eastwards from Hambledon Churchyard Temperature 8C 1st headline BBC, "PM" supreme leader Ali Khamenei gave his first Friday sermon in Tehran for eight years

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2020 vision: Day 20

Winter trees in Church Lane Temperature 1C 1st headline, 6AM BBC Today programme "Prince Harry speaks of his great sadness of stepping down as a frontline Royal"

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2020 vision: Day 22

A very murky afternoon opposite The Merry Harriers in Hambledon Temperature 5C BBC Radio 4 News 4pm: Saudi Arabia has denied that its crown prince was responsible for hacking Amazon boss Jeff Bezos' phone.

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2020 vision: Day 324

Scary figure in Hambledon- one of a series designed to shame speeding motorists Link

Temperature 7C BBC Radio Five Live, 4pm news bulletin: researchers at Oxford University say the Coronavirus vaccine they are working on shows "a promising immune response" for the over sixties.

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2020 vision: Day 331

Footpath from Church Lane to Vann Hill: it is on the Greensand Way Temperature 8C BBC Radio Four, PM, 17:00 news bulletin, first headline: the vast majority of England has been placed in the toughest Coronavirus categories which come in to place when the present lockdown ends on 2 December.

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Hydon's Ball is located at Grid Ref: SU9739 (Lat: 51.147175, Lng: -0.60334001)

Administrative County: Surrey

District: Waverley

Police Authority: Surrey