Is it possible to hike up the Himalayas?

What is the toughest hike you can do within one hour of south london? Ideally taking more than 5 hours.?

• My partner and I will be hiking in the himalayas this summer. We need to get in some practice and wear in our boots. Though I know it isn't comparable, we are looking for the most demanding and scenic day hike that we can do and begin by driving no more than one hour from southwest london. Any thoughts?

• Answer:

  Yes go to Dorking, Surrey and walk along the 'Greensand Way' long distance path which routes itself over Leith Hill the highest point in south east England and then climbs up and down over the Surrey Hills via the Hurtwood to Shamley Green - 18 miles from Dorking. Dorking is on a railway lines going through south London from Victoria and Waterloo and Shamley Green has a bus every 20 minutes to Guildford for a train back to London Waterloo via Clapham Junction www.nationalrail.co.uk If you insist on using a car park at the southern end of Dorking High Street near Townfield Court and pick up the Greensand Way from there. Walk as far as you can and then back to Dorking, but don't miss Leith Hill. You need Ordnance Survey Landranger Map sheet 187 'Dorking and Reigate' Ordnance Survey Maps are sold at larger branches of W.H. Smiths, Waterstones etc www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk For the very last bit to Shamley Green you will need map 186 'Aldershot and Guildford' If you arrive at Dorking Station and want to avoid walking through Dorking town catch a 21 or 32 bus outside the station to Wooton Hatch. Take the lane that runs down the side of the pub and you'll pick up the walk after about 300 yards www.surreycc.gov.uk/greensandway