View source for Excursion to the Gorge of the Mole, Box Hill, and Dorking. Saturday, July 13th, 1878 - Geologists' Association excursion

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[[File:GA_Image_0472.jpg|thumb|Figure 38 Section of the Norther Valley of the Weald (Length of section about 9 miles).]]

Director: J. Logan Lobley, F.G.S. (Proc. Vol. vi. p. 38.)

On leaving the train at Leatherhead the party speedily entered the mouth of the valley or gorge which traverses the North Downs from Leatherhead to Box Hill, and through which the river Mole makes its way on its northern course to the Thames. The northern end of the valley is comparatively open, the bounding hills being of low elevation; but in a little time the gorge becomes more decided, the hills at either side increasing in boldness until the southern end is reached, where Box Hill attains an elevation of about 600 feet. The length of the valley, following its windings, is about five miles, the Chalk being here about four miles in width. This is one of four transverse valleys by which four rivers, draining a large portion of the Wealden area, cross the North Downs. These are, from west to east, the Wey, the Mole, the Darent, and the Medway.

Proceeding along the eastern side of the river, Norham Park was reached. Through this park the Mole runs for some distance, and in several places along this part of its course some of the water finds an underground passage by what are called "Swallow Holes."

After passing through the village of Mickleham, Juniper Hill was ascended, and striking and beautiful views of the valley were obtained from this hill, so well known from the fact that it is clothed with juniper trees of great size and beauty. The neighbouring Box Hill, at the southern extremity of the gorge, was soon afterwards reached and ascended. The great difference in the vegetation of the two hills is very striking, for while it is difficult to find a box tree on Juniper Hill, it is difficult to find a juniper on Box Hill, which is densely covered with the trees that give to this well-known hill its name. One side of Box Hill forms a part of the escarpment of the North Downs, which is here very steep. Rapidly descending the escarpment, the Upper Greensand was crossed at the bottom of the declivity, and the narrow outcrop of the Gault was passed over, when sections of the Lower Greensand near the mill and railway-cutting, Rear Dorking, were pointed out by the Director, who then led the way to Dorking station.

[[Category:Geologists' Association excursions]]