2-Day Hike & Wild Camp in Heavy Rain | Surrey 3 Peaks Challenge | Tarpstar 1

The Surrey Three Peaks Challenge is something I’ve thought about for a while. Okay, they’re not mountains! BUT they do have a collective elevation of more than 1000 metres - quite a bit in one day! The idea is you hike to the top of Box Hill, Leith Hill and Holmbury Hill. I gather you can start at any point (circular hike) as long as you return to where you began. I also added a wild camp pit stop to spice it up a bit and to try out some new camping gear. Top tip: maybe don’t do Box hill first; it’s a killer! There’s also a secret ‘fourth peak’ that doesn’t get advertised! It was all good training for my Coast to Coast walk this summer though. Enjoy. 🥾🥾😎
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[@fog360]

Fantastic enjoy this one , and yes the tarp star is a good Shelter , thanks for sharing buddy

[@benhikescamps]

Pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@o.bsoutdoors3871]

Hi Ben, We were made up to see this video pop up, we watched it on the telly over the weekend. Great watch, and great route! Never would have thought they had hills in Surrey! 😮 ⛰️🌄. Certainly was a challenge, but one you took in your stride, all that training is certainly paying off, you are going to smash the coast to coast 👊. Nothing wrong with a cheeky wild Camp half way around! 😊 🏕 Enjoyed that! Thanks for taking us along All the best Shell and Pete 😊👍

[@angelaclare873]

I'm glad you found a dry spot ( sort of) for your overnight hike .

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Angela! Hope you’re well.

[@ksgonewild]

I was born in Surrey and grew up there and have never heard of the Surrey 3 Peaks Challenge. Box Hill is soooooo steep! You should have parked at the top! 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 love the views from up there! I haven’t been to Leith Hill for years but remember it’s sooo beautiful! I’ve not been to the last one, not even heard of it! I’ve got that orange closed cell foam mat (different brand though) but could NEVER sleep on that alone lmao! Thought I could but absolutely not lol! How did you get on? I understand your thinking but I would imagine a comfortable sleep will be essential doing the coast to coast! Great vid though lovely! 🥰

[@mandyfinden2707]

👋👋 Hi Ben, nice to see you back in my neck of the woods. You're definitely showing an improvement in your fitness levels 👍🏻 Keep up the good work 🤗

[@paulhuggan-cammack2928]

Take a couple of small spring loaded clothes pegs for the door!

[@benhikescamps]

Good plan!

[@Craigsoutdooradventures]

Great video Ben looked a good hike. Thanks for sharing

[@benhikescamps]

No problem. Thanks for watching.

[@jameswitham3248]

Great video Ben, thanks! A little surreal to watch as I was hiking up and around Box Hill last weekend, and Leith the weekend before! Wish I'd known about the Surrey Three-Peaks Challenge beforehand though, as might have worked that into my plans, instead of doing separate hikes! The closed-cell foam pads are definitely the way to go. I think people often double them up with an inflatable one for extra comfort/warmth but I've found my Thermarest Z-Lite Sol is perfectly comfortable (for me) on it's own. In addition to them being generally lighter and non-puncturable, they're also much cheaper! I double mine up as the back support for my frameless pack. Keep hiking Ben, looking forwards to your C-to-C.

[@blister4walken]

Nice adventure there. Bit damp. But you survived. I live in East Anglia. Hills are a rarity here. Good luck with prep for the c2c.

[@benhikescamps]

Many thanks !

[@Fishy1764]

Thats got to be one of the best videos of yours ive seen in a long time mate really enjoyed it.😎👍

[@benhikescamps]

That’s very kind! Thanks.

[@RichardShortland-Neal]

If you’re not used to hill climbs and have been to the Lake District I would recommend that you do as many as possible before your Coast to Coast. I walked it last year at the end of May and even though I had done a lot of walking in the Peak District prior to going, the Lake District still came as a shock to the system. But I can say that one the Lakes are out of the way the going got a lot easier.

[@benhikescamps]

Many thanks Richard for that useful advice.👍👍

[@ysgolgerlan]

Thanks for the video and the effort in making it. Also a thumbs up 👍for your charity. I have just bought a Tarpstar 1. 👍

[@benhikescamps]

Many thanks for watching and those kind words. 🙏

[@DartmoorPaul]

Always nice to see a video from you appear in Notifications😊 A nice route around Surrey. with some lovely views, but not shaken the rain yet 😂😢 The stat we had here in West Devon was that we’d had ¾ of our 2000mm annual rainfall by March …. and it felt like it. Wishing you well for the rest of training and prep for the C2C. 👍

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Paul! Rain sounds bad in Devon too.

[@Tominthetent]

Great video Ben with the classic UK weather 🤣

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Tom 👍

[@grahamscothern4319]

Well done Ben. That rained mate ! Cheers Graham

[@benhikescamps]

It really did! Thanks Graham.

[@barneysbimbles]

Nice one Ben, that looked like a decent hike. I'm hoping to be get on the NDW soon for my own hiking adventure. Love the Rotisserie Sleeper description, I definitely fit into that bracket! Hope the Nemo pad didnt give you too bad a night. I guarantee you the first two or three nights on a foam pad will suck, but after that I think your back gets used to it. That's certainly how it was for me, three years later and I'm still on them! Inflatable pads are reserved for luxury camps nowadays! All the best Ben and thanks as always for bringing us along 👍

[@ramblingracheltrailtales]

Lovely camp Ben, even in the rain. I don’t live near a national park either and make the most of my local area. 😊

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Rachel!

[@hArtyTruffle]

Pitch looks great Ben 👍🏼

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks!

[@shaunparris3344]

Really enjoyed that Ben,keep up the good work 👏🏻

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks v much!

[@imageartistry]

So looking forward to your Coast-to-Coast. Nah, Ben, can’t sleep on one of those closed cell foam mats. I love my short Klymit V Static. Light, folds down to nothing and wide enough for a side sleeper like me. Can’t understand why they are not more popular for the price and weight although some people have had problems with it deflating which I have not. R-value rubbish but not any less than the closed cell foam mats.

[@neilharding6092]

Nice video Ben, thanks for sharing the Surrey 3 Peaks challenge - who knew:-). I have spent many times up Leith Hill, lovely views but I have never climbed Box Hill so now on my list. Brave man camping though as so busy there but your decision to do the walk mid week a god one! You seem to be building up the miles for your c2c - well done!

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Neil. Give Box Hill a go. Will certainly work up a sweat!!

[@TheFairway8]

I’m hoping to do this most of my hikes at the moment are around 5 to 8 miles so this challenge really will be a challenge. Like the idea of wild camping thrown in. I do hike around The North Downs Way over the Kent stretches looking to get into wild camping but finding isolated discreet areas is not too easy in the South East. Was it fairly easy to find a wild camp spot on this trail. Very interesting video by the way. ATB

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks for watching. I think you’ll be fine. Just take your time - no rush. It’s a lovely area. I think recces in advance for wild camping spots is useful in this area. Pitch late and leave very early. 👍👍

[@hArtyTruffle]

I think I was a kid the last time I walked up Boxhill. Wouldn’t have been carrying a rucksack either. I’d have to train for it were I to tackle it again. Woodlands are always magical somehow, but even more so with 🔵🔔’s (No Bluebell emojis).

[@lewisgardner1660]

It’s about enjoying Ben not about how long it takes

[@Julia_Rafisiblings]

Oh hi Mr Haigh, this is a good channel -from your old student fatima

[@Hengists_Wild_Camps]

Nice video Ben, it was great to see the Surrey countryside. It was also good to see you enjoying the Tarpstar and your confidence in its wind performance abilities.👍 A top bit of viewing mate.🙂

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Steve! First proper wild camp in the Tarpstar and think it got a good first outing!

[@lauraelysia7613]

Nice video Ben, I may give that a go sometime myself as Box Hill is an easy train trip for me. I’ve tried using a similar Exped foam mat myself but have given up as my hips just won’t have it! So now it provides an extra layer in winter instead. It’s a shame as I do love how robust it is.

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Laura! Yes, I think my mat will also be retired for winter only ‘extra layer’ use! Box Hill train station only ten mins from the start.

[@nathankent8945]

If the Nemo Pad doesn't work out, I'd recommend the Alpkit Numo... For a summer pad it's brilliant, 350g and packs tiny

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks for tip Nathan.

[@iwalker3809]

Nice video Ben. Thinking about your C to C trip, there may be biting midges waiting to seriously ruin your trip. Would taking the Tarpstar inner make some sense giving midge protection.( And leave the Hunka bivi at home to save weight). Just an idea.

[@benhikescamps]

I think that’s a very good idea and probably what I’m going to do. Thanks for watching. 👍

[@iwalker3809]

Both 490g, so no weight penalty !

[@rialobran]

I grew up near the Ginsters pasty factory, no Cornishman would eat one so it's interesting to see who we export them to, lol. Oh and it's pronounced with a hard 'G' I enjoy your films/hikes/camps, I generally open Google Maps as I have no idea about the eastern half of the country below London and follow your routes learning as I/we go along.

[@n3ils3n]

Excellent stuff! Please do link your kit.

[@joel_short]

Love the video mate, talking about dreams, the last 2 camps I've been on I have had sleep paralysis and was seeing stuff 😂 somethings in the water!

[@iwalker3809]

I'm likewise not impressed with the door holdback tie thing. I've seen Steve Hengist use a couple of clothes pegs to hold the door open on his T/Star featured on his videos.

[@dazbass007]

Great little outing Ben tarp looks decent 👌 and good luck on the coast to coast its a fantastic hike which I did a couple of years back 😀 atb daz

[@HardyTempestsWildCampsandWalks]

Take a sleeping pad mate , you’re going to need it. Nice one!

[@benhikescamps]

Think you could be right Hardy. Better to learn these lessons now!

[@andrewoffer7369]

Years ago my brother would walk up and down those box hill steps many times in training for a expedition up Everest, needless to say he made it to the top ok

[@benhikescamps]

Wow!! What good practice.

[@moyahaigh9593]

Great video you certainly find the rain 😅

[@BurtonOutdoors]

Ginsters pasties are lethal for indigestion!! I love them but they hate me. You could always take that nemo mat, but cut off a couple of sections at the end to save bulk and a small amount of weight & then use the alpkit cloudbase on top, you'd have the best of all worlds then. Just a thought for an overall lightweight set up, but with a tad more comfort. Good viddy 👍

[@benhikescamps]

Hi Lee. Good suggestion that mate! Maybe i should doing Ginsters ‘hiking food’ reviews and how they repeat on one! 💩

[@BurtonOutdoors]

@benhikescamps I just thought of the Alpkit Cloudbase as I'm sure you have one? I have one but don't use it much because of the R Value, but it's light enough and with the Nemo under the Alpkit it should offer a fair amount of R with a degree of comfort. I have a similar pad to the Nemo but just a cheap Karrimor one, it's way too long so I cut 4 sections off it and use the cut off section as a sit pad. Just a suggestion matey I'm no expert 🤣👍

[@michaelgatford6194]

Well done, Ben. Another route to tick off your list. Love dorking and the surrounding area as my mums from there. The scenery is beautiful. When you're at the top of Leith Hill Tower, you're actually higher up then the shard in London. How did you find the sleeping matt?

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Michael. Yes, it’s a lovely area. Expensive! Video coming soon with follow-up on that mat.

[@stevesmith5717]

Great video again Ben must say the tent looks impressive.

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Steve. It saved my bacon that night. Rock solid!

[@rooksfoot1184]

Cheers 👍

[@TheAlDuffy]

Another excellent video thanks Ben. How did you sleep on the closed cell foam mattress? I’m asking because I had exactly the same idea myself for the exact same reasons, the main ones being weight and durability v air mattress. Btw… clothes pegs are great for pegging back doors and drying socks etc on guy lines 😉

[@rambling_rob7035]

Ben, I'd think you'd want the most comfortable sleep pad, especially on long hikes. Yes, weight is a factor, but sleep is most important. You do pick the rainiest days to hike. 😆

[@benhikescamps]

I think you maybe right! 👍

[@YorkshireBoysOutdoors]

Just come across your channel mate. Enjoyed this one. (Subbed to catch up with more) 👍

[@benhikescamps]

Welcome, welcome! Many thanks for watching and subbing. 👍🙏

[@frogmaster83]

I was up Box hill area last weekend.

[@morrislouiseeagle7161]

Walked box hill about 25 years ago killed me then couldn't do it now - mat looks good how are you going to keep it dry enough to sleep on if you get caught in the rain.

[@DayTripperAdventures]

Great training Ben -it is tough to test fell walking conditions in the south east but this was a great idea. Always good to try different kit and find what works for you gives you much more confidence when you know you can trust your kit in bad conditions

[@benhikescamps]

Thanks Richard. I think you’d really like the Surrey 3 Peaks Challenge. ATB - Ben

[@gavinwallbank7570]

Great video Ben I’ve been watching your videos for inspiration and tips as I am planning on doing some of the Anglesey coastal path this summer. Very impressed with the tarpstar Couple of quick questions if you don’t mind , how do you find the running tights and shorts combo ? Any recommendations? And how are you finding the naturehike rock 45

[@benhikescamps]

Hi Gavin. I find the leggings and shorts work really well for me. I find it really aids my movement and I just find the leggings comfortable. You have the option of hot to nip behind a bush and switch to just shorts. Leggings also dry out quickly as thin, taut and synthetic. Going to the doing a 300-mile review of the NH 45 very soon. Thanks for watching. 👍👍

[@iwalker3809]

I can highly recommend the Anglesey coast path.

[@CampWithMatt]

This looks great Ben! Is the route on Strava mate?

[@benhikescamps]

Hi Matt. Sorry, I’m not sure about Strava as I don’t use it. Here it is on OS Maps though:explore.osmaps.com/route/20970890/surreythreepeakschallenge2022

[@CampWithMatt]

@@benhikescamps Thanks Ben - will definitely give this a go!

[@backpackjay510]

Hello may I ask what the R value on the mat?

[@benhikescamps]

Hi there. The R-value is 2.0.

[@shabingly]

There's a dude I follow on YT who swears by just using a Nemo Switchback. But then his hiker name is Masochist 😂 Dunno if I could do it, I think even at optimum weight I'd still compress the thing in about 2 nights.

[@benhikescamps]

Good point. A shame as I had high hopes for it.

[@nickpage7333]

I mean, really? Those are like the walks between the Yorkshire 3Ps. And let’s not talk about the National 3Ps.

[@benhikescamps]

I’m confused. What’s your point?