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Name:Betsom's Hill
Hill number:5464
Height:251m / 823ft
Parent (Ma):3686  Botley Hill
RHB Section:42: South-East England & the Isle of Wight
County/UA:Kent
County (CoH):Kent (CoH)
County (CoA):Kent (CoA)
Catchment:Thames
Class:Historic County Top, Current County/UA Top, Administrative County Top
(CoH,CoU,CoA)
Grid ref:TQ 43556 56386
Summit feature:no feature: ground by lane
Drop:15m
Col:236m  TQ411559  
OS map sheet(s):(1:50k) 187
(1:25k) 147
Observations:summit is 45m N of site of old fort (TQ 43555 56332) which is higher but on man-made ground
Change log:show changes for this hill entry
GPS data:show GPS entries for this hill
Notes:
  • Kent (1974) administrative county top
  • Kent historic county top
  • Kent current county/UA top

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N.B. Some hill summits are on private property or on land where there is no public right of way.  Permission should be sought from the landowner where access to a hill summit is through private land.
Please report via the contact page any logs you see below which describe or encourage acts of trespass.  Please quote the hill number and hill name.

Logged Descriptions  (logged by 193 users)ByDate of Ascent
Walking up the lane met a very kindly resident who pointed me in the right dierection, to the lane turning left and up to near the actual top. Effectively into someones garden. A delightful pond and fenced garden close by.Sixtyplus04/07/2023
Parked at wider part of lane near junction. Friendly postie told me a bit about the area, once I explained why I was there.Minto30/06/2023
Parked in the lane leading to Old Fort Bungalow. Wandered up the drive towards the house which is the high point. The front lawn looked like the high point so we decided thst was as close as we would get without knocking on their do ot.RowanP21/08/2022
Walked here from Oxted, which starts out as a very nice walk along quiet country roads. Along Water Lane, through Titsey Place and up a steep wooded hill, then the lovely Chestnut Avenue. The last stretch, although only a half mile, is absolutely awful: along the very busy A233 with no pavement. I had to climb up onto the verge and walk through the brambles to avoid being mown down. The summit is in someone's back garden, so I walked to the highest point on the road.hillbagger9119/01/2022
Walked up the road from Hawleys Corner. Much easier than I was expecting. High point is on rough ground, through the hedge opposite the house. Solo.Dangerous Dave06/01/2022
Did Kent's County Top on the same day as Greater London and City of London. Ver pathetic County Top being literally someone's house!DavidHiner07/09/2021
Westerham Heights > Betsoms Hill from GR: TQ 43677 56442Hippster29/08/2021
Westerham Heights > Betsoms Hill from GR: TQ 43677 56442ronaldo33329/08/2021
A long day in the saddle cycled here from Ditchling and then from here to North London. A dull summit with limited views. But now Ive done all the 1964 County Tops South of the Thames.pclyndes15/10/2020
Drove down narrow lane and managed to find a spot to park. When I got out of car I was very close to highest point (6 figure grid ref). Driveway to nearby house led up to exact highest point so walked up as far as the gate at the property entrance. A bit frustrating to not be able to get a ten figure OS fix and a little underwhelming for a county top. Still nice sense of achievement to tick another one off the list :-)Gerry the Ranger04/08/2020
Got as close as possible to the county top - then went off to walk a section of North Downs Way .. dangerous down the road to NDW !D SID26/08/2019
Highest point behind a fence. Detour from NDW, done with Westerham Heightslerritt27/07/2019
North Downs Way walk from Dunton Green to Botley Farm. First County Top for which I'd say I risked my life! The walk up the road from where the NDW crosses Westerham Hill is not much fun. No safe verges. Had to keep my wits about me. High point seems to accord with the grid reference along the lane past the stables.jedthehumanoid05/07/2019
After Westerham Heights (of course). Walked down the lane - highest ground looks to be behind a wooden gate with a sign affixed saying 'Dog is big'.Mark Jackson02/03/2019
Betsom's Hill and Westerham Heights by No 246 bus (Bromley South or Hayes to Westerham service, every half hour). 'William Hall Coachworks' stop is ideally situated between the two summits.PGCE07/02/2019
Stayed on public track, good enough for meBen Tindal22/08/2018
On own. Along track to driveway of house. GPS confirmation of correct 10 digit grid ref for summit. Tick and move on. Nothing to see here.Beeliner05/07/2018
Walked up the drive, then sore the owner doing gardening so I asked and let me into the back garden for the summitjmistry8612/01/2018
Walked up drivePeterD05/06/2017
circular walk from lingendavie15/04/2017
A very nicely painted stick seemed to be the high point. Not the most exciting top ...but still a top!keithelliott02/04/2017
County top outing, I have permission to say this, The high point of kent is open, (if there at home.) I spoke to the lady who lives to the property and I'm not just saying this because of what she done for me she was utterly lovely she did not mind me being there and even invited me into her home to see something special, they have the trig pieces built into the chimney breast in the living room. If only farmers could be as forgiving to those who have weird obsession's like county top collecting.WAYNE ROWLETT13/11/2016
Walked up the lane to Little Betsom's Farm where it states beware of the large dog.Dugswell208/09/2016
I was running late for a social gathering, so I just parked, got out of the car for a few moments, then drove off.edmundjohnson03/09/2016
Circular 10 walk from Titsey church included Westerham Heights. Uninteresting.Graeme15/05/2016
With Katy on way home from London. Owner let us stand in his garden .. Old Fort.George Thompson08/02/2016
9/11 Ninth of eleven on wet day (Langdan Hill/Heath Mount/London Road/Wrotham Hill/Holly Hill/Dettling Hill(North Downs)/Cheriton Hill/Toys Hill/Betsoms Hill/Westerham Heights/Botley Hill)Fergalh25/12/2015
May I endorse M3WDD's comments. Was loitering at the entrance to the drive of the house, when the owner turned in. He wound his window down & knew exactly what I was doing. Told me I was welcome to go in & visit the high point.ngthack12/12/2015
Parked on the side of the road and went to the top after going to Westerham Heights.Dragonzilla27/08/2015
TD, C & HThis Dog17/08/2015
dullaussie196118/04/2015
Can I put in a good word for the current custodian. I certainly would not like random folks wandering around my garden uninvited and I was dithering whether 100m was close enough to count as an ascent when I noticed someone in the yard below the summit-house. Turns out this was the resident and he is relaxed about visitors - not to the point of wanting 100s and putting on tea and cakes but he understands the attraction of peak bagging and even the interesting gentleman who's aim was to sleep overnight at every Palmerston Fort (of which the summit structure is one). On a clear day the views to the south must be spectacular - and an excellent place to live if you are a radio amateur. We had an extensive conversation about the local history and so on. So thumbs up from me.M3WDD28/03/2015
With Greater London top. Highest point is site of an old fort now in private garden, but this is probably a man-made mound. Lane/track just to N may be the natural high point.webmaster26/02/2015
At least there was no traffic - unlike Westerham Heights just a few metres away. With Roguemaltose09/02/2015
With SteveGinaSmith06/01/2015
Part of Betsom Hill, Kent Historic County Top walk with Gina. Really wet day so rather than planned 11 mile circular walk ended up driving round and doing short walk to bag days tops. Parked in field entrance blacked by tree trunk opposite lane to Little Betsom Farm. Walked down lane but top on private property. Went as close as possible by walking along west boundarymntainman06/01/2015
Parked on the B2024 under the M25. Walked along M25 (delightful) and headed up before the services. The top is totally devoid of character or interest, however, it was nonetheless a pleasant walk.callumorr11/10/2014
Disappointed seems a house is at the top ...Haygalzer05/10/2014
As others have stated a very disappointing summit. Walked along the lane to try and find the highest point.lozinworcester30/05/2014
In Someone's garden reallynickywood118/03/2014
Highest point is up the drive pictured and is the front door step of the house. Snuck in and bagged.simon and co07/03/2014
Parked by bus stop opposite the end of the lane, walked along the lane. Garden obviously higher, but inaccessible. Disappointing, as many others have said. With Rich, Chris and Andy.Biffin03/11/2013
a bumpy lane with a top in the garden of some bods house, pointless.stig_nest21/09/2013
Garden of a private house.AlexanderHoward30/08/2013
From Hawley's Corner but might as well as parked at end of lane for only slighlty less sense of achievement.squeegs11/08/2013
Nondescript top. Better views from A233.Newton Maximus26/07/2013
It has to be done - but it feels the least like a peak of all of themmarkrussell30/05/2013
Parked at end of lane, near houses. Was looking for the farm camp site and strolled up the lane past houses and the high spot. No obvious marker, no views. Must be better Kent high points I thought. Pick up with Westerham Heights, equally interesting.nordicstar21/05/2013
climbed with Alli, started at Botley Hill and continued along the North Downs.Approached from north direction but found road very busy.Cold and even snowing at times.No view from point.Carried onto Clackett services and then back to Botley Hill.(8 miles).(8 miles)rickybalboa30/03/2013
Got as close as you can. Not much of interest here.rhalstead12/03/2013
Had a quick look in the driveway/bolton17/01/2013
Parked in an unused field gateway on the A233 and then walked up the lane and viewed the drive to the house standing on Kent's county top. Also went to the highest point of the lane and to the highest point of the adjoining scrubland N. of the lane. (PM)gerrybowes17/01/2013
Visited With Darren while trying to visit all the high points in London (and kent) in one day.magirob10/01/2013
Top no.19. Train from Cambridge to Oxted, via Kings Cross & London Br. Walked from Oxted via N. Downs Way to Tatsfield Park and Betsom's Hill. Other baggers tend to approach Betsom's Hill from the south along A233, but it's a dangerous bit of road and better approached from Hawley's Corner to the north. A warm, humid day with lifted fog and only occasional sunny spells but a thoroughly enjoyable walk through woods with autumn colours on the N. Downs. Distance 6.6 miles; climb 998 feet; time 2.5 hours.alan.65to7024/10/2012
Climbed A233 from North Downs Way and wandered down lane.prwild09/09/2012
Out for walk with Marie on way to Croydon airport. Top seemed to be by stable, got as near as possible without breaking in. Very edge of suburbia, lock-ups, nurseries, farms and houses. Coffee later in Croydon at Aerodrome hotel, looks art deco style fine.mcf02/09/2012
Did this as a drive by while going up Westerham Heights.steverd23/08/2012
Difficult to pinpoint actual top. Seems to be in a garden. walked along lane from main road, through trees next to houses. Not inspiring I'm afraid. A pity Kent has such a dull high point, I think we should move the boundry line!Argentum6619/08/2012
KJFcrazy05/08/2012
Russ Waghorn bagged for the 2012 Morris Lubricants County Top Challenge for the TCT.morrislube23/06/2012
We had just completed a 15 mile challenge walk on the N Downs so passed by to \'bag\' this one on the way home!Clare3912/05/2012
Got as close as we could. With Clare39.Paul4712/05/2012
Clare & Charles. We got as close as we could without trespassing.BHMC09/04/2012
With Clare, we got as close as we could without trespassing.alwaysinshorts09/04/2012
Anywhere near the official grid ref could be the highest spot, it's impossible to tell it's so flat around there. Also the grass covered reservoir mound off Chestnut Avenue about 500m west at grid ref 43075 56400 is a likely candidate!Steve Clark15/03/2012
on the way to gatwick to pick up Isabel!mr bounce22/08/2011
Parked at Titsey church. Followed North Downs way to Betsoms Hill, returned via road marked as Pilgrims Way.dianepick20/04/2011
Me Meg, Donna Matrix and Pebbles Very coldRoland Brooks29/01/2011
Had wander around various possible 'high' points, sheds, lane, coachworks etc. Highest point may be where bungalow stands on elevated ground.Aye Jimmy12/12/2010
Did not know that Kents highest was about the same as Londons highest. Passed the point as I was looking for Londons highest. A 6 hours biking trip from Kew on a nice summer evening.NilsOS24/06/2010
Parked near the coach works and walked up the track from there to the stables. What a let down this one was. Come on Kent, you can do better than this.Father Ted15/08/2009
Although the top is a dump I had a nice walk up through woods and stunning views from a few fields which I trespassed across (parked at TQ 4327 5570).Herbert Anchovy09/05/2009
This was once a Palmerston Fort and is now all houses. Got as close as I could without upsetting people or horses! How can this also be a Kent top?Nick29/03/2009
near the stables, not very impressive and only a quick stop.asbown30/11/2008
Either in the garden or by the stables. I was just glad nobody challenged me in the back garden and found out what an anorak I was being.clivevilla16/09/2008
I'd agree that the top is just by stables to L of track. Not at all impressive as the county top, but it broke the 400ml return journey from france (flipping complicated getting there from M20/M26!)martin & storm14/06/2008
Looks like it's where the stables are on the left hand side of the track.Richard03/05/2008
Made my way here from the NDW. Less then impressed.BloodMonk09/02/2008
What a lousy top for a county as big and posh as Kent! Rubbish all over place. Trespassed in to garden and disturbed the stabled horses but not the owners!signyred27/01/2008
Bagged quickly with Westerham Heights on a return trip from darkest Kent.kaapiovuohi23/12/2007
second favourite top.nice place to feed the dog.electricratman17/06/2007
Worst top everOverthehilljill02/12/2006
Trig is gone and where exactly on the private land the high point is is debatableRhayader_wander25/07/2006
90 kms from Dover.peter02/07/2006
In a back garden and the site of a former Danby fort built in the Napoleonic era.jonnymuir18/05/2006
We thought just down the farm track. Close to the horrible Greater London top of Westerham Heights.wheresthepath22/10/2004
In a back Gardenjohnfwoolley19/02/2002
GPS gave 60m away. Top is in a garden(s) and not accessible. Garden(s) also several metres higher than where I was. 5 April 2007.destaylor01/01/2001
As part of N Downs wayChris P02/07/2000
The second 'fun' county top in less than 30 minutes. Made a dash down the track to the stable area and decided that would do.garyhoney15/01/2000
Not sure of the date in August. On the way to Jan & Gareth's wedding.peter.stone01/08/1998
Solo from M25 services. Kent can do better than this, surely?!mikejacobs28/12/1996
Down to London for World Challenge Pakistan expedition briefing (that summer)then stayed with Mark who in 1995 had with him one of the early new mobile phones -one of the first people I knew to own one!! I Couldn't see them catching on myself??? With Mark did N Downs tops incl CTs of Kent(stables) and G. London(both Westerham Heights and at the time the coflicting location, depending on list used, of garden by reptile zoo. Also did Botley Hill -both old and new locations.Chris Pearson03/06/1995
Date unknown RHW01/01/1990
Grassy mound behind a farm cottage.arranc30/12/1983
In a woodland we couldn't really decide the highest point, so a good perambulation around the area must have included the true summitChinnockCblank
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