Summer Lightning is an iconic trail and one of the longest-standing trails in the Surrey Hills. it is also one of the few if not the only waymarked trails in this vast myriad of trail goodness and so for many, it has been the introduction to a sizeable number of mountain bikers.

Based in Leith Hill this trail has been 'officially' part closed since a fire in 2022. The three parties involved (see below) have published a message which although a little vague does make it clear there are plans afoot to get it re-opened and agree maintenance.

Here is the message posted on Facebook. 

Forestry England, the National Trust, Wotton Estate, and Surrey Hills National Landscape [the group] are supportive of permitted mountain biking in the Surrey Hills, and are in discussion to find solutions for a sustainable management plan for a reopening of a formalised mountain bike trail on Leith Hill, known as Summer Lightning.

Summer Lightning crosses land owned by Forestry England, the National Trust, and the Wotton Estate. The route is closed along its entire length, and should not be ridden.

The group is in the process of finding a contractor to assess the condition to the route and what is required to make Summer Lightning suitable for riding on again.

For inquiries relating to Summer Lightning email: info@surreyhills.org

The odd bit is that being local I hadn't even noticed after the proverbial dust settled after the fire that this section was closed officially let alone the whole trail. An ominous sign of what's to come in my experience as I like to think I'm more aware and look out for signs or news so how did I miss them? Not a frequent rider but have visited in the last year. Well, folks, officially is it 'closed'. If anyone knows more on the plans ahead please share in the comments below. 

Update: 30th Dec: Got a helpful and informative email from one of the team at Surrey Hills National Landscape which I think is positive, and bodes well: as follows: 

"The trail has long been closed on the Forestry England section with signage, and now the other landowners (National Trust and Wotton Estate) have also followed suit to ensure consistency along the trail. 

The next step as alluded to in the signage going up is to get in a contractor to assess the damage across the whole route and present a plan (and cost) to bring it up to a ride-able condition again. 

It's too early to say what they will come up with, as they've not been contracted yet, but in discussion with the landowners it's clear they're all pulling together in a way which will hopefully lead to a long term sustainable future for the Summer Lightning."

Fingers crossed folks!

Check out the iBikeRide Surrey Hills Mountain Bike Trail Listing for wider trail descriptions, photos, videos, and reviews in this area.