Assistance with England Activation Planning

[N8PEM]

I am taking a family vacation to England in August. Spending most of our time in London and the surrounding area (Kew, Windsor, etc.). I’d like to activate a SOTA and hopefully a POTA during my time. Ideally, the Summit and Park will be 1) part of a scenic hiking area 2) near a town which would be interesting to visit and 3) not the most difficult in terms of transportation logistics. I’ll be with my wife and two boys, who also enjoy hiking and being outdoors. Not opposed to a nice long train ride to get to the best location.

Any info appreciated. Cheers!

[G8CPZ]

Hi Chris, there aren’t many SOTA summits within easy reach of London via public transport.

This question came up before and I posted this answer for G/CE-005. I summarized the public transport connections in the second paragraph.

Easiest activation for visitor to London G/SE-002?

Hi Scott, You haven’t mentioned whether you intend to activate at the weekend or not. In case you’re considering Wendover Woods G/CE-005, I use to live a mile or two away and found it hard to get four 2m FM contacts during the week. You will need a better antenna for your HT than the stock rubber duck. I use a Diamond RH-770 half-wave telescopic whip. There are a number of 2m FM repeaters in range and – if you’re struggling to get contacts - you could always make requests there for simplex QSO…

@N8PEM

1. part of a scenic hiking area 2) near a town which would be interesting to visit

Wendover is a lovely historic town with several pubs, a few cafes including Rumsey’s Chocolaterie.

[N8PEM]

Wendover Woods looks very promising. Thanks for the tip!

[MW0WML]

@N8PEM

Spending most of our time in London and the surrounding area

Firstly, hope you have a great holiday.

Above you say “most of the time” do you have any specific plans for other locations?

Anyway… back to the London area.

Of all the summits around London my personal favourite has been Leith Hill. A lovely woodland, but also open enough to allow views, plus of course there is the tower to see. Check opening hours though.
https://sotl.as/summits/G/SE-002

I’m not sure the exact best public transport option. But I would guess a train to Dorking and taxi would work out OK.

Edit: my experience with 2m FM anywhere in the SE of England has been very poor. Best to have access to HF kit.

[M0LEP]

I guess a train to Lewes and then a bit of a walk to Cliffe Hill G/SE-014 might also be an option, but it’s not the most inspiring summit, and there’s the golf course to avoid (or negotiate with).