It is centred 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of London and forms a single scarp with Reigate Hill, peaking 2 miles (3 km) away at 235 metres above sea level.

The scarp fluctuates in height but is continuous as far as Box Hill 5 miles (8 km) west.

This section of the ridge is, as is typical, steep and a little to the west is quarried forming white faces to the south but particularly gentle to the north, where it gave way to hill pasture covering more than 10 square miles (26 km2) which was until deep wells were dug devoid of any access to surface water, known as Banstead and Walton Downs.

The lower summit is noted for even greater biodiversity along the same Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at Box Hill which first came to stark national public attention in the 18th century due to its access to London and greater prominence above the steep valley cut by the Mole below, particularly in novels such as Emma and having views over the country seat of especially wealthy individuals at Polesden Lacey, Deepdene House, Norbury Park and being on the same ridge as Headley Court served to cement its 'prominence'.

[5] The Pilgrims' Way travels along the scarp at these points though below it at Box Hill, a café with terrace is at the summit of Reigate Hill (in a car park near Junction 8 of the M25) and nearby villages also provide facilities for walkers, such as Buckland to the immediate south-west.