Twin Hills of Singletrack
Pitch Hill and Winterfold Wood sit adjacent to one another on the greensand ridge south of Shere, forming a large expanse of mixed woodland ideal for mountain biking. Pitch Hill at 257 metres offers steep, technical descents through pine trees, while Winterfold’s broader slopes provide faster, more flowing trails across sandy heathland and through mature beech woodland.
The trails here are generally more natural and less manicured than those at Peaslake, which gives them a wilder feel. Riders will encounter exposed tree roots, loose sand, rocky sections and some sizeable drops. The climbing is significant, with several short but punishing ascents needed to access the best descents. Navigation can be tricky as the trail network is not signposted, so a GPS device or familiarity with the area is recommended.
Access & Practicalities
The most convenient access is from the Winterfold car park on Winterfold Lane, south of Shere. From here, trails lead directly onto Winterfold Heath and across to Pitch Hill. An alternative start point is Ewhurst, to the south, which avoids the steepest initial climbs.
These trails connect directly to the Peaslake network, making it possible to ride a grand tour of all three areas in a full day covering 30 kilometres or more. The Windmill Inn at Pitch Hill has views south towards the coast (the pub suffered a fire in 2021 — check current opening status before visiting). The sandy soil means these trails drain faster than many in Surrey, making them a good wet-weather option.
