Best Walks in Surrey
Surrey has some of the best walking in southern England. The chalk ridge of the North Downs, the sandy heights of the Greensand Way, and the heathland commons of the west offer routes for every ability and season.
Day Walks
Box Hill Stepping Stones Circular
Cross the River Mole on the famous stepping stones and climb to one of Surrey's finest viewpoints. The route loops through ancient box woodland and chalk grassland, with panoramic views south across the Weald from the summit.
Leith Hill & Friday Street Circular
Climb to the highest point in south-east England and descend through ancient woodland to the hidden hamlet of Friday Street. Richard Hull's tower on the summit offers views to the English Channel on clear days.
Devil's Punch Bowl Circular
Circle the dramatic Devil's Punch Bowl, now returned to peaceful heathland. Since the A3 tunnel opened in 2011, the Punch Bowl has returned to peaceful heathland, rich in nightjars, Dartford warblers, and summer heather.
Newlands Corner to Shere
Walk from the North Downs panorama at Newlands Corner down through the Surrey Hills to Shere, one of England's prettiest villages. The return passes Silent Pool, a spring-fed chalk pool of striking clarity.
St Martha's Hill from Chilworth
Climb from Chilworth's historic gunpowder mills to a Norman hilltop church on the Pilgrims' Way. St Martha-on-the-Hill commands views across central Surrey and has been a place of worship since at least the 12th century.
Ranmore Common & Polesden Lacey Loop
A gentle loop linking ancient beech woodland on Ranmore Common with the grounds of Polesden Lacey, the Edwardian country estate once owned by society hostess Mrs Greville. Good paths throughout.
Witley & Milford Commons Walk
An easy circuit across two of the best heathland commons in western Surrey. Flat sandy paths and boardwalks cross landscape rich in nightjars, woodlarks, silver-studded blue butterflies, and purple emperor butterflies.
Headley Heath Circular
An easy loop across 500 acres of open heathland and chalk downland on the North Downs. The unusual mix of habitats supports orchids, chalkhill blue butterflies, and graylings within easy reach of London.
Winkworth Arboretum & Hascombe Hill
Combine a walk through over 1,000 tree species at Winkworth Arboretum with a climb to Hascombe Hill and its Iron Age hillfort. The arboretum's autumn colour, reflected in the lake, draws visitors from across the country.
Frensham Ponds & Common
An easy circular linking two medieval fishponds across open heathland. Flat sandy paths, sandy beaches at Great Pond, and rich birdlife including common terns, nightjars, and Dartford warblers.
Long-Distance Trails
North Downs Way (Surrey Section)
The Surrey section of this National Trail follows the chalk escarpment from Farnham to the Kent border. The route passes the Hog's Back, St Martha's Hill, Newlands Corner, Box Hill, and Reigate Hill, with views south across the Weald throughout.
Greensand Way (Surrey Section)
A less-known trail following the sandy Greensand ridge through Surrey's wooded interior. The route passes the Devil's Punch Bowl, Hascombe Hill, Holmbury Hill, Leith Hill, and Friday Street before reaching Dorking.
Walking in Surrey
Leith Hill is the highest point in south-east England. Box Hill has those stepping stones everyone photographs. The Devil's Punch Bowl at Hindhead used to be spoiled by the A3 running through it, but they put the road in a tunnel in 2011 and now it's properly wild again. All of this is half an hour from London, and all of it is in the Surrey Hills AONB.
The North Downs Way runs 153 miles from Farnham to Dover. About 53 of those miles are in Surrey, along the chalk ridge through St Martha's Hill, Newlands Corner, Box Hill and Reigate Hill. Below it, running parallel on sandier, more wooded ground, the Greensand Way connects Haslemere to Dorking through Hascombe Hill and Leith Hill. Both trails have stations nearby, so you can do a section and get the train back.
Not every walk here needs to be a full day. Witley and Milford Commons is a flat three-mile loop on boardwalks. Headley Heath near Leatherhead does a similar distance across open heathland. The Newlands Corner to Shere route is longer at six miles but worth it: you get a ridge view over the North Downs, the Silent Pool, and Shere itself, which is a genuinely pretty village. Most of this land is National Trust, so it's open and free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best walk in Surrey?
The Box Hill Stepping Stones Circular is widely regarded as one of the best walks in Surrey. This 5-mile moderate route crosses the River Mole on the famous stepping stones and climbs to one of Surrey's finest viewpoints, with panoramic views south across the Weald. Other top walks include the Leith Hill and Friday Street Circular (the highest point in south-east England) and the Devil's Punch Bowl Circular at Hindhead.
How long is the North Downs Way?
The North Downs Way is a 153-mile National Trail running from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent. The Surrey section covers approximately 53 miles from Farnham to Woldingham, passing landmarks including the Hog's Back, St Martha's Hill, Newlands Corner, Box Hill, and Reigate Hill. The trail has excellent rail access, making it ideal for walking in day sections.
Can you walk up Box Hill?
Yes, Box Hill is open daily year-round and is free to visit. There are several walking routes to the summit, including the popular stepping stones route from the River Mole. The climb is moderate and suitable for reasonably fit walkers. The summit offers panoramic views across the Weald and has a National Trust café, visitor centre, and picnic areas.
What are the best circular walks in Surrey?
Surrey has excellent circular walks for all abilities. Top options include the Box Hill Stepping Stones Circular (5 miles, moderate), the Leith Hill and Friday Street Circular (5.5 miles, moderate), the Devil's Punch Bowl Circular at Hindhead (4 miles, moderate), the Newlands Corner to Shere route (6 miles, moderate), and the Ranmore Common and Polesden Lacey Loop (5 miles, easy to moderate). For easier walks, try the Witley and Milford Commons Walk (3 miles, easy) or Headley Heath Circular (3 miles, easy).
Are Surrey walks pushchair-friendly?
Some Surrey walks are suitable for pushchairs, particularly the flatter routes on well-maintained paths. The Witley and Milford Commons Walk and parts of the Frensham Ponds and Common circuit have flat sandy paths and boardwalks. The Ranmore Common and Polesden Lacey Loop has good paths throughout. The hillier walks such as Box Hill and Leith Hill are generally not pushchair-friendly due to steep gradients and rough terrain.
Where can you walk near Guildford?
Guildford is surrounded by excellent walking country. Newlands Corner to Shere (6 miles) takes you from a North Downs panorama down to one of England's prettiest villages via Silent Pool. St Martha's Hill from Chilworth (4 miles) climbs to a Norman hilltop church on the Pilgrims' Way. The Winkworth Arboretum and Hascombe Hill walk (4 miles) is nearby, and the North Downs Way National Trail passes through Guildford.
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