The Route
This circular walk starts at Box Hill & Westhumble station, one of the most accessible trailheads in Surrey. From the station, the path drops south through Westhumble to the River Mole and the famous stepping stones – a line of large flat rocks laid across the river, passable when water levels are low. If the river is high, a footbridge a short distance upstream serves as the alternative.
From the stepping stones, the route climbs steeply through ancient box woodland up the south face of Box Hill. The gradient eases near the top, emerging at the summit viewpoint (224 metres) where the panorama stretches south across the Weald to the South Downs. The return leg follows the North Downs Way along the ridge before descending through Juniper Hall's grounds back to the station.
What You'll See
Box Hill's chalk grassland supports a rich flora: pyramidal orchids, horseshoe vetch, wild thyme, and rock rose through summer. The box woodland that gives the hill its name is one of the oldest natural box stands in Britain. Chalkhill blue and Adonis blue butterflies are present on the south-facing slopes. Buzzards and red kites circle overhead regularly.
The summit served as the finish climb for the cycling road race at the 2012 London Olympics. Jane Austen set a famous picnic scene here in Emma. On a clear day, you can pick out the distinctive profile of Chanctonbury Ring on the South Downs, roughly 20 miles to the south.
Getting There
Box Hill & Westhumble station (Southern Railway, Dorking line) sits right at the start. By car, the National Trust car park at the summit (RH5 6LB) is an alternative starting point, though starting from the station gives a better route shape. The car park charges apply for non-National Trust members. Public toilets and a café are available at the summit.
