The Route
Headley Heath spreads over 500 acres on the North Downs, an unexpectedly wild landscape within easy reach of London. The circular walk starts from the National Trust car park and heads south across the open heath, following well-worn paths through heather, gorse, and scattered birch.
The route swings east to the chalk downland on the southern edge, where the grassland is rich in wildflowers. A section of woodland separates the heath from the chalk, providing shade and a change of character. The return leg crosses the northern heath, passing several ponds and dipping into a shallow valley before reaching the car park again.
What You'll See
Headley Heath sits at the junction of three geological layers: London Clay, chalk, and Thanet Sand. This creates an unusual mix of habitats. The chalk downland supports pyramidal orchids, bee orchids, fragrant orchids, and horseshoe vetch. The heathland has heather, bell heather, and cross-leaved heath.
Butterflies are a highlight. Chalkhill blues and Adonis blues breed on the chalk slopes, while the heathland supports graylings and silver-studded blues. Green woodpeckers probe the ant hills on the heath. Kestrels hover overhead. In autumn, the birch and bracken turn the landscape golden.
Getting There
The National Trust car park (KT18 6NR) is off the B2033 between Headley and Box Hill. Free for NT members, small charge for others. The nearest station is Box Hill & Westhumble, about 2 miles south-west. The terrain is gently undulating and the paths are firm – this is a good walk for families. Headley village has a pub. No other facilities on the heath itself.
