The best run/cycle routes in Surrey

The award-winning team behind aat-events give their personal recommendations on the best Surrey cycling/running routes...

Whether you’re looking for a half-day adventure or a new route for your regular run, you’ve come to the right place. Local race organisers Toby, Rory, Becky and Hollie from aat-events are keen runners and cyclists, who spend most of their time in the Surrey Hills discovering new routes for their award-winning events. They’ve each shared one of their favourite run/cycle routes to help you make the most of Surrey’s great outdoors.

1. Toby – Guildford’s infamous 10km

This route is very special indeed as it’s the original aat-event, devised 14 years ago and still used today at The Fitstuff G3 Series – Guildford’s most popular trail running event. Set in the Surrey Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), this classic 10km off-road run route is designed to be challenging, so it features plenty of hills but I can assure you it’s worth it.

Start with a quick run out into the woods, followed by a sharp turn into the field to witness the first of many spectacular views across Green Belt countryside. A right-hand turn brings you past a farm and some friendly chickens, before a long and gradual climb until you reach St Martha’s Church – which is 573ft above sea level and only accessible by foot! Placed right on the top of the county’s 18th highest hill, you’ll enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of up to 7 neighbouring counties from this Grade II Listed church.

The route then loops through the Chantry’s Woodland – where you can look forward to being struck by both the tranquillity of the lush woods and the ever present soundtrack of flourishing forest wildlife.

2. Rory – Hogs Back Road Run

We’ve taken this route from a race which runners have enjoyed for over 57 years – the Hogs Back Road Race, which aat-events deliver on behalf of Guildford and Godalming Athletics club. The beauty of this 11.7km run is that it’s all on road, but lacks urban scenery. It also makes an ideal training race for a 10km or half marathon. The route starts and finishes at the majestic Loseley House, which you may recognise from the 2016 Netflix series, The Crown. You’ll follow roads into Guildford, over The Mount (avoiding the A31) and down past Watts Gallery – named after George Watts, who was widely considered to be the greatest painter of the Victorian era.

You can extend your run here by heading into the beautiful woodlands and grounds surrounding the nearby Grade I Listed Watts Chapel. Or if you want to take a break, you could check out the Watts Contemporary Exhibition and treat yourself to a cream tea. The route then continues through the tiny hamlet of Compton village and past the 16th century free house, The Withies Inn. You’ll return to the rear entrance of Loseley House via Polstead lane – a narrow and windy country road flanked by fields and bushes.

I recommend cooling down/stretching throughout Loseley’s 2.5 acres of walled gardens, which boast over 1000 rose bushes, a maze, herb and organic vegetable gardens and even a wildflower meadow. As well as making an idyllic backdrop for your run selfies, Loseley House is rich in history, having remained fundamentally unchanged with original furnishings and artworks that document story of the family who lived there. It’s also an excellent place to indulge in a light lunch or cream tea. 

3. Becky – River-Side Pub Crawl

This route features some of the best bits of The Fox Ultramarathon and is much shorter. It makes a fabulous (and leisurely) mountain bike route or a scenic run, with plenty of opportunity to stop along the way. Head for the cross roads in Guildford where you can cross over the Woking Road and follow the trail along the River Way all the way up past the Nature Reserve and all the way along to the New Inn Pub in Old Woking.

Continue to follow the River Way, head through Ripley Green and into the beautiful quaint village of Ripley. Ripley is a great place to stop for a cup of tea and slice of cake, or if you’re in it for the pub crawl, head to The Talbot Inn. Take a right turn off of Ripley Lane to come into West Clandon (and The Onslow Arms) before heading through the Clandon Regis Golf Course and along to the Tillingbourne Brewery.

The route then brings you back via Newland’s Corner where you’ll enjoy fabulous views across Guildford. If you want to extend the route, I'd recommend a quick detour to St Martha’s Church which offers incredible views. It’s all downhill from there across the Pewley Downs, down Fort Road and into the Guildford Castle Grounds. We recommend finishing with lunch by the river at the Weyside Pub.

4. Hollie – A Royally Good Day Out

If you’re looking for an active day out, I'd recommend this road cycle to Windsor and back. This is an ideal route to start from Guildford, Godalming, Farnham or Farnborough. Head towards Normandy Common and then cycle through Chobham and Sunningdale Golf Courses. You could even start from Woking, heading towards Goldsworth Park, and join the route at Chobham Golf Course.

The route continues through Coworth Park until you’re greeted by the glittering waters of the stunning Virginia Water Lakes. This is an ideal place to take a quick break and explore the wooded shores and cascading waterfalls. Continuing on up past the Savill Gardens, the route meanders through the glorious Windsor Great Park, where you’re greeted with a truly magnificent view of Windsor Castle, which appears to rise in front of you from the ground below.

I'd suggest finishing the first leg of your trip at Windsor Royal Shopping centre – just a few more minutes from the park. There are plenty of places to safely lock your bike whilst you enjoy a delicious slice of Red Velvet cake at the (highly recommended!) Cinnamon Cafe. I'd then suggest a slightly shorter route home by heading towards Chobham Common. The cycle will take you between 1.5 - 2 hours each way depending on where you start and how fast you cycle.

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