Surrey, a county adorned with rolling hills, historic estates, and picturesque landscapes, invites both passionate hikers and casual strollers to embark on a journey through its diverse outdoor offerings. In this comprehensive guide, we unveil the enchanting beauty of Surrey through ten carefully curated walks that showcase the region's rich heritage and natural splendour.
1. Box Hill Circular Walk: Embracing Heights and Horizons
📍The Old Fort, Box Hill Road, Tadworth, KT20 7LB
Begin your Surrey exploration with the iconic Box Hill Circular Walk, where panoramic views of the North Downs unfold before you. The National Trust provides a convenient parking spot, ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure. Canine companions are more than welcome, making this a truly dog-friendly experience.
The full trail of the walk is about 8 miles, taking roughly 4-6 hours to complete making this a more challenging walk also including some steep climbs and many steps. To break up the walk there are wonderful viewpoints and pubs along the way to stop for refreshments or lunch.
2. Polesden Lacey Estate Walk: Where Nature Meets Elegance
📍Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6BD
Immerse yourself in the elegance of Polesden Lacey with a walk through its National Trust estate. Ample parking and designated dog-friendly areas make this stroll a perfect blend of history and nature. Explore the stunning gardens and regal mansion, creating a memorable outing for all.
There are four waymarked routes around the estate, each differing in length and difficulty, leaflets and maps for routes can be collected in the car park or visitor reception.
3. Watts Gallery Artists' Village Trail: A Brush with Culture and Nature
📍Down Lane Compton, Guildford Surrey, GU3 1DQ
Indulge your artistic side with a walk around Watts Gallery Artists' Village. Enjoy the seamless fusion of creativity and the outdoors, with free parking and dog-friendly paths providing accessibility for all.
There is a looped walk starting at the Artists’ village that can be followed to Loseley house, a beautiful stately home nearby. Walkers are free to choose from a number of paths that can be taken within this loop differing in length; all are signposted footpaths or bridleways.
Click here for more information on the suggested routes!
4. Virginia Water Lake Walk: Serenity by the Waterside
📍20 minutes drive from Windsor Town Centre London Road, Virginia Water GU25 4QF
Escape to Virginia Water and savoir a serene lakeside walk. The Virginia Water car park ensures easy access, and dogs are welcome on leads, creating a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.
Explore the tranquil waterside and lush surroundings for a rejuvenating experience that is accessible for all. There are also toilets and a small place to get refreshments by the carpark. The full circuit of the lake is an energising 5.25 miles, but the walks to the Cascade and the Leptis Magna Ruins are a much shorter and more casual stroll.
5. Ranmore and Denbies Circular Walk: Vineyards and Vistas
📍Norbury Park Crabtree Lane Car Park (Waypoint 1) RH5 6BQ
Embark on a journey through the enchanting landscapes of Ranmore Common and the Denbies Wine Estate with this 6 mile circular walk. Ample parking and dog-friendly paths make it an ideal choice for those seeking a harmonious blend of nature and viticulture.
The 6 mile walk can be seen as difficult with there often being challenging terrain with some hilly climbs and can take approximately 3 hours to complete. To break up the walk, stepping stones pub is around 300 metres away and walkers can stop at the Denbies Vineyard cafe approximately halfway round.
6. Leith Hill Circular Trail: Scaling Heights for Panoramic Rewards
📍Coldharbour Village, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6LU
Scale the heights of Leith Hill and be rewarded with breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. The National Trust car park provides convenient parking, and dogs are permitted on designated trails, ensuring a family-friendly experience.
Generally considered a moderately challenging 3.9km route, it can take walkers around 1 h 15 min to complete and is a circular route.
7. Hatchlands Park Woodland Walk: A Symphony of Nature
📍East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7RT
Delight in the tranquillity of Hatchlands Park with a woodland walk. Visitors can park at the estate and bring their dogs along, exploring the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit this natural sanctuary.
Hatchlands Park circular walk is signposted by pink arrows on the waymarker posts and is considered an easy 4.48km walk, approximately taking between 50 mins to 1 hour 30 minutes to complete.
8. Thames Path at Hampton Court: A Historic Waterside Retreat
📍Bushy Park Car Park Near Kingston, KT8 9BY
Combine history and nature with a walk along the Thames Path at Hampton Court. Ample parking is available, and the path is dog-friendly, offering stunning views of the river and the palace. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the area while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Starting at Richmond allows walkers to begin with something to eat or places to park and then venture through many other beautiful parks spotting many of the many iconic sights of Surrey.
David Bulley
9. Newlands Corner Circular Walk: Scenic Strolls in Surrey Hills
📍Drove Rd, Newland's Corner, Albury Guildford, GU4 8SE
Enjoy a leisurely stroll at Newlands Corner, offering panoramic views of the Surrey Hills. Parking is readily available, and dogs are welcome on a lead, making it an accessible and enjoyable walk for all. Explore the beauty of the Surrey Hills in this picturesque setting.
The 4.5km circular walk taking walkers through fields and forests to the church of St Martha is considered a moderately challenging walk averaging around 1 h 24 min to complete. The church sometimes offers tea and cakes, and there is a small café at the trailhead, and a pub a short walk away, so there are plenty of options for refreshments close by.
Click here for more of the best walks in Guildford.
10. Devil's Punch Bowl Trail: A Dramatic Finale
📍London Rd, Hindhead, GU26 6AG
Conclude your Surrey walking adventure with the Devil's Punch Bowl Trail, known for its dramatic landscapes. The National Trust car park is easy to get to, and dogs on leads are welcome on the trail. Explore the unique geological formations that characterise this stunning natural feature and discover the myths and legends of the Punch Bowl along the way.
Walkers can explore the open heathland, with a gentle stroll across the A3 with views towards the London sky line or take a more challenging hike down the Valley. The Devil’s Punch Bowl café serves refreshments and snacks for walkers to enjoy while taking in the countryside.
Explore Surrey's diverse trails for a rich tapestry of nature, history, and adventure. Whether a local or visitor, these curated walks promise an enriching journey, connecting you with Surrey's captivating landscapes. Lace-up and discover the heart.
