Waxing lyrical about Surrey life is a breeze. It’s a big, beautiful county - its northern fringes are half an hour from central London - an exciting, diverse, and surprising place, and one that provides perfect scope for stretching your legs. With vibrant towns and historic villages surrounded by charming countryside, Surrey is in fact England’s ‘most wooded’ county, and with its feast of rolling hills, scenic valleys, ancient heathlands, pretty waterways and notable landmarks, it offers some of the best walking routes of anywhere in the UK. There is so much stimulus to explore and enjoy on foot. Here is our guide to the most rewarding Surrey walks.
Box Hill Juniper Top Circular ( 4 Miles )
Box Hill is one of Surrey’s most iconic natural landmarks. From its summit - at 735 feet above sea level - the panoramic views over the Mole Valley and surrounding countryside, including the South Downs, are stunning (and particularly so on a clear day). This historic, much-celebrated beauty spot sits within the Surrey Hills ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB) and is well managed by the National Trust. As such, it’s a real honeypot for walkers of all ages and fitness levels, with a range of superbly maintained routes. Of all the well-marked trails, the Juniper Top Circular is a popular choice for people who really want to get a good sense of the area. It’s a mildly challenging trail, showcasing the ancient woodland and open chalk grassland. Start at the top of Box Hill - taking in that expansive vista - then follow the trail markers to enjoy the varied scenery and rich wildlife. It is majestic in spring, when the bluebells spring up in the woods. There are some uneven paths and steep inclines, so good boots are recommended. There are plenty of pretty picnic spots to stop and rest.
Abinger Roughs & Abinger Common ( 5 Miles )
Abinger Roughs has quite a pedigree. Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist who conceived the theory of evolution by natural selection, used to walk here in the 1870s while staying nearby at Abinger Hall. Set above the village of Abinger Hammer, this is an enchanting area of grassland and mixed woodland, where some of the mighty oak trees are over 300 years old and well worth close inspection. More generally, a walking trail from Abinger Roughs (from the car park) to Abinger Common (ending in the village) represents a beautiful countryside stroll through some of Surrey’s most flattering and satisfying landscapes: woodland trails, open meadows, and historic landmarks. The Roughs, and much of the route, is home to a rich variation of wildlife, so it’s ideal for curious young explorers who might want to follow in Darwin’s footsteps and start investigating nature more fully: deer, rabbits, and various bird species are commonly spotted. Pathways are fairly flat and clearly marked. Look out for the very pleasant St. James’s Church and enjoy a rest on the green.
Polesden Lacey Estate Walk ( 5 Miles )
This captivating five-mile walk is best enjoyed in a leisurely manner. Polesden Lacey is a breathtaking grand estate to rival the very best, with so much to take in. It is very much a family-friendly adventure too, suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities, so taking time with a big gang of loved ones might feel entirely natural. Highlights include admiring Polesden Lacey House itself, a stunning Edwardian mansion, and exploring its beautifully maintained gardens, including the Rose Garden and Long Walk. The walk then takes you through rolling countryside, passing through the open fields and meadows of Ranmore Common and the surrounding estate, and wandering through peaceful ancient woodlands filled with deer, birds and butterflies flitting in between handsome old oak, beech and ash trees. The Terrace at Polesden Lacey House is perfect to stop and take photos; views from here are panoramic and make you take stock; the cafe is an excellent place to rest the legs.
Leith Hill And Tillingbourne Loop From Coldharbour ( 7-10 Miles )
Depending on variations, this particular route can be anything up to a full 10 miles - but the physical challenge is well worth it in order to fully maximise the potential of this area, which offers a potent mix of natural beauty and historical charm. Leith Hill Tower, for starters, is an iconic landmark which serves as a focal point for the walk. It has been a popular walking and picnic spot for more than 200 years, and the area around it is one of the highest points in South East England: views of the South Downs encapsulate England at its greenest while, to the north, you can even spy the instantly recognisable London skyline. Tillingbourne Stream, meanwhile, provides a soothing setting for the middle section of the route, especially when muscles are starting to hint at feeling the burn. It’s a circular trail, and the start/end point is Coldharbour, a quintessential Surrey village with a classic country pub (The Plough Inn) and a reassuring atmosphere of timeless contentment. Sturdy footwear is recommended, as terrain can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain.
Newlands Corner To St Martha’s Hill ( 5 Miles )
Easily one of the most pleasant ways to while away a few hours in Surrey, this walk is another circular route: less gruelling than Leith Hill-Tillingbourne-Coldharbour, but in no way less rewarding. It starts at Newlands Corner, a popular beauty spot with expansive views over the Surrey Hills and the Weal, and follows the North Downs Way, heading west through chalk grasslands and woodlands. Walking through Albury Downs is a joy, especially in summer, when wildflower meadows are in full bloom. The trail ascends to St Martha’s Hill, at the top of which is the historic St Martha’s Church. This is a picturesque location offering stunning views and, accessible only on foot, it's a timely moment to really stop and take in the wonder of nature (perhaps while enjoying a homemade picnic). The return loop follows trails through quiet woodlands and open clearings, and the path that loops back toward Newlands Corner offers a pleasantly different perspective of the landscape. There are a few steep sections along the route, but the terrain is more than manageable for most walkers.
All the best walks in Surrey promise a cocktail of pleasure: boundless nature, fascinating history, village charm, cultural richness (and superb amenities, to add a practical edge). But that’s not to say they are one and the same: quite the opposite. Just as each human is unique, the standout walks in this thrilling, stimulating county have their own particular qualities to revel in. All you need is a sturdy pair of walking boots, a good map, and a sense of adventure.
