Surrey is famous across the UK for its undulating countryside, rich woodlands and hillsides that have long offered respite for Londoners away from the urban sprawl of the city. From the soaring chalk ridges of the North Downs to the peaceful riverside paths along the River Wey, this county is an easily accessible escape for those wanting to explore the great outdoors, courtesy of excellent train connections across most of the South of England.
Whether the agenda demands a gentle family stroll or a more vigorous trek with sweeping views, Surrey’s footpaths deliver a quiet charm that’s accessible to all, something few other counties can safely claim. Many of its finest routes pass through National Trust land, ancient forests, and picturesque villages, offering a fine glimpse at the quaint but charming life lived out in the home counties.
Box Hill and the Stepping Stones Walk
Box Hill has been one of Surrey’s most popular walks for centuries. Named after the dense box-like woodland that belies the face of this chalk hill, walkers can enjoy one of the most scenic circular walks in the county. The trail begins at the Box Hill Visitor Centre, perched high above the Mole Valley, an ideal spot for picnics with distant views toward the South Downs of Sussex. The path soon dips sharply downhill via steps carved into the hillside, leading to the River Mole and its famous Stepping Stones.
These flat slabs were laid centuries ago to allow easy passage across the river, and are now a much-loved local attraction, having helped elevate the Box Hill trail to near iconic status. Crossing the stones brings walkers into a quiet glade on the far bank, with a gentle incline leading past yew trees and ancient woodland. The path loops up Juniper Top, where scrubby downland attracts butterflies in summer, before a final return climb to the summit of Box Hill itself, where on the clearest of days, walkers can see as far as London’s glittering skyline.
The Devil’s Punch Bowl and Hindhead Commons
This dramatic natural amphitheatre is one of Surrey’s most impressive landscapes. Beginning at the Devil’s Punch Bowl Café, the main circular walk skirts the edge of the vast, oval valley, carved by glacial waters millennia ago. As walkers head along sandy tracks flanked by gorse and heather, the route passes the Sailor’s Stone, a granite marker commemorating the grisly 18th-century murder of an unknown sailor, a reminder of the area and England’s struggle to deal with roadside robbers known as “highwaymen”.
Further along, the path rises gently to Gibbet Hill, the second-highest point in Surrey and marked by a stark white Celtic cross. The paths here are broad and sandy, making the area especially popular with dog walkers and families seeking longer rambles. On bright mornings, the view stretches across to the South Downs, while the sound of birdsong from warblers and woodpeckers fills the commons where lucky walkers might spot roe deer browsing the heather.
Leith Hill
The highest summit in Southeast England, a favourite route up Leith Hill starts at Coldharbour village, where the tiny Plough Inn stands as a perfect post-walk refreshment stop upon completing the circuit. The trail climbs gradually through dense mixed woodland, rich with bluebells in spring, and golden leaves of oak and chestnut trees in autumn before the path emerges onto the open summit ridge.
At the top stands Leith Hill Tower, built by Richard Hull in the 18th century to raise the hill’s height to exactly 1,000 feet. For a small fee, walkers can ascend its spiral staircase for views stretching from London to the sea on clear days, but offering a beautiful vista in all but the most unfavorable of weather conditions. The route descends via sheltered paths into the valley, looping through Rhododendron Wood, bursting into flamboyant colours in the month of May, before returning to Coldharbour.
Winkworth Arboretum and River Wey Walk
This haven for tree life offers a walk like no other in the county. Starting from the National Trust car park, the gentle trail loops through the arboretum’s heart, a carefully curated landscape of rare trees and sweeping seasonal colour. From Japanese maples to towering conifers and groves of cherry trees that form a dazzling canopy under which to walk, it's a stirring spectacle through the seasons. Autumn brings fiery reds and golds that set the wooded slopes ablaze with colour, while spring displays delicate azaleas and magnolias, awaiting the arrival of the blossom.
The route descends to the Arboretum’s tranquil lake. To say it is idyllic would be an understatement, fringed by weeping willows with schools of ducks bobbing on the calm waters, and the occasional heron poised dramatically. From here, walkers can extend their route into the neighbouring River Wey valley by following a quiet towpath alongside gentle waters bordered by reeds and wildflowers. This riverside circuit offers an easy-to-traverse, yet deeply satisfying afternoon’s walk, especially for photographers or botanists.
Reigate Hill and Gatton Park
Reigate Hill is part of the North Downs Way and offers one of Surrey’s most breathtaking ridge walks, with panoramic views stretching across the Weald toward the South Downs. This broad, grassy ridge is dotted with orchids and rare butterflies in summer, creating a lively natural stage. A short detour brings visitors to Gatton Park, once the grand estate of Sir Jeremiah Colman (of English Mustard fame).
The landscaped park features ornamental lakes, tree-lined avenues and the charming Edwardian tea pavilion, which is now a popular stop for walkers to take breaks. Returning to the ridge, the walk passes the Inglis Memorial, a grand stone shelter once serving as a drinking fountain for horses, and offers yet more of the most stirring open vistas to be seen anywhere in Surrey.
