Top 10 Walks In Surrey

Written by Paul Gent in Places to WalkLast Updated January 30, 2025

top 10 walks in surrey
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Surrey, located in the southeast of England, is a county renowned for its picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and vibrant woodlands. Just a short distance from London, it offers a peaceful escape into nature, making it a popular destination for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The county is home to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a sprawling landscape of chalk downs, ancient woodlands, and stunning viewpoints. This region is a haven for hikers, with countless trails crisscrossing its hills and valleys, offering something for every level of ability.

Surrey is steeped in history, with its trails leading to fascinating landmarks such as Box Hill, Leith Hill Tower, and the Devil’s Punch Bowl. These iconic locations not only provide breathtaking views but also connect walkers to the area’s rich cultural heritage.

The North Downs Way, a long-distance trail that traverses the county, showcases some of Surrey’s most remarkable scenery and passes through charming villages and historic sites.

Whether you’re exploring the peaceful River Wey, strolling through the idyllic village of Shere, or wandering the woodlands of Hindhead Commons, Surrey offers an abundance of walking opportunities that combine natural beauty with a deep sense of history.

The Top 10 Walks In Surrey

1. Box Hill Circular Walk

  • Start/End Point: Box Hill Visitor Centre
  • Distance: 8 miles (12.8 km)
  • Terrain: Chalk downs, woodland, hills
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Box Hill Viewpoint

This classic Surrey walk takes you through the scenic countryside of the Surrey Hills, with breathtaking views from Box Hill, lush woodlands, and tranquil meadows.

2. Leith Hill Circular Walk

  • Start/End Point: Leith Hill Tower
  • Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
  • Terrain: Woodland, heathland
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Leith Hill Tower

A walk to Surrey’s highest point, Leith Hill, offering stunning panoramic views and the chance to explore the historic Leith Hill Tower and its surrounding woodlands.

3. Polesden Lacey Walk

  • Start/End Point: Polesden Lacey National Trust Car Park
  • Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
  • Terrain: Rolling fields, gardens, woodland
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Polesden Lacey

A gentle walk around the beautiful Polesden Lacey estate, with its historic house, landscaped gardens, and views over the Mole Valley.

4. The North Downs Way

  • Start/End Point: Farnham to Dover (Surrey section)
  • Distance: 27 miles (43.4 km)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills, chalk paths
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Notable Landmark: St. Martha’s Hill

This long-distance trail crosses Surrey’s North Downs, passing through scenic hills, peaceful villages, and landmarks such as Guildford’s St. Martha’s Hill.

5. Newlands Corner Circular Walk

  • Start/End Point: Newlands Corner Car Park
  • Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
  • Terrain: Hills, open fields, woodland
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Newlands Corner Viewpoint

A short yet rewarding walk with stunning views from Newlands Corner, a well-loved spot in the Surrey Hills, with a mix of open countryside and wooded trails.

6. Hindhead Commons and The Devil’s Punch Bowl Walk

  • Start/End Point: Hindhead Commons Car Park
  • Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
  • Terrain: Heathland, woodland, hills
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Devil’s Punch Bowl

Explore the dramatic heathland and woodland around the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a natural amphitheater with panoramic views and a fascinating history.

7. Shere and Albury Circular Walk

  • Start/End Point: Shere Village Car Park
  • Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
  • Terrain: Village paths, fields, woodlands
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Shere Village

Starting in the picturesque village of Shere, this walk takes you through rolling fields, quiet woodlands, and past the historic church and village streets.

8. Witley Common and Milford Circular Walk

  • Start/End Point: Witley Common Car Park
  • Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
  • Terrain: Heathland, woodland
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: Witley Common

A peaceful walk through Witley Common’s heathland and woodland trails, perfect for a relaxing stroll in nature.

9. Ranmore Common to Denbies Wine Estate

  • Start/End Point: Ranmore Common Car Park
  • Distance: 6 miles (9.6 km)
  • Terrain: Vineyards, rolling hills, woodland
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Notable Landmark: Denbies Wine Estate

This picturesque walk takes you through the Surrey Hills and ends at Denbies Wine Estate, where you can enjoy scenic views and a taste of local wine.

10. The River Wey Navigation Walk

  • Start/End Point: Guildford to Godalming
  • Distance: 4 miles (6.4 km)
  • Terrain: Riverside paths, flat terrain
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Notable Landmark: River Wey

A relaxing riverside walk along the River Wey Navigation, with tranquil water views, historic locks, and charming Surrey countryside.

Summary – Top 10 Walks in Surrey

We hope you enjoy this list of walks and look forward to trying some of them out on your next visit to Surrey. Why not take a look at other counties too when planning other trips.

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