Discover the varied landscapes and hidden gems of the Surrey countryside with 15 Short Walks in the Surrey Hills, a practical and inspiring guidebook to short walks in the Surrey Hills National Landscape (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). 

Carefully designed to be completed in under three hours, these circular walks are ideal for relaxed half-day adventures, family outings or anyone wanting to enjoy scenic countryside without committing to a full-day hike.

• 15 carefully selected circular walks are included, ranging from 5 to 13km (3–8 miles), suitable for most abilities and typically completed in under three hours, including areas around Guildford, Dorking and Farnham
• Explore some of the Surrey Hills’ best-known beauty spots, including Box Hill, Leith Hill, Devil’s Punch Bowl and Reigate Fort, along with quieter hidden gems along the River Wey and sweeping viewpoints across the North Downs and Greensand Hills
• Practical information for every walk includes distance, ascent, start points, parking, public transport options and nearby cafés or pubs, helping you plan easy and enjoyable outings for all the family in Surrey
• Navigate with confidence using clear step-by-step directions and detailed Ordnance Survey mapping, with GPX files available to download for use on GPS devices on walks that include the scenery around Frensham Little Pond, and the striking turquoise waters of Silent Pool, a spring-fed lake steeped in local legend
• Highlights along the routes include the evocative ruins of Waverley Abbey, England’s first Cistercian abbey set beside the River Wey; the woodland remains of Chilworth Gunpowder Mills, where paths weave past historic industrial structures and the ornate Victorian Lovelace Bridges 

From peaceful woodland strolls and gentle hill climbs to panoramic viewpoints across the South East, the Surrey Hills offer a remarkable variety within easy reach of London.

 With its compact format, clear mapping and carefully chosen routes, this Cicerone Short Walks guidebook makes it easy to discover the best of the area one rewarding walk at a time—whether you’re exploring for the first time or rediscovering a favourite countryside escape.

15 Short Walks in the Surrey Hills – Quick Facts

Guidebook name: 15 Short Walks in the Surrey Hills
Location: Surrey Hills National Landscape, southern England
Number of walks: 15 circular short walks
Distance: 5–13km (3–8 miles) per walk
Typical duration: 1–3 hours per walk
Terrain: Woodland trails, chalk downland, sandy heathland, riverside paths and rolling countryside
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for most walkers, including families and casual hikers
Highlights: Box Hill, Leith Hill, Devil's Punch Bowl, Reigate Fort, Waverley Abbey and scenic locations such as Frensham Little Pond and Silent Pool
Navigation: Step-by-step route descriptions with 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey mapping; downloadable GPX files available
Facilities: Parking, cafés, pubs and public transport information included for towns and villages such as Guildford, Dorking and Farnham
Best season: Year-round walking; spring and autumn offer especially good conditions with woodland colour and clear hilltop views

Author Highlight

“Less than an hour from the bustle of London you will find England’s most densely wooded county, Surrey. A rich mosaic of farmland, woodland, heathland, downs, commons and rivers make up this diverse landscape. From leisurely riverside walks to afternoon strolls in leafy woodlands, from panoramic views to hidden history, walking is the best way to explore the Surrey Hills.”

- Nike Werstroh, author of 15 Short Walks in the Surrey Hills

Location of walks

Map key

Using this guide

Routes in this book

Clothing and footwear

Walk descriptions

Maps, GPX files and what3words

Walking with children

Dogs

Enjoying the countryside responsibly

Route summary table

Introduction

Walking in the Surrey Hills

Things to see

Travel

Where to stay

The walks

Walk 1 Tilford and Frensham Little Pond

Walk 2 Crooksbury Hill and Waverley Abbey

Walk 3 Devil’s Punch Bowl

Walk 4 Guildford and the River Wey

Walk 5 St Martha’s Hill and Chilworth Gunpowder Mills

Walk 6 Bramley old railway and the River Wey

Walk 7 Newlands Corner and Silent Pool

Walk 8 Shere woodlands

Walk 9 Hurtwood and Holmbury Hill

Walk 10 The Lovelace Bridges

Walk 11 Denbies Hillside and vineyard

Walk 12 Box Hill and the Stepping Stones

Walk 13 Box Hill Hike

Walk 14 Leith Hill

Walk 15 Reigate Fort

Useful information

Seasons

The short walks in this book can be enjoyed all year round. The bluebell-carpeted woodlands are spectacular in the spring. Summer and autumn are also perfect for short walks, and crisp winter days are excellent to enjoy some views. Some paths can get muddy, especially in the autumn and winter.

Centres

Guildford, Dorking, Farnham, Shere, Reigate, Newlands Corner, Peaslake, Tilford, Hindhead, East Horsley, Bramley

Difficulty

From easy riverside strolls to the slightly more challenging Box Hill Hike, there is a short walk for everyone who wants to explore the beautiful rolling hills in Surrey. Most walks can be shortened (or lengthened) to meet walkers' ability. And there is almost always an option to take a break in a cosy local pub.

Must See

Guildford, Dorking, Farnham, Box Hill, Leith Hill, Holmbury Hill, River Wey, Newlands Corner, St Martha's Hill, Devil's Punch Bowl, Fernsham Ponds, Reigate Fort, North Downs Way, Greensand Way, pillboxes

March 2023

Walks 9 and 11 start points

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