Top 5 walks to explore the best of the Surrey Hills

Visiting Surrey and want to see the best of it? Looking to escape London's bustle and explore an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty? Seeking an easy walk for beginners or families? From riverside strolls to woodland walks, from panoramic views to hidden history, walking is the best way to explore the Surrey Hills. Here are five short, year-round walks (4hrs or less) that showcase the best of the area.

Short Walks in the Surrey Hills - Front Cover

15 Short Walks in the Surrey Hills

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Discover 15 of the best short walks around Guildford, Dorking and south Surrey. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.

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Views of Dorking from the slopes of Box Hill

The most iconic walk in the Surrey Hills...

What: Box Hill Hike
Summary: One of the more challenging routes in the Surrey Hills, with some great viewpoints along the way
Start/finish: Box Hill National Trust car park
TIme: 4hr
Distance: 12.5km (7¾ miles)
Climb: 485m

The signposted Box Hill Hike (BHH) might be one of the most challenging routes in the Surrey Hills. There are some steep up- and downhill sections, however your efforts will be rewarded with some great views. There are plenty of nice picnic spots or you can opt for a rest with a refreshing drink at the pub halfway around.

Fun fact: The name Box Hill refers to the ancient box woodland found on the west-facing chalk slopes. The area is habitat for 38 species of butterflies and some 17 species of orchids. The long-distance North Downs Way traverses the south-facing slope and the route of the 2012 Summer Olympics cycling road race also climbed Box Hill.

There is dense vegetation along most of the walk

Cinematic stroll of movie fame...

What: Shere woodlands
Summary: A woodland walk and a picturesque village with pleasant pubs
Start/finish: Middle Street, Shere
TIme: 1¾hr
Distance: 5km (3 miles)
Climb: 150m

This leafy woodland walk starts and ends in the charming village of Shere where some scenes of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and The Holiday were filmed. Stroll amongst old village houses and visit one of the pubs or the tea room to soak up the atmosphere.

Fun fact: More than a fifth of the land area of Surrey is covered by woodland, making it England's most wooded county. A quarter of these woodlands are ancient woodlands.

Explore Guildford with a riverside stroll...

What: Guildford and the River Wey
Summary: A lovely river stroll and a chance to explore the historic town centre
Start/finish: Town Bridge, Guildford
TIme: 2hr
Distance: 7km (4¼ miles)
Climb: 85m

Just a short stroll from Guildford town centre you will find yourself on a stunning riverside path. Follow the snaking River Wey, watch the narrowboats navigating through locks and enjoy the views from St Catherine’s Hill. Return to Guildford and allow some time to explore the town centre and visit one of the old pubs.

Fun fact: Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) – author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland – spent some time in Guildford and there are sculptures of some of the characters from his books dotted around town.

The Denbies estate buildings are surrounded by rows of grapevines

Walk through the biggest vineyard in England...

What: Denbies Hillside and vineyard
Summary: A gentle walk through vineyards with lovely views to Box Hill
Start/finish: Dorking railway station
TIme: 2hr
Distance: 6km (3¾ miles)
Climb: 160m

This is a gentle stroll through the biggest vineyard in England followed by a short woodland walk and a traverse on the scenic grassy chalkland of Denbies Hillside. Drink in the views of the rolling vineyards with the iconic Box Hill in the background and then sample some local wine. The vineyard is easily accessible from Dorking.

Fun fact: England’s largest vineyard, the Denbies Wine Estate was founded in 1984. The vineyards are situated in a protected valley of south-facing slopes on the North Downs. The grapes grown on the chalky soil in a micro-climate produce some award-winning sparkling wines. The estate welcomes visitors with a restaurant, a hotel, a shop and wine tasting tours. The paths through the vineyard provide some amazing views to the iconic Box Hill.

Sample a section of the North Downs Way...

What: St Martha’s Hill and Chilworth Gunpowder Mills
Summary: A walk along the North Downs Way, with a short climb to St Martha’s Hill and a descent to an old gunpowder mill
Start/finish: Chantry Wood car park, Guildford
TIme: 3hr
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Climb: 225m

Follow the North Downs Way (NDW) to St Martha’s Hill and admire the views from the church before descending to the River Tillingbourne. Explore the remains of the historic gunpowder mill and return via Chantry Wood. The woodland is spectacular in the spring when it is carpeted with bluebells.

Fun fact: Passing through the Surrey and Kent AONBs, the 130 mile (208km) North Downs Way National Trail traces a high chalk ridge of downland between Farnham and Dover, with extensive views across the Weald and the 'garden of England'. Following the Pilgrims' Way for part of the route, the ancient sites, picturesque villages and historic towns provide additional appeal to anyone interested in the area's rich history.

All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks in the Surrey Hills. Other highlights include The Lovelace Bridges, Reigate Fort, and Surrey's highest hill, Leith Hill. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.