Best Surrey Walks: Discover the great outdoors in your backyard

Published 25 August 2021 Updated 30 June 2022

4,309 Views Surrey Feature

Best Surrey Walks: Discover the great outdoors in your backyard

The sun is shining and the weather is… confused?

We all know that the great British summer has a mind of its own but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of opportunities to get out and about for a short stroll or excursion in our wonderful Surrey. Whether the weather plays ball or not – the far reaches of Surrey are there for us to explore!

Not sure where to head? Lucky for you, we’ve done the hard work and created a list of our top 6 favourite Surrey walking and hiking spots.

So let’s get started shall we, here are some of the best Surrey walks…

Chilworth Trail

Chilworth Trail - Best Surrey Walks: Discover the great outdoors in your backyard

Chilworth Trail - Photo Credit @hectorsausage

Chilworth Trail

Start point: Top of Vera's Path next to the Percy Arms pub, Chilworth, GU4 8NP
Length: 4.5-5km Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours Difficulty: Moderate

This Surrey trail is one for the whole family! Ticking all the boxes it has:

✔️ A gentle series of paths

✔️ An historical space to explore

✔️ Hilltop views

✔️ Waterways for paddling in

Meander your way to the Chilworth Gunpowder Works where you’ll find the famous remains of the Tillingbourne mills. it’s a great one for kids too as there are many nooks, crannies for your little adventures to discover.

The Polesden Lacey Walk

The Polesden Lacey Walk - Best Surrey Walks: Discover the great outdoors in your backyard

The Polesden Lacey Walk - Photo Credit @needtorunmore

The Polesden Lacey Walk

Start point: Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham, RH5 6BD
Length: 6.7 km Duration: 2.5 hours Difficulty: Moderate

If you are wanting to get the trifecta of wide-open spaces, rich history and lush woodlands, this is the walk for you. This somewhat challenging Surrey walk will have you seeing working farms, views over Surrey Hills and an abundance of wildlife.

So grab your friends, pack a picnic and enjoy this 1,400-acre estate while the sun is shining!

Abinger Roughs Nature Walk

Abinger Roughs Nature Walk - Best Surrey Walks: Discover the great outdoors in your backyard

Abinger Roughs Nature Walk - Photo Credit @bogdan_schiteanu

Abinger Roughs Nature Walk

Start point: White Down Ln, Abinger Hammer, Dorking, RH5 6QS
Length: 3.2 km Duration: 1.5 hours Difficulty: Easy

Once upon a time, Charles Darwin was a regular wanderer of the Abinger Rough and we can see why. The famous naturalist would have found himself surrounded by the wonders of wildlife on the Roughs.

Flat paths and clear signage mean this is a walk for all ages and abilities so head to Abinger Rough to enjoy the best Surrey walk with your family the next opportunity you have.

Box Hill Stepping Stones Walk

Box Hill Stepping Stones Walk - Best Surrey Walks: Discover the great outdoors in your backyard

Box Hill Stepping Stones Walk - Photo Credit @emcusworth_94

Box Hill Stepping Stones Walk

Start point: The Old Fort Box Hill Road, Tadworth, KT20 7LB
Length: 3.2 km Duration: 1.5 hours Difficulty: Moderate

A classic Surrey walk, the stepping stones are the focal point of many images celebrating Surrey so get your walking shoes and take this picturesque track down to the River Mole and back.

The stepping stones themselves are hard to miss but depending on rainfall, you need to be prepared to get your feet wet!

This favourite Surrey walk also has some fantastic panoramic views of Surrey Hills and takes you past the historical Box Hill Fort. It also ends at a cafe so make sure to treat yourself after your hard work. 😉

Riverside Nature Reserve

Riverside Nature Reserve - Best Surrey Walks: Discover the great outdoors in your backyard

Riverside Nature Reserve - Photo Credit surrey_snaps

Riverside Nature Reserve

Start point: Stoke Lock, Woking Road, GU1 1QE
Length: 30 hectare wildlife haven Duration: as long as you like! Difficulty: Easy

This 80-hectare nature reserve winds along the River Wey taking you on boardwalks through wetlands, alongside cows grazing, and amongst birdlife of all kinds.

With picnic tables to have a break at, birdwatching spots, wetland boardwalks, ducks to feed (frozen peas are the recommended snack here), and bats coming out at sunset, there is nature galore to enjoy as you wander around the River Wey

So if you’re a nature enthusiast, get those walking shoes on and get yourself to the Riverside Nature Reserve stat!

Leith Hill Woodland Walk

Leith Hill Woodland Walk - Best Surrey Walks: Discover the great outdoors in your backyard

Leith Hill Woodland Walk - Photo Credit @castletourist

Leith Hill Woodland Walk

Near Coldharbour village, Dorking, RH5 6HF
Length: 4 km Duration: 1-2 hours Difficulty: Easy

Now, this is a walk that has it all!

❥ Want to immerse yourself in a bit of history? Enjoy a picnic spot that has been popular since the 19th century.

❥ Do you want panoramic views? Head up the Leith Hill Tower to see the stunning Surrey countryside.

❥  Feel like being one with nature? Wander into the woods and you might even spot some of the locals 🦌

Another one for the whole gang to enjoy so pack a picnic and get yourself here for a glorious Surrey day out!

That’s just some of the best walks and hikes across Surrey. If you know of any other beautiful Surrey walks and hikes then get in contact and we can add it to the list.

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