Surrey


<p>We’ve kept things relatively easy and lock-down friendly in length (hikers we are not), which makes this round-up perfect for families wanting to enjoy a little socially-distanced stroll.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/05/Walks_Surrey-Hills_Guildford-Borough-Council-image.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26183" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/05/Walks_Surrey-Hills_Guildford-Borough-Council-image.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/05/Walks_Surrey-Hills_Guildford-Borough-Council-image-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/05/Walks_Surrey-Hills_Guildford-Borough-Council-image-720x479.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/05/Walks_Surrey-Hills_Guildford-Borough-Council-image-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/05/Walks_Surrey-Hills_Guildford-Borough-Council-image-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/05/Walks_Surrey-Hills_Guildford-Borough-Council-image-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Photograph courtesy of Guildford Borough Council</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="River Wey Walks: Weybridge to New Haw Loch (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/river-wey-and-godalming-navigations-and-dapdune-wharf/trails/river-wey-walks-weybridge-to-new-haw-lock?awc=3795_1589377674_5280289f11412c480b7a7ae0f46017cc&amp;campid=Affiliates_Central_Mem_AWIN_Standard&amp;aff=78888" target="_blank">Weybridge to New Haw Loch</a>, Weybridge (8km)</h2>



<p>An easy 8km walk that follows the route of the last commercial barges on the Wey Navigations. It starts and ends in Thames Street, Weybridge. Much of the walk is along the towpath, so largely flat and easy. Dogs on leads are welcome along the entire towpath. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/river-wey-and-godalming-navigations-and-dapdune-wharf/trails/river-wey-walks-weybridge-to-new-haw-lock?awc=3795_1589377674_5280289f11412c480b7a7ae0f46017cc&amp;campid=Affiliates_Central_Mem_AWIN_Standard&amp;aff=78888" target="_blank">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Virginia Water Lake (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/activities/walking" target="_blank">Virginia Water Lake</a>, Englefield Green (7km)</h2>



<p>A classic circular walk that takes you around the lake. Start at the Savill Garden and along the way you&#8217;ll take in the impressive heights of the Cascade waterfalls and the ancient Leptis Magna ruins. It&#8217;s an easy walk and dogs are welcome. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/media/417840/the-savill-garden-to-vw-lake.pdf" target="_blank">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Leith Hill woodland walk (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill/trails/leith-hill-woodland-walk" target="_blank">Leith Hill woodland walk</a>, Coldharbour (4km)</h2>



<p>Take in panoramic views from Leith Hill tower &#8211; the highest point in south-east England &#8211; and discover the countryside surrounding composer Ralph Vaughan Williams’ former childhood home. The woods here are a mass of colour in spring and summer, and on a clear day from the top you’ll get stunning views towards London in the north and the English Channel in the south. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/leith-hill/trails/leith-hill-woodland-walk" target="_blank">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Chobham Common (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/surrey/chobham-common-circuit" target="_blank">Chobham Common</a>, Chobham (5.3km)</h2>



<p>A circular walk around Chobham Common, the largest National Nature Reserve in the south east of England and a wonderful example of lowland heath. It follows the paths through the length of the common, and is a great walk for dogs who love to run, explore and paddle. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/surrey/chobham-common-circuit" target="_blank">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Chilworth Walk (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.surreyhills.org/discover-route/greensand-way/" target="_blank">Chilworth Walk</a>, near Guildford (8km)</h2>



<p>This a beautiful countryside walk takes&nbsp;you up to the historic St Martha’s Church which has&nbsp;lovely views out over the Surrey Hills. You’ll pass through down lanes and through undulating fields and will get a view of Guildford Cathedral across the fields. It&#8217;s a circular walk, and moderately strenuous,  that starts and ends at the Percy Arms pub. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.surreyhills.org/discover-route/greensand-way/" target="_blank">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/heritage/historic-points-of-interest" target="_blank">The Long Walk</a>, Windsor (6km)</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2019/10/Windsor-Caslte-Long-Walk-720x480.jpg" alt="Windsor Caslte Long Walk tree lined stormy skies" class="wp-image-24010" /></figure>



<p>The world’s largest occupied castle as a backdrop, stonking parkland and the impressive Copper Horse statue of&nbsp;mad King&nbsp;George III on horseback (actually made of brass, just saying). It’s an easy stroll that follows in the footsteps of Kings and Queens. This is a dead straight leisurely stroll&nbsp;down the tree-lined drive and back again.&nbsp;What it lacks in map-reading it makes up for in regal splendour. It’s a 5-mile round trip from Windsor Castle’s Cambridge&nbsp;Gate up to the Copper Horse and back again (you can dip out anytime). No bikes, no cars (unless you’re the crown-wearing VIP) just you, lots of deer and Her Maj keeping an eye from her windows.&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/en/heritage/historic-points-of-interest" target="_blank">View the walk here</a><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/basildon-park/documents/parkland-walks-leaflet-.pdf" target="_blank">.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/surrey/explore-surrey-banstead-woods-nature-trail">Banstead Woods</a>, Banstead (4.7km)</h2>



<p>This circular walk will take you through 250 acres of beautiful ancient woodlands which is a haven of wildflowers. It&#8217;s also a great spot for taking the dogs, and if you have kids &#8211; keep an eye out for the Narnia Trail. <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/surrey/explore-surrey-banstead-woods-nature-trail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Abinger Trail (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.tillingbournetales.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/03/Abinger-trail-flyer.compressed.pdf" target="_blank">Abinger Trail</a>, Abinger Hammer (3.5km)</h2>



<p>A heritage trail that takes in the pretty village of Abinger Hammer as well as the surrounding countryside and fields. It starts in the centre of Abinger Hammer Village (there&#8217;s a small village car park) and takes in the sites of former mills and historic houses. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.tillingbournetales.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/03/Abinger-trail-flyer.compressed.pdf" target="_blank">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Whitehall to Mickleham village (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill/trails/whitehill-to-mickleham-village-walk" target="_blank">Whitehall to Mickleham village</a>, near Dorking (6.2km)</h2>



<p>This walk is mostly through woodland, but you’ll also get lovely views of Box Hill and Leith Hill, plus it takes you past the church in Mickleham. It&#8217;s a circular walk &#8211; with a few hilly bits &#8211; that starts and ends at the Cockshot National Trust car park. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/box-hill/trails/whitehill-to-mickleham-village-walk" target="_blank">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Reigate Hill (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/reigate-hill-and-gatton-park/trails/reigate-hill-walk" target="_blank">Reigate Hill</a>, Reigate (5.3km)</h2>



<p>An exhilarating walk through grasslands and wooded areas with lovely views across the Weald towards the South Downs. The walk takes you past entrance to Reigate Fort, which you can also explore. There are some hills involved. <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/reigate-hill-and-gatton-park/trails/reigate-hill-walk">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">11. <a href="https://frensham-pc.gov.uk/parishwp/our-countryside/walks-and-cycle-routes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Frensham Pond (opens in a new tab)">Frensham Pond</a>, near Farnham (2.5km)</h2>



<p>The Great Pond Circular takes you around Frensham Pond and part of the surrounding heathland. There&#8217;s plenty of wildlife to be seen, if you&#8217;re lucky including ducks, coots and bitterns. <a href="https://frensham-pc.gov.uk/parishwp/our-countryside/walks-and-cycle-routes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">12. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Wootton Trail (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.surreyhills.org/discover-route/wotton-trail/" target="_blank">Wootton Trail</a>, near Dorking (5km)</h2>



<p>This heritage trail takes in the sprawling wooded paths around Wotton House Country Estate. Explore the historic milling hamlets and garden features of the area, including the ornamental cascade at Broadmoor, taking in the scenic countryside, woodland and millponds along the way. It starts and ends at the Wootton Hatch pub. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.surreyhills.org/discover-route/wotton-trail/" target="_blank">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">13. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="River Wey Walks: Dapdune Wharf to Cartbridge Wharf (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/river-wey-and-godalming-navigations-and-dapdune-wharf/trails/wey-walks-dapdune-wharf-to-cartbridge-wharf?awc=3795_1589379994_a1603a5aa2536e4baecc949699e00865&amp;campid=Affiliates_Central_Mem_AWIN_Standard&amp;aff=78888" target="_blank">Dapdune Wharf to Cartbridge Wharf</a>, Guildford (8km to 17.5km)</h2>



<p>If you&#8217;re feeling energetic and fancy a five-hour out-and-back you could tackle the full version of this walk. Or alternatively go as far as you fancy, then turn back and retrace the route. It follows the towpath along the boundary of Sutton Place and passes Stoke Mill, the home of the Surrey Advertiser. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/river-wey-and-godalming-navigations-and-dapdune-wharf/trails/wey-walks-dapdune-wharf-to-cartbridge-wharf?awc=3795_1589379994_a1603a5aa2536e4baecc949699e00865&amp;campid=Affiliates_Central_Mem_AWIN_Standard&amp;aff=78888" target="_blank">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">14. <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/limpsfield-common/trails/ridlands-grove-short-spring-walk-at-limpsfield-common" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Limpsfield Common (opens in a new tab)">Limpsfield Common</a>, near Oxted (1.2km)</h2>



<p>A lovely walk when the bluebells are in bloom, so if your&#8217;e lucky you might catch the last of them before their heads finally droop. It&#8217;s a nice easy trail &#8211; so a good one if you have little&#8217;uns who can&#8217;t walk too far. It&#8217;s also dog friendly. <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/limpsfield-common/trails/ridlands-grove-short-spring-walk-at-limpsfield-common">Vi</a><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="ew the walk here. (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/limpsfield-common/trails/ridlands-grove-short-spring-walk-at-limpsfield-common" target="_blank">ew the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">15. <a href="http://www.fancyfreewalks.org/Surrey/EsherWestEnd-RiverMole.pdf?version=jul19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="River Mole (opens in a new tab)">River Mole</a>, Esher (5.5km)</h2>



<p>This woodland walk starts by the Prince of Wales pond near Esher, and takes you on a wild ramble along the River Mole and then over beech- and pine-clad hills. It takes in all six ponds of this part of Esher Common. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.fancyfreewalks.org/Surrey/EsherWestEnd-RiverMole.pdf?version=jul19" target="_blank">View the walk here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">16. <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/harewoods/trails/outwood-common-walk-at-harewoods" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Outwood Common (opens in a new tab)">Outwood Common</a>, Harewoods (4km)</h2>



<p>This easy walk takes you through open farmland and shady woodland &#8211; and if your&#8217;e lucky you might even see deer. It starts at the Outwood Common car park, near the quintessentially English village cricket pitch. <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/harewoods/trails/outwood-common-walk-at-harewoods" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="View the walk here. (opens in a new tab)">View the walk here.</a></p>



<p><em>Can you recommend a lovely local walk we haven’t mentioned? Please do – the comment box below is all yours!</em></p>


16 family walks in Surrey

You may also like