Surrey


<p>Discover some of the&nbsp;best family friendly walks near you &#8211; from beautiful country romps, circular walks and water-side routes.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/06/Walks_Riverside-©GBC.jpg" alt="A walk along the River Wey, near Guildford in Surrey." class="wp-image-59690" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/06/Walks_Riverside-©GBC.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/06/Walks_Riverside-©GBC-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/06/Walks_Riverside-©GBC-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/06/Walks_Riverside-©GBC-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The River Wey, Guildford. <em>Photo credit: Guildford Borough Council</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-weybridge-to-new-haw-loch-weybridge-8km">1. <a 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" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weybridge to New Haw Loch</a>, Weybridge (8km)</h2>



<p>This easy family-friendly 8km walk that follows the route of the last commercial barges on the Wey Navigation starts and ends in Thames Street, Weybridge, right by the traditional <a href="http://theoldcrownweybridge.co.uk/">Old Crown pub</a> if you&#8217;re in need of some refreshment. Much of the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/river-wey-and-godalming-navigations-and-dapdune-wharf/weybridge-to-new-haw-lock-walk?awc=3795_1589377674_5280289f11412c480b7a7ae0f46017cc&amp;campid=Affiliates_Central_Mem_AWIN_Standard&amp;aff=78888">walk</a> is along the towpath, so largely flat and easy and dogs on leads are welcome. If that&#8217;s worked up an appetite you won’t go hungry in Weybridge where there is a raft of restaurants, bars, cafés and bars. See our recommendations <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/surrey/weybridge/">here.</a> </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-virginia-water-lake-englefield-green-7km">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>Fancy a wander round a lake? How about a classic circular walk that takes you around Virginia Water at Windsor Great Park. 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 family walk and dogs are welcome, you can do shorter versions if you&#8217;re more amble than ramble. There is a farm shop and café nearby. Find all the details<a href="https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/explore/the-park/virginia-water/"> here</a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/04/Eats-PloughInn-03.jpg" alt="A friendly cow on a walk to Leith Hill, near Dorking in Surrey." class="wp-image-6711" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/04/Eats-PloughInn-03.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/04/Eats-PloughInn-03-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/04/Eats-PloughInn-03-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2017/04/Eats-PloughInn-03-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A friendly cow on the walk to Leith Hill. </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-leith-hill-woodland-walk-coldharbour-4km">3. <a 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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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. You might even spot a cow or two! 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. For sustenance afterwards head to Dorking where there are several great pubs including <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/review-the-watermill-dorking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Watermill</a> and <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/review-stepping-stones-country-pub-near-dorking/">Stepping Stones.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-chobham-common-chobham-5-3km">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. For gourmet food afterwards head to No15 in Chobham, read our review <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurant/review-no15-restaurant-and-bar-chobham/">here</a>. It&#8217;s family-friendly, and dogs are welcome in the bar and garden.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-chilworth-walk-near-guildford-8km">5. <a href="https://surreyhills.org/activity/shalford-to-chilworth/">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 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 <a href="https://www.thepercyarms.net/">Percy Arms</a> pub or head into Guildford where you are spoilt for choice for <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurant/best-restaurants-guildford-surrey/">food options.</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="995" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/Windsor-Castle-simon-hurry-unsplash.jpg" alt="Windsor Castle, Berkshire" class="wp-image-47404" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/Windsor-Castle-simon-hurry-unsplash.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/Windsor-Castle-simon-hurry-unsplash-800x531.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/Windsor-Castle-simon-hurry-unsplash-1000x663.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/Windsor-Castle-simon-hurry-unsplash-400x265.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/Windsor-Castle-simon-hurry-unsplash-768x509.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/04/Windsor-Castle-simon-hurry-unsplash-791x525.jpg 791w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Long Walk in Windsor. Photo credit: Simon Murray / Unsplash</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-the-long-walk-windsor-6km">6. <a href="https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/explore/the-park/the-long-walk-deer-park/">The Long Walk</a>, Windsor (6km)</h2>



<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 family walk 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;No bikes, no cars (unless you’re the crown-wearing VIP) just you, lots of deer and His Maj keeping an eye from the windows. You can download a map of the park <a href="https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/visit/your-visit/park-map/">here.</a> For refreshments afterwards the park has a café or head to one of Windsor&#8217;s restaurants &#8211; our <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/best-restaurants-in-windsor-where-to-eat/">guide</a> here. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-banstead-woods-banstead-4-7km">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. For casual dining afterwards head to <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/cafes/eat-out-cafe-chai-banstead/">Café Chai</a> in Banstead or The Ramblers&#8217; Rest in Chipstead.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-abinger-trail-abinger-hammer-3-5km">8. <a href="https://surreyhills.org/activity/tillingbourne-tales-abinger/">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 the village (there&#8217;s a small car park), and takes in the sites of former mills and historic houses. You can refresh at the<a href="https://theabingerhatch.co.uk/"> Abinger Hatch</a> pub &#8211; a former finalist in the Muddy Awards. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1005" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Reigate-Hill-AE-0471.jpeg" alt="Reigate Hill" class="wp-image-53453" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Reigate-Hill-AE-0471.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Reigate-Hill-AE-0471-800x536.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Reigate-Hill-AE-0471-1000x670.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Reigate-Hill-AE-0471-400x268.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/02/Reigate-Hill-AE-0471-768x515.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Reigate Hill </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-reigate-hill-reigate-5-3km">9. <a 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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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, but you can rest your weary legs at one of the lovely pubs or restaurants in Reigate see our insider guide<a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/guide-to-reigate-surrey/"> here.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-frensham-pond-near-farnham-2-5km">10.<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/frensham-little-pond/frensham-little-pond-family-walk"> Frensham Pond</a>, near Farnham (2.5km)</h2>



<p>The Great Pond Circular is a gentle stroll &#8211; the perfect family walk &#8211; and 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 which you might catch from a bird hide along the way. There is also a welcome little <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/frensham-little-pond/eating-at-frensham-little-pond">café</a> at the bottom of the hill or for a more substantial meal head to <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/bel-and-the-dragon-churt-farnham/">Bel &amp; The Dragon</a> in nearby Churt, or <a href="https://www.dukeofcambridgetilford.co.uk/local/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Duke of Cambridge</a> in Tilford.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-wotton-trail-near-dorking-5km">11. <a href="https://surreyhills.org/activity/tillingbourne-tales-wotton/">Wotton 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 <a href="https://www.wottonhatch.co.uk/?utm_source=bing&amp;utm_medium=organic#/">Wotton Hatch</a> pub or head into Dorking and visit one of the gastropubs there.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/12/NT-Dapdune-River-Wey-.jpg" alt="Dapdune on the River Wey in Guildford, Surrey" class="wp-image-30125" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/12/NT-Dapdune-River-Wey-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/12/NT-Dapdune-River-Wey--300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/12/NT-Dapdune-River-Wey--720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/12/NT-Dapdune-River-Wey--150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/12/NT-Dapdune-River-Wey--768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/12/NT-Dapdune-River-Wey--787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dapdune Wharf. <em>Photo credit: National Trust</em></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-12-dapdune-wharf-to-cartbridge-wharf-guildford-8km-to-17-5km">12. <a 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" rel="noreferrer noopener">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. You deserve a drink either way so book somewhere in Guildford, here&#8217;s our insider <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurant/best-restaurants-guildford-surrey/">guide.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-13-limpsfield-common-near-oxted-1-2km">13. <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/limpsfield-common/limpsfield-common-ridlands-grove-short-spring-walk">Limpsfield Common</a>, near Oxted (1.2km)</h2>



<p>A lovely walk when the bluebells are in bloom, so if you&#8217;re 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. Look out for the woodland structures erected by volunteers. It&#8217;s also dog friendly. There is a great pub the <a href="https://www.carpentersarmslimpsfield.com/">Carpenters Arms</a> just across the Green.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-14-river-mole-esher-5-5km">14. <a aria-label="River Mole (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.fancyfreewalks.org/Surrey/EsherWestEnd-RiverMole.pdf?version=jul19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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.  Head to the <a href="https://www.theprinceofwales-westend.co.uk/">Prince of Wales</a> pub, (obviously!), to recharge or for something really top-end head to  José Pizarro at <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-jose-pizarro-at-the-swan-inn-claygate/">The Swan Inn</a> in Claygate.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1503" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/06/Outwood-Common-Cricket-AE-2023.jpeg" alt="The village cricket green at Outwood in Surrey." class="wp-image-59689" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/06/Outwood-Common-Cricket-AE-2023.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/06/Outwood-Common-Cricket-AE-2023-798x800.jpeg 798w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/06/Outwood-Common-Cricket-AE-2023-998x1000.jpeg 998w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/06/Outwood-Common-Cricket-AE-2023-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/06/Outwood-Common-Cricket-AE-2023-768x770.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/06/Outwood-Common-Cricket-AE-2023-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The cricket pitch at Outwood. </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-15-outwood-common-harewoods-4km">15. <a aria-label="Outwood Common (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/harewoods/trails/outwood-common-walk-at-harewoods" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Outwood Common</a>, Harewoods (4km)</h2>



<p>This easy walk takes you through open farmland and shady woodland &#8211; and if you&#8217;re lucky you might even see the deer. It starts at the Outwood Common car park, near the quintessentially English village cricket pitch. Head to the <a href="https://www.belloutwood.co.uk/?utm_source=googlemybusiness&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=yext&amp;utm_content=P115&amp;y_source=1_MTIyMzcxNzMtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLmdvb2dsZV93ZWJzaXRlX292ZXJyaWRl#EATANDDRINK">Bell</a> for a slap up meal afterwards.</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>


Summer strolls! 15 family-friendly walks in Surrey

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