Polesden Lacey to Denbies Hillside, near Dorking (8km)

A gentle circular route that follows the rough tracks from Polesden Lacey across Ranmore Common to Denbies Hillside. It takes you through some beautiful ancient woodland and offers up stunning views with plenty of nature to spot. Dogs welcome. Pop to the popular Watermill pub, a chic country inn with some of the best views in Surrey.

The Red Barn Walk, Blindley Heath (5km)

This pub – a Muddy fave has got its own walk – is a gentle saunter through horse-riding country, with open green terrain and no ploughed fields. Unfortunately it’s not suitable for dogs due to stiles and farm land so leave Fido at home on this occasion. But do head to The Red Barn pub afterwards – it’s full of charm and character from the flagstones to the rafters.

Headley Heath Circuit, near Epsom (6.6km)

A dog friendly walk, this circuit will take you through open heathland, woodland and chalk down land, but wear good boots as it can be a bit uneven in places. Park in the main Headley Heath car park. Afterwards pop to The Cock Inn at Headley afterwards for a well deserved roast!

Weybridge to New Haw Loch, Weybridge (8km)

A view of Weybridge, Surrey — River views at Weybridge. *Image: Shutterstock*

An easy 8km walk that follows the route of the last commercial barges on the Wey Navigation that 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 route. For pub dining nearby good options include The Waverly Inn and The Minnow, or for a river view head to The Old Crown.

Leith Hill woodland walk, Coldharbour (4km)

Take in panoramic views from Leith Hill tower, the highest point in south-east England, and discover the countryside surrounding composer Ralph Vaughan Williams’ former childhood home. On a clear day from the top you’ll get stunning views towards London in the north and the English Channel in the south. Now you’ve really got an appetite so head to The Plough Inn, Coldharbour.

Winkworth to Oakhurst, near Godalming (4km)

A man and dog walking at Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey. — Winkworth walk. Photo credit: Amber Evans

A beautiful wooded walk connecting three National Trust properties. Start at Winkworth Aboretum, head over Hydon’s Ball and finish at Oakhust Cottage. Pre-book tickets for Winkworth – there’s a lot to take in and the arboretum is beautiful so it’s worth the extra effort. Reward yourself with lunch on the river at The Stag on the River, near Godalming. Further towards Sussex but still a short drive you’ll find The Crown Inn at Chiddingfold.

Chobham Common, Chobham (5.3km)

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. All that fresh air demands a delicious lunch – and top of our list is No15 Restaurant and Bar, formerly the Red Lion which is right next to the common.

Dapdune Wharf to Cartbridge Wharf, Guildford (8km to 17.5km)

People walk along the River Wey in Guildford, Surrey — Take a stroll along the path at Guildford

If you’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. The Gomshall Mill, just two minutes outside Guildford, right on the river, is a splendid spot to refuel with a drink or a hearty lunch.

Chilworth Walk, near Guildford (8km)

This a beautiful countryside walk takes you up to the historic St Martha’s Church which has 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. View the circular walk here. It’s moderately strenuous and starts and ends near The Percy Arms pub – huzzah!

Banstead Woods, Banstead (4.7km)

This circular walk will take you through 250 acres of beautiful ancient woodlands. It’s also a great spot for taking the dogs, and if you have kids – keep an eye out for the Narnia Trail. Pack the wellies though, it can get pretty muddy. Then enjoy a well-earned glass at the Ramblers Rest in Coulsdon.

The Long Walk, Windsor (6km)

Windsor Castle, Berkshire — Windsor’s magnificent long walk

With the world’s largest occupied castle as a backdrop, stonking parkland and the impressive Copper Horse statue of mad King George III on horseback, this is a royally good walk following in the footsteps of Kings and Queens. 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 Gate up to the Copper Horse and back again (you can dip out anytime), its a dead straight leisurely stroll down the tree-lined drive and back again. No bikes, no cars just you and the deer. View the walk here. For a regal roast after The Bailiwick is right on the edge of the giant Great Windsor Park.

Reigate Hill, Reigate (5.3km)

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. Be warned there are some hills involved! Not too far away is the The Black Horse, Reigate close to Priory Park with its play area if you still need to burn the beans off the kids.

Frensham Pond, near Farnham (2.5km)

The Great Pond Circular takes you around Frensham Pond and part of the surrounding heathland. There’s plenty of wildlife to be seen, if you’re lucky including ducks, coots and bitterns. Positioned in the heart of Farnham town centre The Castle, is the perfect pub to refuel afterwards.

Wotton Trail, near Dorking (5km)

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 Wotton Hatch pub.

Limpsfield Common, near Oxted (1.2km)

A nature spot in Limpsfield, Surrey. — Nature spot in Limpsfield

A lovely walk when the bluebells are in bloom early spring, but equally pleasant on a crisp winter day. The walk takes you past farmers’ fields and through ancient woodland. Halfway round, take a break at The Carpenters Arms – a traditional country pub with great food. It’s a nice easy trail – so a good one if you have little ’uns who can’t walk too far.

Staffhurst Wood, Limpsfield (3km)

An easy circular walk that explores this beautiful old woodland. It’s a popular spot for families and dog walkers, but can get muddy in the wet winter months – so pack your wellies. The walk starts and ends at the free St Silvan’s car park (Staffhurst Wood Road, Limpsfield). There are several good boozers nearby including The Grumpy Mole, The Bull and The Haycutter, Oxted which is close to another 5km circular ramble that covers meadows, woodland and even an old mill.

River Mole, Esher (5.5km)

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. Indulge yourself after with a fabulous lunch at The Prince of Wales in West End, just outside Esher, afterwards.

The best winter walks with pubs in Surrey

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