Part of the North Downs range, Box Hill promises some of the best walking tracks in England. The iconic landmark is named after the ancient European box woodland that blankets the western face, with some of the oldest trees planted in medieval times. The views are spectacular, stretching across the River Mole, the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and beyond. We’ve taken the time to list our favourite Box Hill walks for 2021.
At just under 20 miles from the capital, Box Hill is a sanctuary for Londoners in search of fresh air and wide open space. As well as day-trippers from London, Box Hill attracts its fair share of ramblers, birdwatchers, naturalists and even serious hikers and campers. It really is a slice of pristine wilderness in the heart of Surrey and offers trails to suit every fitness and experience level.
Even on a rainy day, and let’s be frank there are plenty to be had in Surrey, Box Hill is still a real gem. So lace up your boots, pack a waterproof jacket and get ready to explore. Here are some of our favourite trails to get your inspired:
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Hilltop Stroll
Easy and scenic, the Hilltop Stroll is a great option for families looking for Box Hill walks for 2021. It starts at the National Trust Visitor Centre and follows a sealed path that takes you past historic Swiss Cottage. Continue along the path until you see Salomon’s Memorial in the distance. The memorial is a tribute to the city financier and nature lover who purchased Box Hill in the early 1900s and gifted it to the National Trust. A staircase leads down to a path below the viewpoint, where you’ll turn right and begin a gentle uphill climb. Watch out for beech roots, also known as ankle twisters.
Keep following the path until you pass the gravestone of eccentric British Army Major, Peter Labilliere. At his request he was buried upside down on Box Hill. The path will then start to veer downhill and take you to a chalky slope known as Burford Spur. Take cues from Victorian holidaymakers and enjoy a picnic on the spur before turning right and following a small path to Box Hill Fort. From here, a stony track takes you back to the National Trust Visitor Centre.
Length: 1 mile
Average time to complete: 30 minutes
Starting point: National Trust Visitor Centre
Box Hill Walk
Stretching for eight miles, the signature Box Hill Hike will challenge even experienced walkers. Expect steep climbs, thigh-burning descents and of course, spectacular views that make it all worth it. There are even a few pubs along the way if you build up a thirst.
Starting at Box Hill Shepherd’s Hut Car Park, take the trail to the left of Donkey Green and follow it into the woodlands. This takes you to Lodge Hill, where you’ll get your first glimpse of the rolling countryside to your left. Continue along the path to Broadwood’s Folly, then veer right and right again at the fork. The trail takes you down to the valley, where you’ll follow the signs for Whitehill Car Park then start the climb up to Mickleham. You’ll eventually reach the chocolate-box village, where you can peer into the Norman church and enjoy a pint at the Running Horses pub.
When you’ve refuelled, head back to the churchyard and follow the track that skirts the wooden fence. You’ll pass by St Michael’s School and start gaining elevation before reaching a grassy field called Mickleham Gallops. Things quickly get steep, with the path plunging down into the valley. Enjoy a few more miles of postcard-perfect views before following the path back up to Shepherd’s Hut. The National Trust maps out the route in detail if you’re looking for more information.
Length: 8 miles
Average time to complete: 4 – 6 hours
Starting point: Shepherd’s Hut Car Park
Betchworth Clump
While the name isn’t exactly evocative, Betchworth Clump is one of the best walks in Box Hill and is a must if you want to “summit” the hill. The trail takes you up to a group of ancient beech trees, some of the oldest dating to the 20th century. At 224 metres above sea level Betchworth Clump is the highest point of Box Hill and treats you to sweeping views over the Surrey countryside. You can take the direct route from Box Hill Station and
Length: 2 miles
Average time to complete: 2 hours
Starting point: Box Hill Station
Mole Gap Trail
This six-mile track starts in Leatherhead and takes you to Dorking, skirting the banks of the River Mole along the way. Silver arrows mark the way and make Mole Gap Trail a pleasure to navigate. While the average completion time is around three hours, we’d recommend allowing a little longer to soak in the views and enjoy refreshments along the way. Yes, this is another hike that passes right by a country pub.
Length: 6 miles
Average time to complete: 3 hours
Starting point: Leatherhead or Dorking
Broadwood’s Folly via Happy Valley
This route starts at Shepherd’s Hut Car Park and treats you to some of the most beautiful views in the Surrey Hills. Start by following the signs towards Broadwood’s Folly, a circle-shaped tower perched on the summit of Lodge Hill. It was commissioned by legendary piano maker Thomas Broadwood in 1820, who purchased the nearby 18th-century manor house known as Juniper Hall. At eight metres tall, the folly makes quite the impression. There’s a spiral staircase inside though you won’t be able to access it as the doors have been sealed up. An avenue of stately beech trees once stretched between Broadwood’s Folly and Juniper Hall, though most were uprooted during a storm in the late 1980s.
After admiring the folly, take the path down to Happy Valley. At the bottom of the steep staircase take a right and follow the path to the Smith and Western restaurant. We can vouch for the huge America-style burgers if you’re feeling hungry. A path in front of the restaurant takes you through the woods and joins up with the North Downs Way. When you hit the iconic long-distance trail turn right and follow it to Salomon’s Memorial, then head back down to Shepherd’s Hut Car Park.
Length: 2.7 miles
Average time to complete: 1.5 hours
Starting point: Shepherd’s Hut Car Park
Natural Play Trail
Encouraging kids to get outside and connect with nature should be a top priority for all parents. The Natural Play Trail at Box Hill makes it easy with two-miles of interactive games and activities to get your little ones excited about the great outdoors. From balancing on slippery logs to clambering through tunnels, the trail is a great opportunity for kids to get their hands dirty. You’ll eventually end up on the cusp of Donkey Green, where the roots of enormous beech trees are ripe for climbing!
Length: 2 miles
Average time to complete: 1 hour
Starting point: National Trust Visitor Centre
Stepping Stones and the Weypole
At the foot of Box Hill, the Stepping Stones never fail to enchant kids and adults alike. The stones take you across the River Mole and have been keeping feet dry since 1841, though the current stones were installed in 1946. Kids love leapfrogging across the stones! After crossing the river continue following the path until you reach a gate that takes you into Burford Meadow. Across the river you’ll see the Whites, a series of tree-covered chalk cliffs.
From here you can either turn back the way you came or cross the meadow and follow the small path to the left of the bridge which takes you up to the A24. Turn right, cross the river and follow the signs up to Box Hill Fort. In the nearby village of Westhumble the famous Stepping Stones Pub is the perfect place to celebrate. They do a mean sausage and mash! Not to mention an impressive selection of tap beers if you’ve built up a thirst.
Length: 2 miles
Average time to complete: 1.5 hours
Starting point: National Trust Visitor Centre
North Downs Way – Box Hill to Merstham
Stretching for 153 miles from Farnham to Dover, the North Downs Way is one of England’s most iconic long-distance trails. The Dorking to Merstham section is one of the most scenic, taking you right through Box Hill and immersing you in the Surrey countryside.
You’ll start in Dorking, where you’ll quickly warm up with a pulse-pumping climb up to Box Hill. Take some time to appreciate the centuries-old box trees – some locals claim you can feel the energy and wisdom radiating off them. Even if you’re not a believer in living and breathing trees, it’s hard not to be impressed by these ancient beauties. The path can get muddy in wet weather so it’s worth investing in a good pair of hiking shoes that keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Alongside Box Hill, other highlights on the Dorking to Merstham section of the North Downs Way include rambling through Dawcombe Nature Reserve, reaching the top of Colley Hill and passing by fairy-tale Ingis Folly. You can also have a poke around Reigate Fort, a 19th-century military stronghold built to protect London from French invasion.
There are train stations at both ends of this section, making it easy to get back to your starting point. Just be sure to double check times before you set off. Alternatively, buddy up with a friend and leave a car in Box Hill and Merstham.
Length: 11 miles
Average time to complete: 8 – 10 hours
Starting point: Dorking or Merstham
Walk the Chalk
Not only does this route have a badass name, it also unlocks some of the most epic views in the Surrey Hills. The trail takes you along the steep slopes of the North Downs, passing through chalk grasslands and historic pillboxes built during WWII. While back in the 1940s North Downs was the perfect strategic lookout, today walkers descend on Walk the Chalk for panoramic views over the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Dogs are welcome but you’ll likely encounter sheet and cattle so it’s best to keep your four-legged friends leashed.
The chalky slopes of the North Downs create perfect conditions for orchids, so keep an eye out for the flowering plants. Walk the Chalk is also a hotspot for butterflies, including Adonis Blues, Marbled Whites and Silver-Spotted Skippers. The walk winds up in the tiny village of Gomshall, where you’ll find a good selection of cafés and pubs. The Gomshall Mill is a firm favourite, serving up hearty pub meals and a good selection of cask ales. On a sunny day there’s nothing better than a pint in the outdoor beer garden.
If you’re a Londoner looking to escape the City for a day, Box Hill offers much in the way of scenic diversion. If you’re on the north side of London, you may also want to check out our list of the top Epping Forest walks, another area of idyllic beauty within a short journey from the capital.
Length: 7 miles
Average time to complete: 3.5 hours
Starting point: Dorking Station
Wildlife Encounters in Box Hill
More than 38 different species of butterfly can be found in Box Hill, making it one of the most colourful destinations in Surrey. As well as the stunning Adonis Blue that flutters around the chalky downs of Box Hill, you could also spot bright yellow Brimstones, enormous Purple Emperors and Painted Ladies that have travelled all the way from North Africa. If you ever get tired on a walk or hike, just think of how far these beauties have come.
Can I Bring My Dog on a Box Hill Walk?
One thing we really love about the National Trust is the organisation’s dog-friendly attitude. You’re welcome to bring along Fido to all parts of the Surrey Hills countryside cared for by the National Trust, including Box Hill. While some parts of Box Hill are good for off-leash adventures, it’s best to keep your dog leashed if you’re passing through livestock fields. There are also some restrictions in place between March and July, when Box Hill and the surrounding heathlands are an important nesting ground for local birds. Don’t forget to scoop the poop, respect other visitors and check out the National Trust website for the latest dog-related updates.