Surrey Hills
Chalk downs, wooded ridges, heathland, historic villages and some of the finest countryside within easy reach of London — a landscape made for walking.
One landscape, many different Surreys
The Surrey Hills stretch across some of the most attractive countryside in South-East England.
They are not a single ridge or mountain range. Instead, the National Landscape brings together a series of very different environments: chalk downs, wooded greensand hills, heathland, river valleys, farmland, commons and historic settlements.
From the open slopes around Box Hill and the North Downs to the wooded summit of Leith Hill, the landscape changes repeatedly over relatively short distances.
This variety is one of the reasons the Surrey Hills work particularly well for walking. A single day's route can combine woodland, viewpoints, villages, rivers and open countryside while remaining within straightforward reach of London by train.
One of England's earliest protected landscapes
The Surrey Hills were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958, making the landscape one of the earliest areas in the country to receive the designation.
In 2023, England and Wales began using the public name National Landscapes for designated AONBs.
The purpose remains the conservation and enhancement of the area's natural beauty while helping people understand and enjoy the landscape responsibly.
The currently designated Surrey Hills landscape covers roughly 163 square miles, approximately one quarter of Surrey.
Why the Surrey Hills look so different from place to place
Chalk Downs
The North Downs form a long chalk ridge crossing Surrey through areas such as Farnham, Guildford, Dorking and Reigate.
Chalk grassland, steep scarps and broad views create some of the region's most recognisable walking scenery.
Greensand Hills
South of the chalk lies a different ridge formed from Lower Greensand.
Hills including Pitch Hill, Holmbury Hill and Leith Hill create a more wooded and often more intimate landscape.
Woodland & Heath
Ancient woods, heathland and commons add another layer to the Surrey Hills.
These habitats are especially atmospheric during spring and autumn and provide important areas for wildlife.
Two great trails cross the landscape
North Downs Way
The North Downs Way National Trail runs approximately 153 miles from Farnham in Surrey to the Kent coast at Dover.
Through Surrey it follows sections of the chalk North Downs, passing landscapes of woodland, grassland, historic tracks and viewpoints.
The trail can be experienced as a long-distance challenge or divided into much shorter day walks.
Greensand Way
The Greensand Way stretches around 108 miles across Surrey and Kent.
Starting at Haslemere, it crosses a succession of Surrey's greensand hills including Hascombe, Pitch Hill, Holmbury Hill and Leith Hill.
For walkers interested in woodland and hill landscapes, it is one of the defining routes of the Surrey Hills.
Some of the landscapes that define the Surrey Hills
Leith Hill
Woodland, heath, historic Leith Hill Tower and extensive views over the surrounding countryside.
Box Hill
One of Surrey's best-known chalk landscapes, overlooking the Mole Gap near Dorking.
Newlands Corner
Open views from the North Downs above the countryside east of Guildford.
Devil's Punch Bowl
A dramatic natural amphitheatre at Hindhead, surrounded by heath, woodland and walking trails.
Holmbury Hill
A wooded greensand summit with remains of an Iron Age hillfort and views across the Weald.
Frensham
Heathland and large ponds create a landscape very different from the chalk downs farther east.
The Leith Hill Greenway
One of the newer ways to experience the landscape is the Leith Hill Greenway, a roughly 9-mile multi-user route connecting Box Hill with Leith Hill.
The route links two of Surrey's best-known viewpoints and passes through the wider landscape around Denbies Wine Estate.
Much of it is off road, with woodland tracks, exposed roots, sandy or muddy ground and several climbs.
Walking the Surrey Hills without a car
Stations for walking
A major advantage of Surrey is the number of countryside routes that can be reached by rail from London.
Useful stations include Guildford, Dorking, Box Hill & Westhumble, Holmwood, Gomshall and Haslemere.
Linear walks
Rail access makes linear routes particularly practical: walkers can start at one station and finish at another rather than retracing the same route.
This is one reason the Surrey Hills feature frequently in the Hiking in London programme.
Expect real countryside
Surrey is close to London, but many paths are genuine rural trails rather than surfaced park paths.
Woodland and bridleways can become very muddy after prolonged rain. Chalk slopes can also become slippery, while the greensand hills include steep sections and exposed roots.
Hiking shoes or boots with reliable grip, waterproof clothing and sufficient water are recommended.
Go deeper into the Surrey Hills
Leith Hill
Discover the 1765 tower, woodland, panoramic viewpoints, Leith Hill Place and the history behind one of Surrey's great landmarks.
Explore Leith HillColdharbour
Explore the historic village below Leith Hill, including Christ Church, Anstiebury Camp and its network of woodland paths.
Explore ColdharbourHolmwood to Gomshall
Walk through the Surrey Hills with us via Coldharbour, Leith Hill, woodland, Abinger Hammer and Gomshall.
View the walkLandscape and walking information in this guide was checked against official Surrey Hills National Landscape sources.