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10 Best Places to take a Countryside Walk in Surrey

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The Festival of Winter Walks is an annual campaign run by Ramblers that encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors during the colder months by going for walks in nature. We know it can be tempting to stay inside, where you are in the warmth and can just snuggle on the sofa with a hot drink, but there are many physical and mental health benefits to taking a stroll outside and not to mention the breath-taking Surrey views, we are lucky to have.

In light of this, we have put together a list of 10 of the top places for you to visit in Surrey with the sparkling frosty landscapes, bustling birds and other wonderful wildlife our county has to offer:

  • Egham to Runnymede – This dog-friendly walk takes you around Runnymede nature reserve where you’ll wander through woodlands, secretive wetlands, and open wildflower meadows, and is a total of 3.7 miles.
  • The Box Hill Hike – A more challenging for some, 8-mile circular walk with its steep climbs, descents into deep valleys and several steps, covering the Box Hill Estate. You’ll pass spectacular sites for all to enjoy and what’s more there are pubs along the way to enjoy food and refreshments. Who’s up for the challenge?
  • Hidden Hindhead – This less demanding walk, allows you to see both Gibbet Hill and The Temple of the Four Winds, both with breath taking views, and on a clear day you’ll be able to take in the London skyline. This walk is 3.1 miles.
  • Ranmore West to The Wotton Hatch – Denbies Hillside and the neighbouring Ranmore Common contains astonishingly some of the richest chalk grasslands in southeast England. This popular 5-mile walk takes in the downs, where you’ll also see the charming village of Westcott boasting beautiful views in all directions. Plus, there is a great country pub along the way as a suitable pit stop.
  • Abinger Roughs – a 2-mile easier walk with flatter terrain and well-maintained paths. Abinger Roughs is steeped in history, from the Stone Age to the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, who walked on the Roughs in the 1870s. You’ll discover more about the history as well as the wonderful wildlife.
  • Harewoods Outward Common – Through ancient woodland and across open farmland, this 2.5-mile circular route offers much to see with farmers’ fields full of growing wonders as well as an enchanting hidden pond to discover.
  • Octavia Hill Walk Around Hydon’s Ball and Heath – A 1.5-mile short and more relaxing walk through woodland and across open heathland. This is a perfect walk for families in all seasons, and what’s more, Hydon’s Ball is within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  • A Hilltop Stroll at Box Hill – This 1-mile walk is on flat terrain where you’ll see some of the finest scenery in Surrey with fascinating features found around the top of Box Hill.
  • Hatchlands Park – This is one of the biggest country estates in the green belt surrounding Greater London and is a family friendly circular 2.8 mile walk which follows the edge of the park through woodland and parkland with far views of the house and other Surrey countryside.
  • Leith Hill – This woodland walk is an invigorating 2.5-mile circular route and the area around it sits at one of the highest points in Southeast England boasting some incredible views of the South Downs and London skyline. Since the 19th century, this has been a popular walking and picnic destination.

With the Festival of Winter Walks and the above in mind, let’s embrace these colder months, wrap up warm, step outside and enjoy exploring our countryside. Seasonal treats will feel even better after a stomp outside, as well as give your mental health and wellbeing a great boost!

For more information on Surrey walks on the National Trust Website.

Images of two ladies and a dog taking a walk in the countryside during winter. They are walking along a road with trees on either side