How long is the Surrey Hills: Box Hill, the North Downs & Guildford Loop route?

This route takes 5 days taking in 5 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Guildford, Surrey to Guildford, Surrey in Surrey, England.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to October; bluebell season peaks mid-April.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

A car is the primary way to get around on this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Culture, Classic road trip.

Surrey Hills: Box Hill, the North Downs & Guildford Loop

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The route · 5 stops

1
Guildford
2 nights
Surrey's handsome county town is the ideal base for the North Downs. The Norman castle keep overlooks a rooftop skyline of Georgian buildings; the cobbled High Street descends to the River Wey. The Wey Navigation, one of England's oldest artificial waterways, runs south through meadows towards Godalming.
Surrey's handsome county town is the ideal base for the North Downs. The Norman castle keep overlooks a rooftop skyline of Georgian buildings; the cobbled High Street descends to the River Wey. The Wey Navigation, one of England's oldest artificial waterways, runs south through meadows towards Godalming.
Park at town centre multi-storeys (Leapale Road or Bedford Road) and walk everywhere. The National Trust River Wey boat trips run spring to autumn and fill quickly at weekends.
2
Haslemere
1 night
The gateway to the south-western Surrey Hills, Haslemere is a small Georgian market town near the Hampshire border. A short drive north on the A3 leads to the National Trust's Devil's Punch Bowl: a wide amphitheatre of heathland carved by spring-fed streams, with trails and views south across the Weald.
The gateway to the south-western Surrey Hills, Haslemere is a small Georgian market town near the Hampshire border. A short drive north on the A3 leads to the National Trust's Devil's Punch Bowl: a wide amphitheatre of heathland carved by spring-fed streams, with trails and views south across the Weald.
The NT Hindhead car park (GU26 6AB) is free for members; the Punch Bowl circular walk is 3.5 miles. The on-site cafe serves food all day — arrive early on summer weekends to secure parking.
3
Dorking
1 night
Box Hill's chalk escarpment is the centrepiece of the Surrey Hills AONB. The National Trust summit cafe overlooks the patchwork Weald, and stepping stones over the River Mole below make a popular short walk. Leith Hill Tower, three miles south-west, is the highest point in south-east England at 294 metres, with Channel views on clear days.
Box Hill's chalk escarpment is the centrepiece of the Surrey Hills AONB. The National Trust summit cafe overlooks the patchwork Weald, and stepping stones over the River Mole below make a popular short walk. Leith Hill Tower, three miles south-west, is the highest point in south-east England at 294 metres, with Channel views on clear days.
The NT Box Hill car park (KT20 7LB) charges non-members. Arrive before 10am at weekends to avoid cyclists. Leith Hill Tower is 3 miles south-west via the B2126.
4
Reigate
1 night
Reigate sits at the foot of the North Downs and is among Surrey's most historically interesting towns. The castle grounds preserve a medieval cave system carved from sandstone, open for guided tours on summer Sunday afternoons. The Priory, built into the medieval ruins, backs onto Priory Park.
Reigate sits at the foot of the North Downs and is among Surrey's most historically interesting towns. The castle grounds preserve a medieval cave system carved from sandstone, open for guided tours on summer Sunday afternoons. The Priory, built into the medieval ruins, backs onto Priory Park.
Park in Bell Street or Bancroft Road car parks (free on Sundays). Castle cave tours run Sunday afternoons Easter to October; check times at reigatecastle.com before visiting.
5
Guildford
The loop closes back in Guildford. A final morning walk along the River Wey towpath or a visit to the Watts Gallery at Compton — the Arts and Crafts studio of Victorian painter G F Watts, five miles south — rounds off the route.
The loop closes back in Guildford. A final morning walk along the River Wey towpath or a visit to the Watts Gallery at Compton — the Arts and Crafts studio of Victorian painter G F Watts, five miles south — rounds off the route.
Watts Gallery (GU3 1DQ) is free on Mondays; the mortuary chapel in the grounds is architecturally unique. The River Wey towpath to Shalford Park is an easy 2-mile final walk.

Surrey Hills: Box Hill, the North Downs & Guildford Loop

The route · 5 stops

Guildford

Haslemere

Dorking

Reigate

Guildford

Route highlights

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Surrey Hills: Box Hill, the North Downs & Guildford Loop

The route · 5 stops

Guildford

Haslemere

Dorking

Reigate

Guildford

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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