Inspirational Walks
The Surrey Hills provide the background for spectacular walks and gentle rambles. You can leave the car at home and get away from it all with our two-day walking itinerary. There is time to enjoy the views and explore the countryside whilst following our two contrasting trails. It is recommended that you wear stout walking shoes, and take waterproofs and something to drink.
DAY 1 - THE MOLE GAP TRAIL
Call at the Visitor Information Centre in the Dorking Halls to collect copies of The Mole Gap Trail, The North Downs Way National Trail Section 1, and the Bus & Train Guide.
Take a short train ride from Dorking to Leatherhead where The Mole Gap Trail begins. There are many points of interest along the route. Take time to read the plaques on the walls of the Post Office, the Running Horse, and the Town Bridge in Leatherhead and Camilla Lodge in Westhumble. Pause to look at the wildlife, admire the views, and appreciate the peace and tranquillity,
Walking time for the entire route is approximately 3 hours, but you might like to stop for a picnic lunch on the Norbury Park estate, or a pub lunch at The Stepping Stones. You might also like a break at Denbies where you can tour the winery and vineyard, or just enjoy a cup of tea.
DAY 2 - THE NORTH DOWNS WAY
Travel by bus from The White Horse Hotel in Dorking to The Compasses in Gomshall. Alternatively, take a short train ride from Dorking Deepdene to Gomshall. Walk up Colekitchen Lane, which lies almost opposite The Compasses, past The Rambler’s Rest, which serves refreshments at weekends and Bank Holidays, and on to the North Downs Way. This route passes through glorious woodland interspersed with chalk grassland and there are outstanding views across the county.
Walking time for the entire route from Gomshall back to Dorking is approximately 4 hours, but you might like to stop to visit St Barnabas Church, known as ‘The Church of the North Downs Way’, or finish your journey with a cup of tea at Denbies.
Walkers may also be interested in the The Surrey Hills Explorer bus. The service operates two routes from April until the end of October. Both routes offer opportunities for both circular and linear walks. On Saturdays, the Explorer stops at the foot of Box Hill, Newlands Corner on The North Downs Way, and Leith Hill. On Sundays, the Explorer stops at the foot of Box Hill, and Ranmore Common on The North Downs Way.
The suggestions on this page are only two of the many walks available in the area. For more information about other walks contact The Visitor Information Office on 01306 897327 or email visitorinformation@molevalley.gov.uk
