Sunrise view from the Surrey Hills National Landscape, South East England, with a bench overlooking woodland and rolling countryside.

Surrey – Chalk Downs, Heathland, and Wooded Hills

Chalk escarpments, sandy commons, and mixed woodland between the Thames Valley and the Sussex Weald

Surrey is a county of chalk hills, heathland, wooded valleys, and farmland in South East England. Walking routes cross the Surrey Hills National Landscape and follow the North Downs Way, Greensand Way, Downs Link, and River Wey Navigation towpath, linking places such as Guildford, Dorking, Farnham, Reigate, and Haslemere across ridge paths, woodland tracks, and riverside ground.

Much of the terrain is firm and gently rolling underfoot. Chalk paths, bridleways, woodland trails, and canal towpaths allow steady progress, with moderate climbs along the Downs and Greensand hills and flatter sections through river valleys and parkland.

The landscape shifts between areas. The North Downs form a chalk ridge with open slopes and dry valleys, the Greensand Hills become more wooded and sandy with heath and commons, and lower ground near the Thames and Wey valleys is flatter with pasture and meadow.

Towns and villages are frequent along valleys and transport corridors, creating regular access points for shorter walks and longer point-to-point routes across connected countryside.

Trails and Routes Through Surrey

North Downs Way

A National Trail following the chalk ridge between Farnham and Dover with elevated views across the Weald and Thames Basin.

Greensand Way

A long-distance route crossing wooded hills and heathland between Haslemere and Hamstreet using bridleways and woodland tracks.

Downs Link

A traffic-free former railway path between Guildford and Shoreham-by-Sea connecting the North Downs Way and South Downs Way.

River Wey Navigation Towpath

Level riverside paths following the Wey between Weybridge, Guildford, and Godalming on towpaths and canal-side tracks.

Pilgrims’ Way (Surrey sections)

Historic routes running parallel to the North Downs on farmland and woodland paths between Farnham and Reigate.

Walking Character

• Chalk ridges and escarpment paths
• Heathland and sandy commons
• Mixed woodland and farmland
• Riverside and canal towpaths
• Bridleways and forest tracks
• Frequent towns and villages
• Rolling and inland

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Surrey located?

Surrey is in South East England between Greater London, Hampshire, West Sussex, and Kent, with the Thames forming part of its northern boundary.

What defines walking here?

Chalk downland, wooded hills, heathland commons, and riverside paths with moderate gradients and varied terrain.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The North Downs Way National Trail, Greensand Way, Downs Link, and several riverside and historic routes cross the county.

Is the terrain steep?

There are regular climbs on the Downs and Greensand hills, while valleys and towpaths are generally level.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers firmer ground and longer daylight, while winter conditions can be muddy on woodland and heathland paths.