Greensand Way

Walk the Greensand Way

The Greensand Way runs for 108 miles from Haslemere in Surrey to Hamstreet in Kent, following the greensand ridge across South East England. The route crosses wooded hills, heathland, farmland, villages and historic landscapes while running broadly parallel to the North Downs.

From Haslemere, the trail climbs towards Hindhead and the Devil's Punch Bowl before continuing east through the Surrey Hills National Landscape. The western stages cross a succession of wooded ridges and hills, with the route passing through some of the higher landscapes of southern Surrey.

Further east, the Greensand Way continues across the Surrey Hills through the countryside around Hascombe, Holmbury Hill and Leith Hill. Woodland paths, ridges and rural tracks characterise much of this section, with views extending south across the Weald and north towards the North Downs.

The route descends towards Dorking before continuing through Reigate and the countryside of eastern Surrey. Beyond Limpsfield, the Greensand Way crosses into Kent and continues through the western part of the Kent Downs National Landscape.

Across Kent, the trail follows the greensand ridge through countryside, woodland, farmland and historic settlements. The route passes through and close to settlements including Sevenoaks, Yalding and Sutton Valence as it continues east across the county.

The eastern stages become increasingly rural as the trail approaches the countryside around the Weald and Romney Marsh. The Greensand Way finishes at Hamstreet, close to Hamstreet Woods and the northern edge of Romney Marsh.

Haslemere, Dorking, Reigate, Sevenoaks and other towns and villages along the route provide useful bases for exploring individual sections of the Greensand Way. The trail can therefore be walked as a complete long-distance route or used to plan shorter walks and walking breaks across the Surrey Hills, Kent Downs and surrounding countryside.

Overview

Distance: 108 miles / 174 km
Typical duration: 7–9 walking days
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Haslemere, Surrey
Finish: Hamstreet, Kent
Terrain: Woodland paths, heathland, ridges, field paths, farmland, rural tracks, country lanes and village paths