Surrey Hills National Landscape – Chalk Ridges, Wooded Greensand, and Valleys

A Mixed Geology Landscape Shaped by Escarpments, Woodland, and Settlement

The Surrey Hills National Landscape — formerly designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — lies in South East England, stretching across the heart of Surrey between the Thames Basin and the Weald. Shaped by chalk downs, sandstone hills, ancient woodland, and river valleys, it offers a remarkably varied countryside within easy reach of London.

Walking journeys in the Surrey Hills are defined by contrast within a compact area. Open chalk ridges deliver wide views and light-filled walking, while wooded slopes, sheltered valleys, and river corridors provide intimacy and shade. The terrain is rolling rather than steep, making the landscape especially well suited to relaxed, self-guided exploration and flexible day routes that combine hills, woodland, and village paths.

Historic routes give structure to walking across the landscape. The North Downs Way follows the chalk ridge through the Surrey Hills, forming the backbone of long-distance walking in the area. Along this stretch, the trail passes through classic downland scenery, ancient woodland, and open escarpments, with views across the Weald to the south and towards the Thames Basin to the north.

Away from the ridge, a dense network of footpaths explores the interior of the landscape. Routes wind through the Mole Valley, across wooded commons, and over sandstone hills such as Leith Hill — the highest point in South East England. These inland routes offer a striking contrast to the chalk downs, with shaded woodland walking, heathland clearings, and quieter valleys.

The geology shapes everything here. Chalk grassland supports flower-rich slopes and open grazing, while sandstone and clay produce heavier woodland, springs, and streams. This geological mix allows walkers to experience markedly different landscapes within short distances, one of the defining characteristics of walking in the Surrey Hills.

Village-based walking plays a central role in the Surrey Hills experience. Routes link settlements such as Dorking, Shere, Abinger Hammer, and Holmbury St Mary, allowing walkers to combine ridge paths, woodland loops, and pub-linked routes directly from village centres. These villages act as natural gateways to the hills rather than busy destinations, helping preserve the area’s calm, rural character.

Beyond walking, the Surrey Hills support a wide range of gentle outdoor adventures. Cycling follows quiet lanes and rolling countryside, trail running thrives on woodland tracks and escarpments, and wildlife watching is rewarding across ancient woodland, chalk grassland, and river valleys. The area’s excellent rail connections make it especially well suited to car-free jourenys and short countryside breaks.

Accommodation is spread throughout the landscape, from traditional inns and village B&Bs to countryside hotels and rural retreats. Bases such as Dorking, Gomshall, and villages along the North Downs Way provide excellent access to footpaths, long-distance routes, and rail services.

For walkers seeking classic English countryside, chalk hills, and woodland-rich landscapes within easy reach of the capital, the Surrey Hills National Landscape offers one of southern England’s most rewarding and approachable walking destinations.

Where to Walk and Explore

North Downs Way — Surrey Section

High-level chalk ridge walking with wide views, woodland sections, and classic downland scenery as the trail crosses Box Hill and the western Downs.

Box Hill & the Mole Valley

One of the most iconic walking areas in the Surrey Hills, combining steep chalk slopes, open viewpoints, riverside paths, and woodland trails along the River Mole.

Leith Hill & the Greensand Hills

Elevated woodland and heathland walking around Leith Hill, offering shaded routes, quiet commons, and panoramic views across the Weald.

Village-to-Village Routes

Footpaths linking Shere, Abinger Hammer, Holmbury St Mary, and surrounding settlements, ideal for gentle loops, pub walks, and flexible day routes.

Adventure Highlights

• Long-distance walking on the North Downs Way
• Open chalk downland and wooded ridges
• Iconic viewpoints at Box Hill and Leith Hill
• Quiet woodland and valley walking close to London
• Rolling lanes and bridleways for cycling and trail running
• Excellent rail access for car-free walking holidays