Heathland ridges, woodland hills, and a quiet crossing of Surrey and Kent
The Greensand Way is a long-distance self-guided walking route following the Greensand Ridge across southern England, linking routes, landscapes, and places between Haslemere in Surrey and Hamstreet in Kent. Running parallel to the North Downs but on lower, sandier ground, it traces a continuous line of wooded hills, heathland commons, farmland, and historic settlements through the Surrey Hills National Landscape and Kent Downs National Landscape.
Walking here is defined by rhythm and variety rather than height or exposure. The trail rises and falls gently along the ridge, with woodland tracks, sandy paths, and quiet lanes allowing steady progress without sustained climbing. Much of the route feels enclosed by trees or hedgerows, creating a sheltered, intimate character compared with the more open chalk downs nearby.
The landscape shifts gradually along the way. In Surrey, heathland and commons around Black Down, Hindhead, and Leith Hill provide broad views over the Weald, while wooded slopes and small valleys link villages and historic towns. Further east into Kent, orchards, hop gardens, and parkland estates become more frequent, with places such as Sevenoaks and the surrounding countryside reflecting centuries of farming and settlement.
History sits quietly within the landscape. Old trackways, manor houses, churches, and country estates appear at intervals along the ridge, giving the walk a strong sense of continuity without ever feeling busy or built up.
Unlike coastal or high mountain routes, the appeal of the Greensand Way lies in its calm. It is a route shaped by woodland, fields, and small communities — a steady inland journey through some of the South East’s most overlooked countryside.
Trail Overview
Distance
108 miles / 174 km
Typical time on foot
9–12 days (often walked in sections)
Start
Haslemere, Surrey
Finish
Hamstreet, Kent
Terrain
Woodland tracks, heathland paths, ridge trails, farmland, parkland, and quiet village lanes
