Walking
Walkers are always welcome on The Hurtwood.
We do want you to be aware that the Hurtwood is a natural environment with many hidden obstacles as well as man-made ditches and banks to prevent fly-tipping; you visit the Hurtwood entirely at your own risk.
We have 15 official car parks, but please remember vehicles are parked at your own risk, and do not leave any valuables in you vehicle.
There are over 60 miles of paths and bridleways, some steep paths more suitable for fitter walkers whilst there are plenty of less hilly areas if you wish to go for a more gentle stroll.
Riding
Horse riders are also very welcome on The Hurtwood. Please keep to the existing network of trails where possible, and avoid Mountain Bike trails. Horse boxes are welcome in the car parks, though the entrance to car park no.1 (Holmbury Hill) has a steep incline.
To see the locations of car parks, and how to access them, please go to our Location page. Vehicles are parked at your own risk, and do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.
We do want you to be aware that the Hurtwood is a natural environment with many hidden obstacles as well as man-made ditches and banks to prevent fly-tipping; you visit the Hurtwood entirely at your own risk.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Bikers are also welcome to ride on the Hurtwood. We do want you to be aware that the Hurtwood is a natural environment with many hidden obstacles as well as man-made ditches and banks to prevent fly-tipping; you visit the Hurtwood entirely at your own risk.
As more and more riders discover the Hurtwood is a great place to ride, the Friends of the Hurtwood have developed a CODE OF CONDUCT.
Below is a short list of advice that ensures you, and the others around you, have a great time taking in the 'air & exercise':
- Only cycle at speeds safe for the trail ahead. You don’t know what is around the next corner. Please be aware that dogs are allowed to exercise freely, without leads, on The Hurtwood.
- Make sure your presence is known, by calling out a greeting if approaching walkers from the rear.
- Always give way to horse riders and walkers.
- Do not cycle in groups of more than 6.
- Be respectful and courteous to other users.
- Choose your route carefully, especially when the ground is wet, to minimise erosion.
- Avoid harsh braking and skidding, thus reducing trail damage.
- Riders must not create new trails, please use the existing network.
- Make sure your bike is safe to ride and be prepared for emergencies.
- Wear a helmet and use protective clothing.
Favourite Walks
The Hurtwood and Holmbury Hill
A 4 mile circular walk around The Hurtwood, a unique and beautiful world of heath and forest in the heart of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Hurtwood is a stunning mix of magical pine woods and heaths, ponds and glades, wildlife and wilderness. The walking route climbs to the summit of Holmbury Hill offering stunning views over the Weald to the South Downs, before passing through the pretty village of Holmbury St Mary and returning through the woodland.
Winterfold Hill and The Hurtwood
A 4.5 mile circular walk around The Hurtwood, a unique and beautiful world of heath and forest in the heart of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Hurtwood is a stunning mix of magical pine woods and heaths, ponds and glades, wildlife and wilderness. The walking route begins on Winterfold Hill, with its stunning views to the south, from where it heads north to follow a beautiful old sunken path before cutting back through the heart of Winterfold Wood.
Pitch Hill and The Hurtwood
The route follows forest tracks which can be muddy after periods of wet weather. There are several climbs and descents throughout and some of the paths are narrow and uneven with tree roots. There are no stiles or gates on route, just a few staggered barriers. Dogs are welcome in the Hurtwood. You are likely to be sharing some of the paths with horse riders and mountain bikers. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Blackheath Walk
Circular Walk from Blackheath via Winterfold, Pitch Hill and Farley Green (distance 9 miles) The walk goes over heathlands and through forest. The trees give shelter in the winter and shade in the summer. It is dry walking on parts of the Greensand Way and there is only one stile. The views from Pitch Hill are unsurpassable and the garden at The Windmill pub is delightful. Getting to the Start Train or bus to Chilworth Station. Arriva buses from Guildford to Dorking or Cranleigh. Go over level…
Peaslake Walk
Leave the carpark by the footpath beside the Hurtwood Control notice board and, on reaching the broad track, turn left. At the first crossing path turn left and, at the road, cross to another path, passing between concrete bollards. After crossing two forestry roads, the path goes slightly uphill and, just after the top of the rise, turn left on to a narrow path passing a holly bush. Although you are walking through plantation, the trees are not in regimented rows; the result is more attractive…
Holmbury Hill Walk
This walk starts and ends near Peaslake (car park no.1 ) and climbs to the viewpoint on Holmbury Hill. Map OS Explorer 145 / 146 Carpark TQ098431 Carpark 1 Distance 3 miles (1 3/4 hours) Pub(s) The Kings Head and Royal Oak, Holmbury St Mary. Hurtwood Inn and Peaslake Village Stores, Peaslake. Leave Peaslake on the Radnor Road the car park is about a mile along on the left hand side. Occasionally the gates to the car park are locked but there is plenty of alternative car parking along the road.…