Guildford is full of amazing walks and hikes, with something to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll, a challenging hike, or something in between, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your needs.
Here I’ve put together a list of the 15 best walks in Guildford, ranging from the more leisurely strolls to the more strenuous hikes. From the beautiful Castle Hill to the picturesque Loseley Park, there’s something for everyone here.
I’ve also included some of the more challenging hikes, such as Holmbury Hill and Abinger Hammer.
So, come and explore Guildford and its surrounding areas with me, and let’s discover the beauty of these 15 walks together!
Castle Hill
Castle Hill is a must-see for anyone looking for an exciting and unique walk in Guildford! Located just outside the city center, Castle Hill is an enchanting place with sprawling meadows, dense forests, and a beautiful castle ruin. It is a great spot for a leisurely stroll, or an adventurous hike.
The views from the top of the hill are breathtaking, especially on a clear day. Along the way, you will pass by several historic monuments, such as historic churches and cemeteries, and maybe even a few wild animals.
The walk is suitable for all ages and abilities, and is a great way to explore the area. With its stunning views, diverse wildlife and rich history, Castle Hill is a great spot for a walk in Guildford.
Happy Valley
Take a stroll through Happy Valley and experience its lush, green beauty! Located in Guildford, this is one of the best walks in Surrey for getting close to nature.
The valley is filled with trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that provide a stunning backdrop to the picturesque paths. The trails are easy to follow, and the area is also accessible to those with mobility impairments.
It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll, go birdwatching, or just take in the fresh air. There is also a lake in the area, which adds to the idyllic atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a short walk or a longer hike, Happy Valley is sure to please.
Stoke Park
Stroll through the grounds of Stoke Park and explore its 300 acres of parkland! Enjoy the beauty of its array of trees, shrubs, and wildlife, while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Whether you want to take a leisurely walk or a vigorous hike, there is something for everyone at Stoke Park. With its open grasslands, woodlands, and lakes, you can take in the sights of the stunning natural landscape. From the many trails, you’ll get a chance to get close to nature and spot wildlife.
Stoke Park also offers a variety of activities from cycling to fishing, so you can make the most of your time here.
With its vast acres of parkland, Stoke Park is a great spot to take a walk, explore the countryside, and enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape.
Clandon Park
Clandon Park is a stunning 18th-century mansion set in the rolling Surrey Hills, offering an idyllic atmosphere for visitors to explore and appreciate.
Its grounds provide a wonderful backdrop for a relaxed stroll, with plenty of opportunities to admire the grandeur of the house and its elegant gardens.
Taking a leisurely walk around the vast parkland allows the chance to take in the sights and sounds of the natural environment, from the wildflower meadows to the ancient trees.
For those looking to explore further, there is a network of paths and trails that traverse the parkland, providing a great way to experience the diversity of its flora and fauna.
The Clandon Park estate is a fantastic destination for a stroll, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Pewley Down
Experience the wonder of the great outdoors at Pewley Down, an expansive area of meadowland perfect for a leisurely walk. On a crisp day, the sun glistens off the dewy grass and the wildflowers create a beautiful tapestry of colors for miles.
The views from the top of the hill offer a stunning panorama of Guildford and its surrounding countryside. As you wander through the meadows, listen to the birds chirping and keep an eye out for the occasional rabbit or deer.
Explore the many trails that wind through Pewley Down and take in the sights and sounds of nature. Enjoy the scent of wildflowers in the air and the tranquility of the meadows.
Along the way, you will come across a number of interesting flora and fauna. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adventurous hike, Pewley Down promises to provide a memorable experience.
Newlands Corner
Soak in the spectacular views at Newlands Corner, a fabulous spot for both a leisurely stroll or an invigorating hike.
This beauty spot offers stunning views of the Surrey Hills and the North Downs, with the rolling hills and lush green landscape making it a great place to explore.
Newlands Corner is a great spot for a picnic, where you can take in the natural beauty of the area.
The spot is a great place to wander, with a variety of walking trails that offer something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or something more challenging, Newlands Corner has something for you.
You’ll find a variety of paths, with some more challenging sections along the way.
The trails wind through woodlands and meadows, and offer plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning views of the area.
There are also plenty of wildlife watching opportunities, with a variety of birds and small mammals to spot.
With its stunning views and variety of trails, Newlands Corner is an ideal spot for a peaceful walk or a challenging hike.
Leith Hill
After leaving Newlands Corner, I made my way to Leith Hill.
Leith Hill is the highest point in southeast England and it offers a great view of the countryside.
The surrounding area is full of rolling hills, scattered trees, and lush green fields.
I enjoyed the sound of birds chirping and the occasional cow mooing in the distance.
The walk up Leith Hill was quite steep, but it was worth the effort as the view was absolutely stunning.
The top of the hill is an open grassy area with a trig point, which marks the highest point in the area.
The South Downs National Park can be seen in the distance and there are plenty of footpaths to explore.
I took some time to simply sit and take in the beautiful view before heading back down.
Gomshall
From Leith Hill, I made my way to Gomshall, a small village nestled in the Surrey Hills. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of great sights and sounds to take in.
The village is surrounded by rolling chalk hills, full of lush grass, wildflowers, and wildlife. As you make your way through the village, you’ll come across the River Tillingbourne, which is a great spot for a picnic or a dip in the cool waters.
You can also explore the historic Gomshall Mill, which dates back to the 14th century. It’s a great spot to take in views of the surrounding hills and countryside.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, there are plenty of trails that you can take up the hillside, offering stunning views of the area.
All in all, Gomshall is a great spot for a peaceful walk and you’ll definitely be rewarded with some beautiful sights.
Frensham Common
Heading just a few miles south of Gomshall lies Frensham Common, a tranquil and picturesque nature reserve that’s perfect for a peaceful stroll.
It’s a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk, with opportunities to take in some of the area’s remarkable wildlife, including beautiful wild flowers, butterflies, and birds.
I took a walk around the lake one day and was in awe of the stunning scenery. The paths were lined with trees that stretched up to the sky and the lake was surrounded by lush green grass.
The sun was shining and there was a gentle breeze blowing through the trees. It was an idyllic spot to take a break and just enjoy the beauty of nature.
The lake was a popular spot for a swim or a canoe ride, and I could see why it was such a popular destination.
I could definitely see myself coming back to Frensham Common for more peaceful walks and picnics in the future.
Puttenham Common
Continuing south from Frensham Common lies Puttenham Common, a tranquil and picturesque nature reserve rich with wildflowers, butterflies, and birds.
This area is a must-see for nature lovers and hikers alike, who come to the area to take in the stunning views of the rolling hills, meadows, and woods.
Puttenham Common is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, as the trails are relatively flat and easy to navigate.
As you wander through the reserve, you’ll come across a number of fascinating wildlife, including rare species of butterflies, birds, and wildflowers.
The peaceful and serene atmosphere of the area makes it an ideal spot for a tranquil afternoon stroll, allowing you to connect with nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, you can explore the area on foot as part of a guided tour or take on one of the many hiking trails that make their way through the common.
No matter how you choose to explore, Puttenham Common is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Merrow Downs
After exploring Puttenham Common, the next stop on my journey through the best walks in Guildford is Merrow Downs. It’s a great place to go for a peaceful and scenic walk.
The large expanse of grassland is a haven for wildlife, and on a fine day, you can spot a variety of birds, rabbits, and other animals.
The Downs are easy to get to, with car parks located near the main entrance.
After a leisurely stroll through the grassland, there are several paths that lead up to the top of the Downs.
At the top, you can enjoy the views of Guildford town and the surrounding countryside.
With the sun on your back, it’s a great place to relax and take in the views.
Albury Park
Curiosity piqued? Make your way to Albury Park for a leisurely stroll along its winding paths.
Located in the heart of Surrey, this stunning area of natural beauty is perfect for those looking for a peaceful walk or a lyrical escape.
The park is host to a variety of flora and fauna, with its diverse woodland areas, meadows, and ponds. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including muntjac deer, foxes, and a variety of birds.
The paths at Albury Park are well-maintained, making it ideal for those of all ages and ability levels.
During the summer months, the park is alive with the sounds of nature. Pack a picnic and settle in for an afternoon of exploration.
Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, why not take a dip in the park’s lake?
Whatever your pleasure, Albury Park is guaranteed to provide a unique and memorable experience.
Loseley Park
Loseley Park is a peaceful paradise, offering a tranquil refuge from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Nestled in the Surrey Hills, Loseley Park is a grand estate with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
With lush green fields and vibrant flowers, Loseley Park is a great place to explore and relax. The park’s grounds contain a variety of attractions, such as a large lake, a waterfall, a maze, and a children’s play area. There are also a number of marked walking trails, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more energetic hike.
Visitors can also take advantage of the park’s picnic areas and benches, perfect for enjoying a delicious lunch in the sunshine. Loseley Park is a great destination for anyone looking for a peaceful escape with plenty to do.
Holmbury Hill
Having enjoyed the lush greenery of Loseley Park, my next stop is the iconic Holmbury Hill.
Located in the Surrey Hills AONB, this hill is famous for its stunning views of the surrounding area, and it’s a great spot for a hike.
I love the feeling of the crunching leaves under my feet as I make my way up the hill, and with every step, I can feel the fresh air fill my lungs.
The steep incline can be challenging, but it’s worth it when I reach the top.
From here, I can see for miles and miles, and I’m in awe of the beauty that lays before me.
I can see distant hills, meadows, and forests, which are all part of the wonderful landscape of Surrey.
Abinger Hammer
After exploring Holmbury Hill, I made my way to Abinger Hammer, a picturesque village nestled in the Surrey Hills AONB that’s full of history and charm.
This quaint village is an ideal place to enjoy a peaceful walk and take in the beauty of the area. The village is home to an old mill, a church, a pub, a few shops, and a few tea rooms.
The main attraction is the Hammer Pond, which is surrounded by trees and makes a great spot for a picnic. The walk around the pond is a short and easy one, but it’s still a great way to take in the stunning views of the area and get in touch with nature. The Hammer Pond is also a great spot for bird watching, with plenty of ducks, geese, swans, and other birds to be seen.
In addition to the Hammer Pond, the village of Abinger Hammer has plenty of other great walks to explore. From the village, you can take a circular route that takes you past the meadows and woods, while enjoying the views of the nearby hills. There are also trails that lead up to the top of Holmbury Hill and other nearby hills, for those looking for a more challenging walk.
Whatever route you choose, you can be sure to enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in Guildford.
Conclusion
Exploring Guildford by foot is an incredible way to experience the beauty of the area. I’ve had the pleasure of walking some of the best routes in the area, and I can confidently say that these 15 are some of the most rewarding. Whether it’s a long hike or a leisurely walk through the countryside, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
From the spectacular views atop Castle Hill to the tranquil environment of Happy Valley, these walks provide a unique insight into the region. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your walking boots and explore Guildford on foot!