Best walks in Surrey by train
MapA day hike in the countryside is just a simple train journey away — explore the most charmingly located railway stations in Surrey and plan your next day of green.
Guildford Station Circular via Watt’s Chapel
30m direct from Waterloo.
13km. Moderate ascents. 3h30–6h.
Beginner-friendly: No coast or river to follow, but pretty straightforward long lines nonetheless, and Watt’s Chapel provides a lovely reward for reaching the midpoint of the circuit. The lunch stop is a simple café in the vicinity of Watt’s Chapel, so no messing around with booking a table in advance.
A rambler favourite!
Highlights: Watts Chapel, Watts Gallery, St Catherine's Chapel Ruins, and Guildford.
Lunch stop: Watts Gallery café (1h30–2h30 in).
End-of-walk rewards: the Withies Inn, Ye Olde Ship Inn, the Britannia, the White House, or the George Abbot.
Farnham Station to Godalming Station
45m direct from Waterloo.
Tough: 22km. Moderate ascents. 6h–10h.
A rambler favourite! River valley, forest tracks, sandy bridleways, open parkland, country houses, and wooded valleys. Can be muddy.
Lunch stop: the Barley Mow, Tilford Green (2h30–4h in).
End-of-walk rewards: the Cyder House Inn, the Rose and Crown, the Richmond Arms, the Fox & Finch, or the Star.
Milford Station to Haslemere Station
45m from Waterloo, with one change.
17km. Moderate ascents. 4h30–8h.
A rambler favourite! Remote heathland, pretty lakes, sandy bridleways, ancient woodland, heather and gorse commons, and a dramatic natural amphitheatre. Can be muddy.
Highlights: Devil's Punch Bowl.
Lunch: Nowhere to eat en route — pack lunch!
End-of-walk reward: the Harper's Steakhouse.
Hurst Green Station to Oxted Station
30m direct from London Bridge.
11km. Moderate ascents. 3h–5h.
Greensand hills, woodland, open country, and village paths. Can be muddy.
Lunch stops: the Carpenters Arms (1h–1h30 in), or the Grasshopper Inn (1h30–2h30 in).
End-of-walk reward: the Oxted Inn.
Sunningdale Station to Windsor and Eton Riverside Station
45m direct from Waterloo.
14km. Gentle ascents. 3h30–6h30.
Parkland, lake shores, ornamental gardens, light woodland, deer park, tree-lined avenue, and historic town streets.
Highlights: Windsor Great Park, Windsor Castle, and Windsor.
Lunch stop: Savill Garden Visitor Centre Cafe (1h30–3h in).
End-of-walk rewards: the Prince Harry, the Carpenters Arms, the Royal Windsor, or the Boatman.
Wanborough Station to Godalming Station
45m from Waterloo, with one change.
12km. Moderate ascents. 3h30–6h.
Open fields, North Downs ridge, vineyard, golf course, mixed woodland, riverside path along the River Wey, and historic market town. Can be muddy.
Highlights: Guildford.
Lunch stops: the Tea Shop (1h30–2h in), or the Withies Inn (2h–3h in).
End-of-walk rewards: the Star, the Fox & Finch, or the Richmond Arms.
Gomshall Station to Guildford Station
1h from Waterloo, with one change.
16km. Gentle ascents. 4h–7h.
Fields, wooded valley, pine woods, heathland common, stud farms, and canal and riverside path into a historic town. Can be muddy.
Highlights: Shere and Guildford.
Lunch stops in Shere (30m–1h in): the Dabbling Duck Café (excellent), Hillys Tea Shop, or the William Bray. Other lunch stop: the William IV (1h–1h30 in).
End-of-walk rewards: the Britannia, the White House, or the George Abbot.
Merstham Station to Tattenham Corner Station
30m direct from London Bridge.
15km. Moderate ascents. 4h30–7h30.
Epic scenery sadly spoiled by the constant drone of the M25. North Downs ridge, parkland, open heathland, wooded paths, racecourse downland, and London panoramas. Relatively busy. Race days restrict access.
Lunch stops: Cafe Junction 8 (1h–2h in), the Sportsman (2h–3h30 in), or the Bell (3h–5h in).
End-of-walk reward: the Tattenham Corner.
Box Hill & Westhumble Station Circular via Mickleham
45m direct from Waterloo.
Tough: steep ascents. 8km. 2h30–4h30.
Hills and woodland.
Lunch stops in Mickleham (30m–1h in): the Running Horses, or the King William IV.
End-of-walk rewards: Box Hill Café, Ryka's Café, or the Stepping Stones.
Coulsdon South Station to Redhill Station
30m direct from London Bridge.
15km. Moderate ascents. 4h–7h.
Pleasant but apparent that you haven't left London.
Lunch stop: the Harrow Pub (2h–3h30 in).
End-of-walk reward: the Home Cottage.
Waterloo Station to Elephant & Castle Station
Easy: 3km, flat terrain. 1h.
Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route
London Bridge Station to South Bermondsey Station
Easy: 3km, flat terrain. 1h.