Walks from Dorking West

Recommended: A lovely lowland walk through Abinger Roughs. A direct, fairly flat lowland walk through quiet fields at the foot of the North Downs and mostly on good sandy/greensand surfaces and partly on the National Cycle Network. Some gentle hills but nothing steep; gates but no stiles; largely avoids winter mud. Largely follows National Cycle Route 22. Both ends have stations (roughly one train an hour between them).

Woodland: a third under tree cover.

Time: 2h30–4h30

1 lunch spot: the Gomshall Mill

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A good view of the chalk hills of the North Downs. A mostly flat, pleasant route through farmland and past historic spots, with only two minor hills and some cheeky steep footpaths leaving Dorking. There are lots of stiles, some in poor repair and hidden in hedgerows, a couple of fields of cows and plus muddy patches in places. A nicer approach into Horley than the original via the River Mole. The start point is about a 20-minute walk from Dorking Station. Passes livestock fields with sheep, cows, horses and a llama near Tamworth Cottage, and views of the River Mole near Horley.

Time: 4h30–9h30

2 lunch spots: the Seven Stars, or the Plough

1 end-of-walk reward: Ye Olde Six Bells

Warnings: Short sections of road walking with sporadic but very fast traffic, though verges are wide. A very overgrown and inaccessible path just past Brittleware Farm. Many stiles, some in poor repair and hidden in hedgerows; livestock fields with cows and the potential for a bull; an electric fence to cross near Horley.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Varied with good views; Really lovely walk. Mostly follows the Greensand Way over Cretaceous sandstone, whose sandy soils leave few puddles and little mud even after rain. Steep in places at the Dorking end with some long inclines, then easier walking. Varied and with good views; includes woodland sections and many stiles. Mainly follows the Greensand Way. Can be split or supplied at Brockham and Betchworth, which have shops and public transport.

Woodland: a quarter under tree cover.

Time: 3h30–6h30

Lunch: Pubs in Brockham, Betchworth and Skimmington make useful refreshment stops.

Warnings: Watch navigation where Sandy Lane meets Old Road near Wonham, to avoid turning up a private road by mistake.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Plenty of scenic views; views and waterside paths; a delightful walk along the river Mole and through Denby's wine estate. A varied, delightful walk along the River Mole, starting uphill through Denbies vineyard, then field and grassland paths parallel to the railway and river, through livestock fields, gravel paths and a hillside woodland. Several stiles and kissing gates and bridges; some steep but manageable parts. Can be muddy and slippery in wet months. Follows the well-signposted Mole Gap Trail, which traces the River Mole through the North Downs. A picnic spot lies midway.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Denbies Wine Estate: England's largest vineyard, spread across the chalk slopes near Dorking.

Time: 2h30–5h

Lunch: A number of pubs lie near the route if you need a refreshment stop.

Warnings: Many kissing gates and stiles. Steps can be slippery and field sections muddy in wet weather. The route transits fields actively used for grazing, so dogs should be kept under close control.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Vineyard, North Downs ridge, wooded escarpment, open hilltops and parkland.

Warnings: Hilly, multiple ascents.

Source: A variant of Box Hill to Merstham and Caterham – the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).