Natural Beauty Spots for Winter Walks in Surrey
It's time to get out your walking shoes, pull on those winter woollies and explore the stunning beauty of Surrey, where you'll find no shortage of trails to explore and reconnect with nature. Discover eight of the best natural beauty spots you must visit this winter from all around the county.
Frensham Common
Frensham Common is situated between Farnham and Hindhead and is an idyllic place for a crisp winter walk. This 1000-acre site boasts two spectacular ponds, Frensham Great and Frensham Little, where you can walk around and look out for a variety of rare birds, such as fieldfares and dandy waxwings. Winter is the perfect time to capture red berries, snowdrops, and yellow gorse flowers in bloom if you are a keen photographer. There are numerous trails on offer, including the flat 2.5km Great Pond Circular, which showcases the vast heath and woodlands, or a more challenging 6-mile trail. What's more, if there is snow, you can't leave without sledging on Snowridge Hill.
Hindhead Common and the Devil's Punch Bowl
To be genuinely amazed by the creations that nature can produce, you must visit The Devil's Punch Bowl at Hindhead Commons. The almost 700-acre natural amphitheatre is the biggest spring-formed feature in Britain; walk the 4.5-mile surrounding trail to be soothed by the tranquil streams and sweeping heath covered slopes. Thanks to the Hindhead Tunnel, the road once the A3 is now covered with 200,000 trees and shrubs, providing perfect terrain for grazing cattle and wild ponies. Children will love exploring the wood for mini-beasts, while adults will be stunned by the incredible views from the top of Gibbet's Hill, the second-highest point in Surrey. On a clear day, you may even be able to see Canary Wharf!
Box Hill
One of the most beautiful peaks in the North Downs area of Surrey, Box Hill is one of the most beloved areas for rambling. There is a vast selection of self-guided walks available from the National Trust Centre, whether you seek a slow wintry stroll or a more bracing hike. If cycling is more your style, Box Hill was one of the routes used in the 2012 Summer Olympics, so there are numerous courses to explore. History lovers will enjoy visiting the several military forts along the hill, including the famous Salomon's Memorial. If you have children with you, they will love the River Mole stepping-stones and have fun playing on the rope swings along the Natural Play Trail.
Hatchlands Park
Only 45 minutes from Greater London, Hatchlands Park offers city dwellers a convenient winter escape. Open 363 days a year, this park is the ideal place for a snowy stroll, whether it be with your family, four-legged friend or simply for some much needed 'you' time. Set in 400 acres of magical woodland and glistening leaf-lined paths, choose from a number of trails where you may spot a range of birds and insects. If you are visiting with children, say hello to the recently fostered donkeys Callum and Morris or pop over to the Wizard Wix's Willow Warren, where kids can climb the treehouse or make their own den!
Winkworth Arboretum
Created by a local doctor whose goal was to preserve the nearby wooded hillside, Winkworth Arboretum has become one of Surrey's most stunning natural beauty spots. Located in Godalming, the area is now home to over 1,000 varieties of trees and shrubs and is celebrated for its changeable seasonal landscape. The Winter Garden boasts dazzling yellow mahonia's and vivid camellias during colder months to brighten up your day. If you take the path down to the boathouse, you will find a peaceful sanctuary where you can marvel at the magnificent glistening lake. Explore the woodland or take the Winkworth to Oakhurst 4km trail to try and catch sight of rare wildlife such as the uncommon wildfowl.
Reigate Hill
Reigate Hill, one of Surrey's most popular natural beauty spots, is not to be missed in winter. For incredible frost-laced views, take the 3-mile walk through crunchy grass and shimmering woodland to admire the extensive landscape of the Weald and South Downs. For a longer trail, take the 7-mile Reigate and Gatton Park walk for more stunning scenery and the chance to pop into a pub on the way. Alternatively, if you are a history buff, you'll love a visit to the Inglis Memorial and Reigate Fort, once a 72-mile defence scheme to protect London from invasion.
Newland's Corner
Only four miles east of Guildford, Newlands Corner opens a wealth of walking and cycling trails and some of the best views of Surrey Hills. Also made famous as the place Agatha Christie memorably staged her short-lived disappearance in 1926, Newlands Corner offers a delightful place for a wintry escape in nature. Newland's Corner has something for everyone, whether you are looking for somewhere new to walk your dog, take a challenging hike, or embark on a scenic cycle ride. Take the 3-mile circular walk for a blissful walk past the spring-fed Silent Pool, or warm yourself up with a tipple at either the Silent Pool distillery or Albury Organic Vineyard!
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