Unmissable Walks in Oxted
Oxted, located at the foot of the North Downs, is surrounded by vast open space and greenery. Its beautiful countryside is too good to miss, and the best way to see is to explore on foot. Dig in, get walking and discover old churches, perfect views and routes for all fitness levels.
A family walk, scoot or cycle
Titsey Place, set in almost 500 acres, provides walking options conducive for families with young children. From the Pitchfont car park by the entrance, you can walk, scoot or cycle along the main driveway as the traffic is minimal and there's often sheep or cows to spot. The tea rooms are located by the house for those who work up a thirst or appetite, and the homemade cakes are not to be missed.
Alternatively, you can walk up into the woodland on Pitchfont Lane and turn right up the hill for a circular loop to the Titsey house (there are a couple of options across and vary in terms of incline). If you go the other way down Pitchfont Lane, see if you can spot the tiger art in the underpass.
Cross country
A scenic 3-mile circular walk starts and ends at the Haycutter pub near Old Oxted. The route takes you across a sheep field and part of Tandridge golf course, so be aware of sheep and low flying golf balls! There are no steep hills, but parts can get very muddy, so consider your footwear. One of the highlights is St Peter's Church. Built at the end of the 11th century, stonework sections are believed to be some of Surrey's oldest. You'll also pass by Coltsford Mill, a stunning waterside barn on the River Eden and pass through charming Old Oxted.
Walk up high
If you fancy higher ground, then venture to the top of the North Downs where you can explore more walks across different terrain. Starting at Botley Hill Farmhouse (where you can grab your takeaway) various walks depend on your fitness and time. A 5.5-mile walk leads you through a stunning valley and myriad of bridle paths. Your effort on the steep hills will be rewarded with spectacular views across sweeping hills, and hidden land that you didn't know was on your doorstep!
The more adventurous
Another popular walk takes you high into the North Downs. If you head up Chalkpit Lane and after the underpass turn left into the public footpath, you'll pass the chalkpit and head up some very steep steps until you reach the top. There are benches for a rest and to enjoy the landscape and then you can either descend the steep slope or take the longer, gentler route around to the bridge over the M25. From there you'll follow a track through the notable Al Fayed's estate until you reach Barrow Green Lane which leads back to Oxted. It takes a few hours, but the view from the top is worth it!
A little less mud
If you don't want to take on too much distance or if the weather makes walking routes too muddy, you could start in Oxted and tread the streets. From the High Street (where you can grab your hot drink from one of the local coffee shops) a 2.5-mile walk takes you up Snatts Hill and left onto the A25. From there you can turn left into Limpsfield High Street and enjoy the 89 listed buildings in an area surrounded by green belt land.
There's the option of heading down Detillens Lane and taking the public footpath just past the tennis club of the right-hand side of the road. Cross the field, and you will pass the little stream on Glebe Field, which is popular with dogs and children, and you'll end up on Granville Road, close to where you started. Alternatively, from Limpsfield, you can veer left onto Bluehouse Lane or Park Road, giving you a leisurely amble back to Oxted.
Include some history
On a short walk out of Oxted high street sits Limpsfield Common. The sprawling National Trust common was used as long ago as the 14th century for animal grazing and boasts a renovated air-raid shelter from the Second World War. For a walk of almost 5 miles with moderate climbs and descents, you can start from the car park on Tally Road or Moorhouse Road. The walk includes pretty ponds, historic buildings and another golf course!
The long haul
Oxted features in the well-known 66-mile Vanguard Way walk which starts in Croydon and finishes in Newhaven on the south coast. If you feel like experimenting with the walk's Oxted leg, you can pick it up at Chalkpit Lane and continue as far North or South as you choose. For detailed instructions, follow the route.
Whatever the weather, you'll love walking outdoors in Oxted. It's a starting point for some longer, more adventurous trails or relaxing strolls among wildlife, Master Park and the stunning countryside. You can set off from the centre of town from Courtyard Gardens, and then see where your feet take you.