Box Hill and Back

A Circular Hike Through the Surrey Hills

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Walk 4 hrs (11.6km)

Total Ascent 543 m

Highest Point 199 m

Welcome to this Signature Guide

“They had a very fine day for Box Hill … Nothing was wanting but to be happy when they got there. Seven miles were travelled in expectation of enjoyment, and everybody had a burst of admiration on first arriving.”

‘Emma’, Jane Austen

Ready to walk?

Be sure to download your PDF guide for the walk and make sure you have the OS maps app downloaded.

Or email yourself the guide:

Before you start

Here’s 3 important things you need to know before you head off:

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Save this Guide

Save the PDF guide on your device that you’re going to use on the walk. (This contains all the handy information, from how to get there, points of interest and pubs, taxis etc).

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Download OS Map App

This is how you will navigate your way around the route. The link for the route is in this guide and will take you to the OS Maps app.

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Click here for Android

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Battery

Make sure you have plenty of battery. We hope you have a great walk.

The Curator Rosie Down

Meet the Curator

Rosie is head of Marketing and Communications at Vespucci Adventures. She is an avid adventurer and walker and spends as much time as possible outdoors, trying to persuade her friends that hiking isn’t just for geography teachers. As a big Jane Austen fan, Rosie is particularly fond of this hike because of the location’s poignant role in the novel, Emma.

“Whether you’re a romantic or not, this circular Box Hill hike will leave you with tired legs and a full heart all the same. The wonderful medley of panoramic views, enchanted woodland and sprawling fields is enough to make the heart sing. With its idyllic train station and perfectly situated café, it’s obvious you’re in for a treat with this hike. The climb itself is beautiful, and once atop Box Hill you are rewarded with magnificent, far-reaching views to the south. The Druids’ Grove, an area that lies within Norbury Park, is steeped in mystical history: its ancient yew trees are said to have provided shade for the Druids who were known to wander about the woods over two millenia ago.”

Hike Summary

Box Hill, Surrey.

Alight at the wonderfully Victorian Box Hill and Westhumble Station and pick up a coffee from Ryka’s café before you begin your walk. Enjoy spectacular views and woodlands along the way, before stopping for a well-earned lunch at the King William IV pub, nestled away in Byttom Hill. If you’ve brought your own, there are plenty of picture-perfect picnic spots en route!

After lunch it’s time to explore the Druids’ Glen and the fascinating ancient yews that inhabit it. Norbury Park also features a lot on this hike, complete with an imposing Georgian Manor whose origins are mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. A steady downhill trail leads you to the home straight as you get a glimpse of the beautiful railway bridge over the River Mole.

Hike Highlights

Box Hill

Never-ending views to the south from the famous Box Hill viewpoint

Druid's Grove

Exploring magical woodlands and ancient yew trees.

Defeat the summits

Catch your breath and feel fulfilled at some stunning pub and picnic options.

By Train – This hike is best accessed by train as the walk starts and finishes at Box Hill and Westhumble Station. Trains take under an hour from Victoria and Clapham Junction Station, and run regularly.

By Car – There is a free public car park at Ryka’s Café, and we recommend parking here rather than taking your chance at the small car park at the station. For your satnav, enter the postcode RH5 6BY.

Sometimes, we can get so caught up in reaching our destination that we forget to take in our surroundings. When in fact, some of the best moments on a walk are the ones spent not walking. It is not until you stop and look a little closer, that you truly see the magic of where you are.
Our hikes are not about how fast you walk, but about how much you take in. We share these beautiful trails with an abundance of wildlife and there’s always something to marvel at – so long as you take the time to look around.

Originally Built in 1790 as an alehouse for the workers at the Cherkely Court estate. The King William IV is now an independently run family free house. The “King Bill on the Hill,” due to its elevated position enjoys probably the finest views of any pub garden in Surrey.

Points of interest

Places to enjoy along the route

BOX HILL AND WESTHUMBLE STATION

The station was constructed at the insistence of the owner of Norbury Park, Thomas Grissell, in part compensation for the railway that cut across his land. Grissell also obtained the right to stop any passing train on request, a privilege subsequently exercised by Leopold Salomons, who purchased Norbury Park in 1890. Salomon’s memorial can be found at the Box Hill Viewpoint.

DENBIES WINE ESTATE

On your first climb of the hike, this large vineyard can clearly be seen to your right. The largest vineyard in England at 265 acres, the estate boasts more than 10 per cent of the plantings in the United Kingdom. It has been family run and owned since 1984, and even hosts a few trees that were planted by Prince Albert in 1851.

GRAVESTONE OF MAJOR PETER LABELLIERE

The British army major, Peter Labelliere, lived in a small cottage called “The Hole in the Wall,” on Butter Hill, and often visited Box Hill to meditate. Major Labelliere was an interesting and eccentric character, who was known to neglect his own personal hygiene to such an extent that he acquired the nickname “the walking dung-hill”. When he died, Labelliere requested to be buried upside down on Box Hill, without ceremony, as he believed “the world was turned topsy-turvy, it was fit that he should be so buried that he might be right at last.”

BOX HILL

Box Hill gets its name from the ancient box woodland found on the steepest chalk slopes overlooking the River Mole. The western side overlooks the town of Dorking and is the most popular viewpoint. Look out for the zig-zag road as you crest the hill; it was featured in some 2012 Olympics Cycling events, as well as the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Box Hill is also an important site for wildlife, home to many types of butterfly and wildflower.

DRUID'S GROVE

Nestled in the woodland, away from the Mole, lies a grove of ancient yew trees called the Druids’ Grove, also known as the Druids’ Walk. Some of the trees in this grove are known as some of the oldest in the country and are dated at 2000-3000 years old. It is widely believed they were the site of ancient, pre-Christian religious rituals.

What’s Next?

Done the hike? Let us and fellow members know how you got on and leave any tips and advice!

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Box Hill and Back, Surrey Hills ⏱️ 4 hrs