Surrey Hills National Landscape — Attraction in Mole Valley

Beautiful does not even begin to describe this quaint little town and area. The forests, the views, the people, the town...spectacular. I almost hate putting this out here because I know more people will come to the area and I want to keep it my own little secret!

If coming into the area, feel free to hike Devil's Punchbowl. For those less able to walk it, no worries, you can drive up and the park there is wheelchair friendly, to say the least. Having been on crutches and stuck in the wheel chair, I now watch for that and this works. That said, it's a little tough on the wheels, with uneven -but hard packed- ground.

Bring a lunch of your own making or pick up lunch at the cafe at the Beginning of Devil's Punchbowl. Further, if you have dogs, no worries. They are exceedingly friendly and have lots of filled water bowls around the cafe. Dogs are very welcome. As a hiker, please pick up the dog messes.

Restrooms, there are restrooms at the cafe for all to use and the bathrooms are clean. They also have water for you to quickly refresh with a cup. Note: no restrooms on the trails, so be prepared to find a bush. There is wildlife and livestock in the forests so please also close all gates.

As always, if you carry it in, please carry it out with you to maintain the pristine nature of the environment and for the health of the woodland creatures.

Once complete, you can easily stop in Haslemere, at the Apple Tree, or other great places, for a pint with your fellow hikers. Food and meals in Haslemere are more than fair in price and amount of food prepared. If you leave hungry, it's your own fault.

People are friendly and welcoming so get to know them! You need help, just ask.

If this helped you, please hit like so I...

Living in Weybridge, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the Surrey Hills National Landscape on numerous occasions, and it never ceases to amaze me. This area, designated as a National Landscape in 1958, covers about a quarter of Surrey and offers some of Southeast England’s most beautiful countryside. 

The rolling hills, dense woodlands, and open commons provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re into hiking, cycling, or just a leisurely stroll, there’s a trail for everyone. The North Downs Way National Trail is a personal favorite, offering stunning views and a good workout. 

One of the highlights is Box Hill, which offers panoramic views that are simply breathtaking. It’s a bit of a climb, but the scenery at the top is worth every step. Another gem is the Devil’s Punch Bowl, a natural amphitheater that’s both eerie and beautiful. The area has been transformed into a wildlife haven after the A3 road was diverted underground in a tunnel project completed in 2011. 

The Surrey Hills isn’t just about natural beauty; it’s also rich in history and culture. The charming villages scattered throughout the area are perfect for a pit stop, offering cozy pubs and local shops. And if you’re a fan of English wine, the vineyards here are a must-visit. 

For those who haven’t yet explored this area, I highly recommend it. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Plus, it’s right on our doorstep, making it an easy and...

Very nice place for a picnic or if you’re looking for a hike. In fact, many people come here to picnic only. It’s busy in summer and lots of cyclist and motorcyclists going up and down Zig Zag Road so driving up and down needs to be extra careful. That said, if you’re a cyclist/motorcyclist, this is the place for you.

Also, because it’s busy in summer, plus with social distancing in place, I notice that they have started closing the way up at around midday or when the car parks up top are at full capacity. If you’re driving here, come early.

A few things to be mindful of, however: Please do take your rubbish home. Many people come here and leave their lunch packing, BBQ tray, wrapping paper, etc. behind.

The toilet is usually busy, and there’s only Male and Female (Disable door was locked when we were here last) so if you’re going with a different gender small child who can’t use the toilet alone yet), you’ll struggle. A male friend of mine came with his daughter and he was fortunate to have brought the potty in the car so the little girl had to do it in the back of the SUV.

I think you’re expected to bring your own food so they only sell ice cream and pastries here along with hot drinks. Or maybe it’s because of lockdown and social distancing so they’re reducing capacity. That was my experience back in mid May 2021.

Dogs are running without leash here, and there are plenty of them around. Be mindful if you’re afraid of dogs or with...