Box Hill Stepping Stones walk
The Stepping Stones are an iconic landmark in this part of Surrey and they're a perfect spot to stop and watch the river flow by. This trail takes in some glorious views of the Surrey Hills and passes by one of Box Hill's oldest buildings, the Fort.
Near to
Box HillStart point
National Trust Visitor Centre at the top of Box Hill, grid ref: TQ178513Trail information
Paths in winter
The paths are well maintained but may become slippery in wet or wintry weather. Please take care with your footing and wear suitable footwear for the conditions.
Total stages: 10
Total stages: 10
Start point
National Trust Visitor Centre at the top of Box Hill, grid ref: TQ178513
Stage 1
From the visitor centre at the top of Box Hill, follow the surfaced path away from the visitor centre. Ignore the track going off to your right and continue along the surfaced path running parallel to the road and you'll see the view opening out in front of you.
Stage 2
Once you've admired the view from Salomons Memorial, walk down the sloped path which runs below the viewpoint. Take a right and continue along this path.
Stage 3
You'll see some steps cut into the ground on your left. Follow these downhill through the Yew woods. There are 275 steps to the bottom – take care as they can be slippery sometimes. Continue along this path, on the left you'll catch glimpses of the River Mole.
Stage 4
Continue downhill. As the path flattens you'll reach a fork in the path. Take the left fork signed to the Stepping Stones. The River Mole and Stepping Stones are in front of you. You have a choice here. Either take a right at the rivers' edge and follow the riverside path (you can cross the river at the bridge a little further along), or cross the Stepping Stones and follow the path running parallel to the river on the other side.
Stage 5
Once you've reached the footbridge, go through the gate next to it. This brings you out into a large open space called Burford Meadow. Continue through the meadow. On the opposite bank of the river there are wooded chalk cliffs. These are known as the Whites.
Stage 6
At the far end of Burford Meadow there will be a road bridge in front of you. Follow the path upwards just to the left of the bridge and you'll come out on the pavement next to the A24. Take a right and cross the river and walk past the hotel on your right hand side. Continue along the pavement.
Stage 7
Take the right hand path immediately after the hotel. At the fork, take the left hand grassy track and continue heading directly uphill.
Stage 8
Join the wide grassy path on the ridge of the hill. The grassy slope becomes a white chalk path, follow it uphill.
Stage 9
Take the pathway on your left. As it joins the stony path, take a right and continue as it heads uphill.
Stage 10
You'll pass an old building on your right. This is Box Hill Fort. You can walk all around the outside but not inside as there are bats living in it. Continue up the stony track and turn right at the road to return to the visitor centre.
End point
National Trust Visitor Centre at the top of Box Hill, grid ref: TQ178513
Trail map
A map of the Box Hill Stepping Stones walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
The Box Hill Hike
Follow this challenging eight mile circular walk covering much of the Box Hill estate in Surrey. Expect steep climbs, wonderful views and pub pit stops.
Box Hill Happy Valley circular walk
Explore Box Hill and Happy Valley, discover Broadwood's Tower, and take in views of the Surrey countryside from Salomons memorial viewpoint on this circular walk.
A hilltop stroll at Box Hill
Take in some of Surrey's finest views and marvel at the hidden history of Box Hill on this gentle circular walk around the hilltop.
Box Hill Natural Play Trail
Try this family-friendly trail to get back to nature in the woods at Box Hill, with opportunities for you to practise everything from balancing on fallen trunks to building dens,
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Family-friendly walks
Take a family-friendly walk along these trails suitable for pushchairs and children. On the way, you can go wild in natural play areas and compete in woodland den building.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Things to do at Box Hill
Discover what to see and do at Box Hill in the Surrey Hills. Explore the beautiful landscape on foot or cycle the world’s most popular hill climb on your bike.
Walking in Surrey
From hilltop hikes with some of the finest views of the Surrey Hills to gentle wanders through ancient woodlands, these are some of the best walks in Surrey.
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.