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Tank traps on the Box Hill riverside walk, Surrey
Look out for the Second World War tank traps | © National Trust/Andrew Wright
Surrey

Box Hill riverside walk

Following a pretty stretch of the River Mole, this circular walk will give you the chance to spot dragonflies, wagtails and the electric blue of a darting kingfisher. Stop a while to take in the Second World War concrete structures that stand sentinel along the water's edge.

Total steps: 8

Total steps: 8

Start point

Salomons Memorial Viewpoint. Grid ref: TQ 17973 51167

Step 1

Starting at the Salomons Memorial Viewpoint, which looks out over Surrey and Sussex, walk down the steps and follow the path to the right. Look out for the left turn that'll take you diagonally down the hill below the viewpoint.

Step 2

When you reach the tarmac road, turn right and walk along it. The fields on either side of you are part of Box Hill Farm.

Step 3

Continue along the road until it runs out (ignore any turnings along the way). You'll see a gate on your right – go through this. To your left, you'll see the River Mole, which you'll walk along for the next mile (1.6km).

Step 4

The slopes of Box Hill to your right are often grazed by belted Galloway cattle for the conservation of rare flowers and insects. Soon, you'll come across Pixham Weir and Mill. Until the early 20th century, the River Mole turned several waterwheels here, principally for corn grinding and fulling (a term used to describe the cleaning of cloth, particularly wool).

Step 5

The path will take you under the Pixham Viaduct, which was built in the Victorian era. Continue and after a short while you'll come to an unusual collection of 12 anti-tank cylinders perched at the water's edge. Built in 1940, they were part of a wider anti-invasion scheme.

Step 6

The pathway will now take you away from the banks of the river and up into woodland. Just before you start your climb, look through the trees to see a Second World War Type 24 Infantry shell-proof pill box. Covering the east bank of the River Mole and the lower western slopes of Box Hill, this would've been defended by infantry with Bren guns.

Step 7

A set of steps will take you uphill through woodland that includes yew, beech and oak trees.

Step 8

At the top of the steps, turn left. Continue along the path through the woods, and take the first right-hand turn to return to the visitor centre.

End point

Box Hill visitor centre. Grid ref: TQ 17818 51327

Trail map

Map of Box Hill riverside walk.jpg
Map of Box Hill riverside walk.jpg | © Crown copyright and database rights 2017 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

The Old Fort, Box Hill Road, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7LB

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We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

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