The hilltop stroll at Box Hill
Enjoy Surrey's finest scenery and discover some of the interesting features found around the top of Box Hill on a gentle circular walk.
Please note Box Hill is receiving high visitor numbers at the moment. This is creating a hot spot which could put both local residents and visitors at risk, and put local emergency services under pressure. Please park responsibly, and if the area is busy on your arrival please help us keep everyone safe by coming back another time.
Map
Start:
National Trust Visitor Centre at the top of Box Hill, grid ref: TQ178513
1
From the visitor centre at the top of Box Hill follow the surfaced path. On your right, when there are few leaves on the trees you'll see Swiss Cottage. This was the home of John Logie Baird, the inventor of television. One of his earliest transmissions was from the top of Box Hill. Ignore the track going off to your right. Continue along the surfaced path running parallel to the road. You'll see the view opening out in front of you and the Salomons memorial.
Salomons Memorial
The Salomons Memorial commemorates Mr L Salomons who gave Box Hill to the National Trust in 1914.
2
Walk down the steps or slope to the path running below the viewpoint. Take a right and follow this path.
3
Don't go on the left-hand path (this leads you down to the Stepping Stones) but climb uphill to the right. There are quite a few beech tree roots here so take care.
4
Follow the path you are on; don't go along to the right which would take you back to the visitor centre. On your path you'll see Peter Labilliere's gravestone. Continue past this and downhill. You are now at the top of a gentle chalk slope known as the Burford Spur.
Victorian picnickers
Victorian tourists would have walked up the Burford Spur too and were particularly keen on picnicking here.
5
There's a little path to your right - take this and turn off the main path. Wild Box trees grow either side of this path. You should see a grey building in front of you, this is Box Hill Fort. Take a left just before the dip to bring you round to the front. The Fort isn't open to the public but you are very welcome to walk around the outside.
Box Hill Fort
Box Hill Fort was built in the late 1800s during a crisis period in British history. It's one of 13 military installations forming a series of defences 72 miles (116km) long on the North Downs, known as the London Defence Scheme. Pick up our Box Hill Fort leaflet on site to find out more.
6
Walk up the stony track and take a right at the road to take you back to the visitor centre. The buildings here were built as cottages and store rooms for the fort you've just walked past.
End:
National Trust Visitor Centre at the top of Box Hill, grid ref: TQ178513
