Surrey

Leith Hill woodland walk

A hilltop view of a valley with low-lying mist and autumnal leaves on trees as far as the eye can see — View from Leith Hill | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Enjoy this invigorating circular walk at Leith Hill, which has been a popular walking and picnic spot since the 19th century. The area around it is one of the highest points in South East England and offers some impressive views of the South Downs and, to the north, the London skyline.

Near to

Leith Hill

Start point

Windy Gap car park, grid ref: TQ139429

Waymarked walk

Along with the directions below, the route is marked with orange-topped posts

Address
near Coldharbour village, Dorking, Surrey
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Holmwood (not Sunday), 2.5 miles (4km) or Dorking, 5.5 miles (8.9km).
By bus
Arriva 21, Guildford– Dorking (not Sunday or public holidays). Alight Holmbury St Mary, 2.5 miles (4km).
On foot
Comprehensive network of rights of way including the Greensand Way National Trail.
Cycling
Many rights of way. View local cycle routes at Sustrans.
Visit Sustrans
By road
Leith Hill is signposted from the A25 at Wotton and from the A29 at Ockley. 1 mile (1.6km) south-west of Coldharbour A29/B2126. Parking at either the Windy Gap or the Landslip car parks which are due south of Leith Hill Tower on Abinger Road.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Windy Gap car park, grid ref: TQ139429
Stage 1
From the car park, cross the road and follow the orange marked trail into the woodland.
Stage 2
This track leads you down through the woodland where, in the autumn, you can hear roving flocks of woodland birds including nuthatches, coal tits and tree creepers.
Stage 3
At the junction of tracks take the second left through the Lime Avenue, planted as part of the original estate landscape. The path takes you past the walled garden on the right and to the road where you should turn left, carefully heading down the road for 55yd (50m) before heading right into the farmland over the stile.
Stage 4
Follow straight ahead in front of Leith Hill Place on your right and admire the sweeping views across the parkland and southwards over the Weald onto the ridge of the South Downs. Pass through the kissing gate and cross the second field to the gate just below the pond. Once through the gate you will pass through woodland. Bear right and follow the straight track ahead of you.
Leith Hill Place
Leith Hill Place dates from around 1600 and was bought by Josiah Wedgwood (grandson of the famous potter) in 1847. It later became the home of his grandson, composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, who bequeathed the house and estate to us in 1944. Josiah Wedgwood's wife, Caroline, was the eldest sister of Charles Darwin, the father of the theory of evolution, who made frequent visits to Leith Hill to undertake field research work with assistance from his nieces. Here' you'll also see one of Darwin's famous worm stones. Together with his nieces, Darwin conducted research into worms around Leith Hill estate and studied how worm casts will eventually bury stones that lie on the surface of the ground.
Enjoying the views at Leith Hill | © National Trust Images/John Miller
Stage 5
Follow this track which bends right and heads uphill. Bear right, following the signs which lead you through the rhododendron wood and up through the car park to the road.
Stage 6
Turn right to exit the car park onto a tarmac road. Follow the road for approximately 60m. Before reaching the main road, turn left up the steps. Take care when crossing Leith Hill road. Follow the steep path running uphill alongside the sandstone wall. Turn right at a narrow crossroads and bear right again to join the Greensand way. This path will lead you all the way through the woodland to the tower. Please note: this segment of the trail contains a steep incline with uneven footing.
Stage 7
To return to the car park, head down from the tower, turning left with your back to the noticeboard following the rail around to the top of the steps. There are just under 200 steps down to the car park.
End point
Windy Gap car park, grid ref: TQ139429
Trail map
Map of Leith Hill woodland walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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leithhillplace@nationaltrust.org.uk

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View of the steps to Leith Hill Tower surrounded by heather and trees

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