Abinger Roughs nature walk
Abinger Roughs has a long history – from the Stone Age to Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist, who walked on the Roughs in the 1870s. Follow in Darwin's footsteps and discover more about the history and wildlife here.
Start point
Abinger Roughs car park. Grid reference: TQ110480.Trail information
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Abinger Roughs car park. Grid reference: TQ110480.
Stage 1
Start the walk by heading out of the car park, through the gap in the fence opposite the notice board. Look out for the green nature trail marker post.
Stage 2
Walk past the natural play area and then follow the path as it bends round to the right and begins to descend. The Scots pine here is a native British tree which loves the sandy soil.
Stage 3
Continue to walk down the slope and down to a small copse at a low point reached over a trackway. There is an old well here that was dug to provide water for cattle and horses. We have now fenced it off to prevent accidents. Look around here to spot an unusual grafting of an American ash tree onto an English ash. Follow the left-hand path up the hill and then round to the left. You'll go through some holly and then come out into an open glade.
Listen out for birdsong as you pause among the trees | © National Trust Stage 4
This open glade is a lovely spot for a picnic or a game of frisbee or football. The grassland here supports lots of insects and butterflies. When you're ready to continue, walk to the edge of the glade and a junction of paths. Take the second fork to the left along a glorious undulating path.
You can stop for a picnic on this grassy clearing | © National Trust Stage 5
This is one of the most wooded areas of the Roughs. Some of the oaks are over 300 years old. Ancient trees are particularly important for conservation. The hollow trunks create niche habitats, rich in decaying wood, loose bark and perfect for insects, lichen and fungi. Bats, owls and woodpeckers nest in the holes. Take a moment here to enjoy the views.
Stage 6
Follow the waymarkers down the slope and back into the woodland. You'll soon come to a large area of rhododendrons. Charles Darwin often used to walk around the Roughs when he was staying with his friend Thomas Farrer at Abinger Hall.
Stage 7
Continue along the path, keeping an eye out on your left for the twisted roots and branches of old beech trees. They were planted as hedging to protect against livestock. As you walk out of the woodland you will see the Wilberforce memorial and also an old barn on your left hand side. This is Leasers Barn, which was used as a lambing shed for many years. From here, walk up the hill to return to the car park.
The Samuel Wilberforce memorial | © National Trust End point
Abinger Roughs car park. Grid reference: TQ110480.
Trail map
Abinger Roughs nature walk map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
The long walk at Hatchlands Park
This circular walk follows the edge of the park through woodland and open parkland with distant views of the house and the wider Surrey countryside.
Ranmore West to The Wotton Hatch pub walk
This picturesque walk offers memorable views of the chalk grasslands of Denbies Hillside and neighbouring Ranmore Common, and stops at a welcoming country pub stop en route.
Leith Hill woodland walk
Enjoy some impressive views of the South Downs and the London skyline on this invigorating circular walk through woodland on Leith Hill
Get in touch
NT Car park on White Down Lane, Abinger Hammer, Surrey, RH5 6QS (nearest postcode)
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
Things to see and do at Abinger Roughs and Netley Park
The Roughs are a great place to run around and enjoy the great outdoors, with walking and cycling trails, a natural play area and lots of wildlife to spot. Take a look and find out what you could get up to on a day out here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.