Abinger Roughs snowdrop walk
Enjoy this picturesque early spring walk around Abinger Roughs, taking in the special snowdrop trail, with glorious views over the surrounding Surrey countryside.
Total steps: 9
Total steps: 9
Start point
Abinger Roughs car park, grid ref: TQ110480
Step 1
From the car park walk through the opening in the fence opposite the noticeboard and follow the green waymarked posts.
Step 2
As you pass through the woodland copse you will come into the open space that is the natural play area. This is a great place for kids to test their agility climbing over poles and tree trunks.
Step 3
Following the sandy track you'll see the 200-year-old Scots and Corsican pine trees. We manage this area so that the best specimens grow strongest and tallest.
Step 4
As you walk over the rise and down the slope you'll come to a lower area of deciduous woodland. Continue along the path, climbing again up a small slope.
Step 5
Walk along a straight path parallel to a fence to your left. At the end, the path bends round to the right. You pass by holly, yew and birch trees and then come out into an open glade. To your left, over the greensand ridge, rises the Hurtwood (an area of heath and forest). Stop and enjoy the views.
Step 6
At the top is the most wooded area on the Roughs. Stop at the crossroads look back and enjoy the view west. The farm nearby is Hackhurst Farm and you can look up onto Hackhurst Down and Kingswood. From this point take the path down the slope, keeping the fence on your left-hand side.
Step 7
As you come up the slope take the path signposted 'Snowdrop trail' to the left. The path goes down the slope and bends sharply round to the right. Follow it through the glade and, if you're lucky, you'll see the snowdrops on either side of the path. Keep parallel to the hedge on your left, until you come to a T-junction by an open gate. Turn right here along the rough track and up the slope to the trees.
Step 8
Follow the path as it descends the slope and bends round to the right. You'll pass through deciduous woodland with lots of oak, beech and hazel. Again, listen out for the birds – can you hear a woodpecker or spot a buzzard soaring over the treetops? Continue along the 'Mayor's path' and through the rhododendrons planted years ago to form a wilderness garden by Thomas Farrer, who owned the Roughs in the late 19th century.
Step 9
The path bends round to the right around the Rhododendron plantation and then turns left through some holly and down into the low copse. Follow the path forwards and bear to your left to follow the path alongside the edge of Abinger Roughs. You're almost there – don't forget to look up towards the North Downs and see if you can spot the Second World War pillboxes which were built to defend London. Stop and read the inscription on the Wilberforce Memorial as you reach Lease Barn. Then turn right up the hill and back to the car park.
End point
Abinger Roughs car park, grid ref: TQ110480
Trail map
More near here
Abinger Roughs rhododendron and bluebell walk
Enjoy the delightful show of bluebells and rhododendrons as they bloom in spring and early summer, on this gentle walk through the woods of Abinger Roughs.
Abinger Roughs to Gomshall walking circuit
Enjoy this 6.2-mile walk from Abinger Roughs to the pretty village of Gomshall, taking in woodland, farmland and open countryside, plus a village pub and tea-rooms for a recharge.
Abinger Roughs nature walk
A 2-mile walk on Abinger Roughs that takes in some of the history – from the Stone Age to Charles Darwin – as well as the wildlife that currently calls the Roughs home.
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.
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