Box Hill Happy Valley circular walk

Surrey

A view over the zig zag road at Box Hill — The zig zag road at Box Hill | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Follow this route taking in some of Box Hill's most beautiful woodland, the 19th-century folly Broadwood's Tower, as well as some wonderful views of the Surrey countryside along the way.

Near to

Box Hill

Start point

National Trust Visitor Centre at the top of Box Hill, grid ref: TQ178513

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2.7 (km: 4.32)

Duration1 hour 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*Some slopes and a series of steep steps make up a descent on this walk. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Undulating terrain and steps. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs welcome. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Paths in winter

The paths are well maintained but may become slippery in wet or wintry weather. Please take care with your footing and wear suitable footwear for the conditions.

Address
The Old Fort, Box Hill Road, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 7LB
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Closest train station is Box Hill and Westhumble, a 1-mile (1.6km) steep walk uphill to Box Hill.
By bus
Metrobus 21 Epsom, Leatherhead, Dorking and Crawley to Box Hill east car park (not Sundays or Bank Hols); Arriva 465 Kingston to Dorking to foot of Box Hill, 1½ miles to summit.
By road
1 mile north of Dorking, 2½ miles south of Leatherhead on A24.
Satnav: use KT20 7LB. Please note that this post code is not recognised on all Sat Navs. Google Maps is more acccurate.
Dogs
Dogs welcome. Please keep them on leads when livestock are grazing.
Car park
Parking free for National Trust members. Non-members can use pay & display or the Paybyphone app (area code 803448; 0330 060 4037; download the app before you arrive on site as the signal can be weak). You can also buy tickets at the café. National Trust car parks do not permit overnight camping or parking.
Toilet
Toilets are located in the main car park near the café.
Tea-room
Tea-room in the Box Hill Visitor Centre.
Trail not accessible to wheelchairs due to uneven, very steep terrain and steps on the route.
Designated parking
Parking for Blue Badge holders is available in the main car park, near the Shepherd’s Hut information stand and also in the small Fort car park to the rear of the buildings.
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilet located in the main car park, near the café. There are no hoist facilities available.
Steps/uneven terrain
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
National Trust Visitor Centre at the top of Box Hill, grid ref: TQ178513
Stage 1
Start at the Shepherd's Hut and follow the red Box Hill Hike signs towards Broadwood's Tower.
Stage 2
After enjoying the views at Broadwood's Tower, continue to follow the Box Hill Hike signs down the hill to Happy Valley (also known as Juniper Bottom). There's a series of steep steps between Steps 2 and 3.
Stage 3
Turn right and walk up Happy Valley.
Stage 4
When you reach the top of Happy Valley, follow the main path to the left which leads to the road. At the junction you'll see the Smith and Western restaurant.
Stage 5
At the Smith and Western restaurant, cross the road, turn right and walk along the path for 100yd (90m).
Stage 6
Enter the woods to join the North Downs Way. Turn right and follow the track until you reach the Salomons Memorial Viewpoint.
Stage 7
Pause to take in the views from Salomons Memorial Viewpoint. From here, it's a short walk back to the Box Hill Café for a well-earned cup of tea and slice of cake.
End point
National Trust Visitor Centre at the top of Box Hill, grid ref: TQ178513
Trail map
Box Hill Happy Valley circular walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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