Highlight • Natural
Blatchford Down
Hiking
5.0
(129)
Running
5.0
(1)
Cycling
5.0
(1)
Mountain biking
5.0
(1)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
August 28, 2019
Hiking
August 1, 2022
Hiking
August 1, 2022
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Blatchford Down
4.9
(19)
82
hikers
21.1km
05:47
340m
340m
Embark on the Abinger Roughs Nature Trail and North Downs Way, a difficult hike spanning 13.1 miles (21.1 km). You will gain 1116 feet (340 metres) in elevation over approximately 5 hours and 46 minutes. This route offers a diverse experience, blending ancient woodlands with open vistas. In Abinger Roughs, you will walk among oak, beech, and chestnut trees, some over 300 years old, and might spot the unique 'Witch's Broom Tree'. As you join the North Downs Way, prepare for wide-ranging views across the High Weald, including landmarks like the View of Denbies Vineyard. You will find a varied landscape throughout your journey.
When planning your visit, be aware that while the paths are generally well-maintained, sections within Abinger Roughs can become naturally uneven and muddy, especially after wet weather. The North Downs Way is well-waymarked, making navigation straightforward. However, some parts of the trail present challenging steep inclines and declines. Always check local conditions before you set out to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.
This route stands out for its combination of two distinct natural environments within the Surrey Hills National Landscape. You will transition from the ancient, dense canopy of Abinger Roughs, home to centuries-old trees, to the expansive, open panoramas characteristic of the North Downs Way. This blend provides a rich experience, showcasing both the intimate beauty of old-growth forests and the sweeping grandeur of the wider landscape, often referred to as the 'garden of England'.
4.7
(21)
103
hikers
8.45km
02:21
160m
160m
The White Downs & Hackhurst Downs loop from Abinger Roughs offers a varied hiking experience through the Surrey Hills. You will walk on woodland trails, chalk grassland, and old drove roads, with some sections being steep and potentially muddy after rain. Expect panoramic views across the Surrey Hills AONB, where you can spot Westcott, Dorking, and Box Hill. This moderate 5.2-mile (8.4 km) loop involves about 528 feet (161 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours and 21 minutes to complete. In spring, the trail is particularly vibrant with spectacular wildflower displays, including bluebells.
The starting point for this loop is conveniently located next to a car park, making access straightforward for visitors. While some parts of the trail are easy with gentle slopes, other sections can be moderately challenging with steep inclines, so good fitness and sure-footedness are recommended. Be prepared for diverse terrain, including natural paths, gravel, and some asphalt; good boots are essential, especially since parts can be very muddy after wet weather. The route has gates to navigate but is noted to have no stiles in some sections. Consider visiting in spring to witness the impressive wildflower blooms.
This trail is rich in history and natural beauty, situated within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You will pass World War II pillboxes, which are now important bat hibernaculums, and walk on old drove roads historically used for moving livestock. The area also has connections to Charles Darwin, who walked on Abinger Roughs in the 1870s. Managed by the National Trust and Surrey Wildlife Trust, the route includes sections of the North Downs Way National Trail and is home to a diverse ecosystem with forty species of butterfly.
4.0
(2)
12
hikers
10.6km
02:58
220m
220m
Embark on the White Down & Hackhurst Downs loop, a moderate hike spanning 6.6 miles (10.6 km) with an elevation gain of 717 feet (219 metres), typically completed in just under 3 hours. You will traverse tranquil woodlands, where oak, beech, and chestnut trees create a serene atmosphere, especially vibrant with bluebells in spring. The route also opens up to chalk grassland slopes, offering panoramic views over patchwork meadows and distant landscapes like the Greensand Ridge and the North Downs, with specific viewpoints such as Little King's Wood providing vistas over towns like Westcott and Dorking. Expect varied terrain, including natural paths, gravel, and some steep sections that require good fitness.
To best enjoy this route, consider visiting in spring for the spectacular bluebell displays in the woodlands, or in late May to early June if you wish to see the rhododendrons along the Rhody Ramble Trail. While the trail is generally accessible, be prepared for uneven ground and some challenging climbs. The mix of surfaces, from unpaved sections to dedicated footpaths, means you should wear appropriate footwear. This loop is a rewarding experience for those seeking a moderately challenging hike with diverse natural beauty.
A significant portion of your hike follows the historic North Downs Way, adding a layer of heritage to your journey. You will encounter several well-preserved World War II pillboxes, remnants of a defensive line that now serve as important bat hibernaculums. Hackhurst Downs itself is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve, celebrated for its rich chalk grassland flora and fauna, including rare butterfly species like the adonis blue and chalk hill blue, and a unique juniper population on the North Downs.
Details
Informations
Elevation 210 m
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Saturday 3 October
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Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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