White Downs & Hackhurst Downs loop from Abinger Roughs — Surrey Hills

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.