Leith Hill woodland walk
Enjoy this invigorating circular walk at Leith Hill, which has been a popular walking and picnic spot since the 19th century. The area around it is one of the highest points in South East England and offers some impressive views of the South Downs and, to the north, the London skyline.
Waymarked walk
Along with the directions below, the route is marked with orange-topped posts
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
Windy Gap car park, grid ref: TQ139429
Step 1
From the car park, cross the road and follow the orange marked trail into the woodland.
Step 2
This track leads you down through the woodland where, in the autumn, you can hear roving flocks of woodland birds including nuthatches, coal tits and tree creepers.
Step 3
At the junction of tracks take the second left through the Lime Avenue, planted as part of the original estate landscape. The path takes you past the walled garden on the right and to the road where you should turn left, carefully heading down the road for 55yd (50m) before heading right into the farmland over the stile.
Step 4
Follow straight ahead in front of Leith Hill Place on your right and admire the sweeping views across the parkland and southwards over the Weald onto the ridge of the South Downs. Pass through the kissing gate and cross the second field to the gate just below the pond. Once through the gate you will pass through woodland. Bear right and follow the straight track ahead of you.
Step 5
Follow this track which bends right and heads uphill. Bear right, following the signs which lead you through the rhododendron wood and up through the car park to the road.
Step 6
Turn right to exit the car park onto a tarmac road. Follow the road for approximately 60m. Before reaching the main road, turn left up the steps. Take care when crossing Leith Hill road. Follow the steep path running uphill alongside the sandstone wall. Turn right at a narrow crossroads and bear right again to join the Greensand way. This path will lead you all the way through the woodland to the tower. Please note: this segment of the trail contains a steep incline with uneven footing.
Step 7
To return to the car park, head down from the tower, turning left with your back to the noticeboard following the rail around to the top of the steps. There are just under 200 steps down to the car park.
End point
Windy Gap car park, grid ref: TQ139429
Trail map
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Get in touch
near Coldharbour village, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6LU
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