Box Hill Juniper Top circular walk
Starting at the top of Box Hill with views as far as the South Downs, this walk also offers further views of the North Downs. Follow the trail markers and enjoy the varied scenery – magical woods, glorious hilltop views and tranquil valleys. Wonderful in all seasons, it is especially beautiful in spring when the bluebells appear in the woods.
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.
Total steps: 8
Total steps: 8
Start point
National Trust visitor centre at the top of Box Hill, grid ref: TQ178513
Step 1
Start from the information board by the Box Hill café and walk along the path to the viewpoint. Take a minute here to admire the panorama before you. On a clear day you can see as far as Chanctonbury Ring, 24 miles away on the South Downs. The village of Brockham is to your left and Dorking to your right. Turn left and go down the steps or the slope and head towards the woods.
Step 2
As you walk into the woods you will see a fingerpost pointing up to the left for the North Downs Way and the Juniper Top Trail marker. At the top the path bends to your right running parallel to the road through trees and bushes – holly, beech, box and yew. A gate on the path takes you into a pasture field with views towards Dorking and Leith Hill and another gate takes you back into woodland. At the marker for the North Downs Way, turn left to go up to to the road and then along the verge towards the white gate for Box Hill village by the Smith and Western restaurant.
Step 3
Cross the road by the bus stop to join the bridleway heading into woodland. You’ll follow a broad path through woodland with lots of yew, holly an ivy. Keep straight along the path, ignoring paths to the right and left. As the path begins to descend you’ll come to a cross roads by a large yew tree. There’s a marker here showing the Juniper Top Trail to the right.
Step 4
Turn right to follow the trail through holly and yew woodland. The path bends to the left and you go down a small slope. The wood opens up with hazel and small oak trees and, in the spring, you'll see the bluebells spreading out. Further along the path is a junction with a bridlepath going to the right. You carry straight on here past a marker saying ‘Walkers only’. Continue to follow the path until you reach a gate.
Step 5
This gate takes you out onto the grassy plateau of Juniper Top with terrific views across the Downs. There is a seat here to admire the views and have a breather. When you're ready, stroll down the hill through the grass to the bottom where you will come to two gates.
Step 6
Go through the gate and turn immediately sharp left back up the track along Juniper Bottom (also known as Happy Valley). At this point you join the Happy Valley Trail. You'll go through a gate and continue up the stony track. The path opens out to grass and you'll see the steep steps of the Box Hill Hike coming down on your right hand side. Continue to walk up the valley and you’ll see a mix of trees and bushes on both sides – areas of holly, yew, juniper and box, and then more open areas of hazel, oak and beech.
Step 7
You’ll pass through a gate and continue to climb up the valley until you come to a crossroad at the top of the ridge. There is a marker showing the Juniper Top Trail to the right near a sign for car parks and café. Follow this path along the edge of the hill. Look out for some marvellous specimen beech trees. A path will join from the right and you bear to the left following the trail marker sign.
Step 8
You’re now walking along a hardcore surface, part of the Natural Play Trail. You'll see the open space of Donkey Green, and you can go there for a picnic or you can continue along the path. You'll see the roof of the café through the trees and if you follow the path you'll come out near the shepherd’s hut. You've made it.
End point
National Trust visitor centre at the top of Box Hill, grid ref: TQ178513
Trail map
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