Pitch Hill to Peaslake
A woodland walk deep in the Hurtwood, a vast woodland covering roughly 60 miles of footpaths that is the largest commonland in Surrey, with plenty of nature, wildlife and tranquility on offer. The Hurtwood offers walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders a tranquil and safe place to roam.
The details
Starting point: Hurtwood Car Park 3: Mil Plain
Parking: Free parking, Hurtwood Car Park 3: Mil Plain
Length/distance: 3.45 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes
Baby carrying/buggy/toddler: baby carrying/toddler carrying (my toddler has walked sections of the route)
Terrain: woodland footpaths (bumpy and stony), one ascent/descent
Refreshments/toilets: Hurtwood Hotel pub halfway
The route:
Starting at Car Park 3, with the road behind you walk towards the woods on the main path. Head along this path for approximately 1.2 miles.
Approaching The Walking Bottom Car Park, there will be a small pond on your right, then the car park infront of you.
3. Walk through the car park, staying to the right hand side.
4. Walk on the right side of the road and join the footpath going up the bank on the right.
5. Follow this footpath as it takes you to St. Mark's Church in Peaslake. Here you will find the Hurtwood Hotel pub and a small convenience shop.
6. Head back to the path and with the church behind you, carry on straight.
7. Once you come to the cemetery, bend to the left and stay on the main footpath.
8. Stay on this footpath for approximately 1.3 miles until it forks into two. Take the right footpath.
9. Walk for approximately 1 mile and you will reach the top of Pitch Hill. (When you come to the fork below, take the left path)
10. Take a lovely photo of the Surrey Hills from the bench next to the tree.
11. With the triangulation point on your left (congrats on making it to the highest point), make your descent down to the car park. This descent has bumpy tree routes so watch your step.
Things we love about this walk:
The tranquility, the sense of calm and peace you feel
Some paths are wide, sandy and flat, a toddlers dream!
Lovely views of the quaint village of Peaslake and Pitch Hill
Things we wish were better:
Parts of the route can get extremely muddy after rain (wellies! but detours may be needed)
It can be busy with mountain bikers at the weekends so not ideal with small children
I have done this route both way rounds and really enjoy it, but I slightly prefer this way, so you can appreciate the views from Pitch Hill fully at the end.