The best gravel rides in Surrey

Surrey's gravel trails offer a diverse experience, ranging from smooth paths to rougher sections with roots and ruts. You'll encounter varied landscapes including chalk grasslands, extensive heathlands, and dense woodlands, particularly within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after rain, especially in wooded areas.

There are over 200 gravel bike trails available in Surrey, catering to various skill levels. This includes 27 easy routes, 116 moderate routes, and 67 difficult routes, ensuring options for everyone from beginners to experienced riders.

Yes, Surrey offers several easy gravel bike trails. A good option for those seeking a less challenging ride is the Curzon Bridge — Railway View – Red Road Gravel Path loop from Bisley, which is rated as easy and covers 22.9 km.

Many gravel routes in Surrey pass by significant natural features and offer stunning views. You can find panoramic vistas at Holmbury Hill Viewpoint, Leith Hill Tower and Viewpoint, and Salomons Memorial Viewpoint. The region also features the expansive heathlands of Thursley Common, known for its wildlife and boardwalks.

While many routes are loops, some offer significant distances. For example, the Diana Fountain, Bushy Park – Coxes Mill Pond loop from Horsley covers approximately 60.9 km, and the Richmond Park – Deer in Richmond Park loop from Shepperton is around 67 km, providing longer riding experiences.

The gravel biking routes in Surrey are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 200 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, from challenging climbs like Box Hill Climb to scenic stretches through woodlands and commons.

Yes, you can explore unique landscapes like vineyards. The Denbies Wine Estate – Denbies Wine Estate loop from Dorking Deepdene is a popular moderate route that takes you through the picturesque Denbies Wine Estate.

Absolutely. Surrey offers numerous challenging routes with significant elevation gains. Consider the View of Shere – View from Newlands Corner loop from Dorking Deepdene, a difficult 49.8 km route with substantial climbing, or the View from Newlands Corner – View of Shere loop from Farncombe, which is over 54 km and also rated difficult.

The Surrey Hills AONB is a prime area for gravel biking, offering a mix of chalk grasslands, heathlands, and woodlands. Areas around Peaslake are known for wide gravel fire roads, and the North Downs Way features unsurfaced tracks suitable for gravel bikes. The Leith Hill Greenway also provides a 14km traffic-free route connecting Box and Leith Hill.

Many routes pass through or near villages with amenities. For example, Peaslake Village is a known spot for cyclists to refuel. It's always a good idea to check your chosen route for specific points of interest or villages along the way.

Surrey's trails can become muddy after rain, especially in the more wooded areas, which is common in winter. However, areas like Pitch and Puttenham Common are often cited as being accessible year-round, even in winter, due to their varied terrain. Always check local conditions before heading out.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in Surrey are designed as circular loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Hydon's Ball & Hambledon Common loop from Guildford and the Parkstreet Lane Bridge – Rudgwick Double Bridge loop from Shalford.

Surrey, being England's most wooded county, is rich in wildlife. Areas like Thursley Common, a large heathland nature reserve, are home to diverse species. You might encounter deer, various bird species, and other woodland creatures, especially in quieter sections of the trails.