Top 3 Gorges in Surrey Hills Aonb
Best canyons in Surrey Hills AONB are characterized by steep-sided natural formations often referred to as gorges or hollows. This National Landscape features the chalk ridges of the North Downs and the undulating Greensand Ridge. The area includes extensive ancient woodlands and river valleys, offering diverse terrain for outdoor activities. These geological features provide dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Best canyons in Surrey Hills Aonb
- The most popular canyons is Jelley's Hollow, a forest that is a striking, steep gully. This location gained notoriety as a filming spot for forest scenes in the 2017 film *Beauty and the Beast*.
- Another must-see spot is Into the Bowl, a trail within the Devil's Punchbowl. It offers generally quiet and wide paths, suitable for year-round exploration.
- Visitors also love Punchbowl - lower bowl, a gorge known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. This deep, sheltered basin features ancient oak and beech woodland with clear streams, creating a tranquil environment.
- Surrey Hills Aonb is known for its gorges, hollows, and natural depressions. These features provide a variety of landscapes to explore, from vast natural depressions to steep, forested gullies.
- The canyons in Surrey Hills Aonb are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 30 upvotes and 10 photos shared.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Jelley's Hollow
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Devilβs Punch Bowl
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There are many bridleways running through the Punchbowl. Be nice, say hi!
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Punchbowl - lower bowl
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Into the Bowl
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Popular around Surrey Hills Aonb
Multi-use magic in the Surrey Hills β Leith Hill Greenway
Downs Link and South Downs Way loop from Guildford
Greensand Way β A spellbinding ridge-hike across Surrey and Kent
Downs Link β Step back in time on ancient and beautiful hike
Surrey Cycleway β Abundant history and olympic hills
North Downs Way β Hike through 3,000 years of heavenly history
Discover Londonβs Outdoor Playgrounds
Tillingbourne Trails β a journey into the valleyβs industrial heritage
Accessible beauty β Easier Access Routes in the Surrey Hills
Rail to Ramble routes β gorgeous walks in the Surrey Hills
Other adventures in Surrey Hills Aonb
Tips from the Community
The deep, sheltered lower basin of the Devilβs Punch Bowl offers a cool, secretive world apart from the exposed rim. Dappled sunlight filters through ancient oak and beech woodland, while small, clear streams ripple across the valley floor, creating a tranquil, lush haven rich with mosses and wildlife.
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The lower part of the Devil's Punchbowl is super quiet and peaceful. There are a number of paths to choose from in this area, all generally involve a climb out of he bowl.
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One of the lower paths in the Devils Punchbowl. Itβs generally super quiet, wide paths and generally good under foot all year round.
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Quite a striking hollow, right next to a car park - really scenic, will have to properly explore it sometime.
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This scenic steep gully was used to shoot the forest scenes in Beauty and the Beast (2017).
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The Punchbowl is national trust land so attracts a mixture of walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders and motorcycles. As such it can become a bit of a battle between all users. There are many bridleways running through the Punchbowl. Be nice, say hi!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of "canyons" can I expect to find in the Surrey Hills National Landscape?
The Surrey Hills National Landscape features impressive steep-sided natural formations often referred to as gorges or hollows, rather than traditional canyons. These areas offer dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities.
What are some notable gorges or hollows to explore in the Surrey Hills National Landscape?
Two prominent examples are the Devil's Punch Bowl and Jelley's Hollow. The Devil's Punch Bowl is a vast natural depression with heathlands and ancient woodlands, while Jelley's Hollow is a striking, scenic gully.
Is the Devil's Punch Bowl suitable for different outdoor activities?
Yes, the Devil's Punch Bowl attracts a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. It's popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, and horse riders, featuring numerous bridleways. You'll find many paths, some offering a consistent gradient for a good challenge.
Are there any family-friendly options for exploring these natural features?
Yes, parts of the Devil's Punch Bowl are very family-friendly. For instance, the path described as Into the Bowl offers wide paths that are generally good underfoot all year round, making it suitable for families.
What kind of natural environment can I expect in the lower parts of the Devil's Punch Bowl?
The lower part of the Devil's Punch Bowl is known for being super quiet and peaceful. It's a deep, sheltered basin where dappled sunlight filters through ancient oak and beech woodland, and clear streams ripple across the valley floor, creating a tranquil, lush haven rich with mosses and wildlife.
What is the best time to visit the gorges and hollows in the Surrey Hills National Landscape?
The Surrey Hills National Landscape is beautiful year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and winter provides crisp, quiet walks. The lower parts of features like the Devil's Punch Bowl remain peaceful and good underfoot even in wetter conditions.
Are there any unique or interesting facts about Jelley's Hollow?
Yes, Jelley's Hollow gained some notoriety as a filming location. It was used for forest scenes in the 2017 film *Beauty and the Beast*, adding a unique cinematic connection to its scenic beauty.
What other outdoor activities can I do near the gorges in the Surrey Hills National Landscape?
Beyond exploring the gorges, the Surrey Hills National Landscape offers a wide range of activities. You can find excellent waterfall hikes, various gravel biking routes, and challenging MTB trails throughout the area.
Are the gorges and hollows in the Surrey Hills National Landscape dog-friendly?
Many areas within the Surrey Hills National Landscape, including the Devil's Punch Bowl, are dog-friendly. However, as these are often National Trust lands, it's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors, and to check for any specific local restrictions.
What kind of terrain and difficulty should I expect when hiking in these areas?
The terrain in the Surrey Hills National Landscape is diverse, ranging from gentle paths along river corridors to more challenging ascents on prominent hills. Features like the Devil's Punch Bowl offer paths with consistent gradients that can be quite challenging, while lower sections like Into the Bowl are generally wide and good underfoot.
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