The best walks and hikes around Holmwood
4.6
(4667)
27,692
hikers
20
hikes
Hikes around Holmwood explore the varied landscapes of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region is characterized by a mix of expansive ancient commons, wooded hills, and open heathland. Trails navigate through the relatively flat terrain of Holmwood Common and ascend to higher ground on Leith Hill, the highest point in southeast England.
Best hiking trails around Holmwood
- The most popular hiking route is Leith Hill Tower and Viewpoint – Leith Hill Tower loop from Holmwood, a 6.0 mile (9.6 km) trail that takes around 2 hours 45 minutes to complete. This moderate hike involves a gradual climb through woodland to the Leith Hill Tower.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Dog Pond loop from South Holmwood, an easy 3.4 mile (5.5 km) path. This route follows gentle trails across Holmwood Common, passing several ponds.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Leith Hill Tower – Leith Hill Tower and Viewpoint loop from South Holmwood, a 10.9 mile (17.6 km) trail leading through woodland and up to the area's main viewpoint, often completed in about 5 hours.
- Hiking around Holmwood is defined by ancient woodlands, heath-covered commons, and gentle hills. The network of paths offers routes suitable for different fitness levels, from easy family walks to more challenging treks.
- The routes in Holmwood are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 1,300 reviews. More than 9,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Holmwood's varied terrain.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
4.4
(16)
95
hikers
5.48km
01:27
60m
60m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(6)
28
hikers
17.8km
05:06
420m
420m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(1)
10
hikers
9.59km
02:44
210m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
4
hikers
11.9km
03:23
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
5.0
(2)
5
hikers
14.4km
03:58
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
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Tips from the Community
From this hilltop vantage point near Mid Holmwood you can enjoy a lovely view toward London. On a clear day the central London skyline is visible in the distance.
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High on the Greensand Ridge, not far from the iconic Leith Hill, Coldharbour is a picturesque little hamlet. The Plough Inn is a great place to unwind after a ride. It serves excellent gastropub fayre, has a shop selling local produce and also has accommodation.
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High on the Greensand Ridge, not far from the iconic Leith Hill, Coldharbour is a picturesque little hamlet. The Plough Inn is a great place to unwind after a walk. It serves excellent gastropub fayre, has a shop selling local produce and also has accommodation.
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The Leith Hill Tower is a Gothic tower located at the top of Leith Hill in Surrey, England. It was originally built in 1765 by Richard Hull of Leith Hill Place as “a place for people to enjoy the glory of the English countryside”. It is currently owned by the National Trust and is open to visitors. The tower offers beautiful views of the surrounding area and has an information center halfway up the tower and a servery at the bottom.
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Leith Hill is the highest peak of the Greensand Ridge in southern England, approximately 4 miles (6.7 km) south-west of Dorking, Surrey and 25 miles (40.5 km) south-west of central London. It reaches a height of 294 m above sea level and is the second highest point in south-east England, after Walbury Hill in south-west Berkshire. It is a popular destination for hikers and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. The area around Leith Hill includes four areas of woodland and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
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Coldharbour is a pretty village, which although tiny, is home of The Plough Inn, popular with all types of outdoor enthusiast. The inn has both a pub and a small cafe with a large garden out the back. It is a great place to sit and chat with friends after a run while refueling on coffee, cake and sausage rolls.
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The highest cricket green in the south east of England, this has to be one of the most picturesque places to play. If you are out walking on a Sunday in the summer you may even be lucky enough to catch a game in action.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks around Holmwood?
Yes, the area is great for families. Holmwood Common offers several gentle, relatively flat paths perfect for all ages. A well-marked family activity trail runs for about 4 miles (6.4 km) through the woods, past ponds, and offers opportunities for den building.
Can I bring my dog on the trails in Holmwood?
Absolutely. The woodlands and commons around Holmwood are very popular with dog walkers. The area offers plenty of space for dogs to explore. A particularly suitable route is the Dog Pond loop from South Holmwood, which follows gentle paths across the common.
Are there any good pub walks in the Holmwood area?
Yes, combining a walk with a pub stop is a popular choice here. You can find several routes that pass near traditional pubs. For a shorter walk, consider the View Across Anstiebury Farm – The Plough Inn loop from South Holmwood, which is a pleasant 4-mile (6.3 km) circuit that takes you near the Plough Inn in Coldharbour.
What is the best time of year to hike in Holmwood?
Holmwood offers a unique experience in every season. Spring is famous for its stunning bluebell carpets in the woodlands. Summer brings vibrant heathland colours and butterflies. Autumn provides spectacular foliage colours and a variety of fungi, while winter offers crisp air and clearer views through the trees.
Where is the best place to park for hikes around Holmwood?
For walks on Holmwood Common, the main car park is the National Trust car park on Blackbrook Road (postcode RH5 4NX). There are also several other smaller car parks and lay-bys in the area, such as those near South Holmwood, which serve as starting points for various trails leading to Leith Hill.
How can I get to Holmwood by public transport for a walk?
Holmwood is accessible by train. Holmwood station is on the line between London Victoria and Horsham. From the station, it's a short walk to access the network of paths on Holmwood Common, making it a convenient option for a car-free day of hiking.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the trails?
The scenery is classic Surrey Hills. You'll walk through a mix of ancient woodland with dappled light, open heathland with heather and gorse, and past historic ponds on Holmwood Common. Hikes that venture towards Leith Hill involve more climbing through woods and reward you with panoramic views across the landscape.
Are the trails on Holmwood Common suitable for pushchairs?
Some paths are. The main family activity trail on Holmwood Common is on a hard-surfaced path, making it more accessible and generally suitable for sturdy, all-terrain pushchairs. However, many of the smaller, more rustic paths can be muddy and uneven, especially after rain.
How challenging are the hikes to Leith Hill?
The difficulty varies depending on your starting point. Routes like the Leith Hill Tower and Viewpoint – Leith Hill Tower loop from Holmwood are considered moderate, involving a steady, gradual climb through woodland to reach the summit. While not overly strenuous, they require a reasonable level of fitness.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the Holmwood area?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the beautiful, well-maintained woodland trails, the variety of routes available, and the stunning panoramic views from Leith Hill. The peaceful atmosphere of Holmwood Common is also a frequently mentioned highlight.
Are there any long-distance hikes starting from Holmwood?
Yes, for those seeking a full day of hiking, there are longer circular routes available. The Leith Hill Tower – Leith Hill Tower and Viewpoint loop from South Holmwood is a challenging 11-mile (17.6 km) trek that takes you through varied terrain up to the highest point in the region and back.
What are some popular places to hike near Holmwood?
Besides the main commons, there are several other popular spots for hiking in the vicinity:
- National Trust - Holmwood Common: The heart of the area, known for its magical woodland walks and accessible trails.
- Holmbury Hill: A highly-regarded nearby hill offering panoramic views of the South Downs from the site of an old Iron Age fort.
- Redlands Wood: A quieter option with dense forestry and wide, well-signed tracks ideal for a peaceful walk.
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