The best walks and hikes 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.