The Devil's Punchbowl and the Old A3 loop — Surrey Hills

Hiking trails & Routes

The Devil's Punchbowl and the Old A3 loop — Surrey Hills

Moderate

4.5

(26)

128

hikers

The Devil's Punchbowl and the Old A3 loop — Surrey Hills

02:09

7.75km

140m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 12, 2024

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Surrey Hills AONB

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.40 km

Jill's Bench – View of Devil's Punch Bowl

Highlight • Viewpoint

On the Beacon Hill side of the Devil's Punchbowl is Highcombe Copse. In a clearing, just off the main bridleway, is a handy bench with a beautiful view across the bowl and a memorial stone commemorating the gift of the copse to The National Trust.

Tip by

6.31 km

Old A3 Pathway, Hindhead

Highlight • Trail

Proof of the power of nature can be seen right here on the site of the old A3.

Until 2011, the A3 bottlenecked at Hindhead, going from two lanes to one. There was always traffic, air pollution was high there was a significant number of accidents. The Hindhead Tunnel was dug to allow the road to continue as a dual carriageway. Even in the short time since the tunnel opened the difference is incredible. Walking along here it is hard to imagine traffic crawling along the way.

Tip by

6.84 km

The Sailor's Stone

Highlight • Historical Site

This gravestone marks the spot where an unknown sailor was murdered by three men he’d befriended in a pub in Thursley in 1786. The poor sailor had been walking from London to Portsmouth Docks. The three killers were eventually caught and hung on nearby Gibbet Hill as a warning to other criminals. The eerie spot affords a great view.

Tip by

7.59 km

View of the Devil's Punchbowl

Highlight • Natural Monument

No trip to the Punchbowl is complete without taking in the view from the dedicated viewpoint just beyond the National Trust cafe. A relief on a large stone on the viewing platform gives more information about what you can see.

Tip by

7.75 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types