The Hurtwood Ridge Walk
Ewhurst, Surrey
The Hurtwood covers around 1,500 acres of wooded ridge in the Surrey Hills and the scale is the thing that makes it different from almost anywhere else in the county. The land has been open to the public since 1926 - one of the first private estates in England to dedicate access - and the 60-plus miles of paths give it a range that most Surrey walks cannot match. The climb to Pitch Hill and Holmbury Hill, both above 250 metres, gives long views south across the Weald and, on clear days, to the South Downs.
Dogs are off-lead throughout and there is no livestock on this route. There is one thing that defines a visit to the Hurtwood above everything else: mountain bikers. This is one of Surrey’s primary mountain biking destinations and cyclists travel at speed on narrow woodland tracks, often appearing without warning. This is not a standard shared-path caution - it is the defining characteristic of the site. Keep dogs in sight at all times and put them on a lead near Car Park 3 at Pitch Hill where bike traffic is heaviest.
Adders are present on the heathland summit sections. Peaslake village is a short walk from Car Park 1 and has a well-stocked store. The Hurtwood Inn at Peaslake is award-winning and specifically set up for dogs.
Frequently asked questions
Who manages the Hurtwood and is it genuinely open to the public?
The Hurtwood is privately owned but has been open to the public since 1926, when Reginald Arthur Bray dedicated the land in what was one of the first such acts by a private landowner in England. Friends of the Hurtwood (FotH) is a charity that manages access, employs a ranger and maintains the 60+ miles of paths. Access is free.
Is it safe for dogs given the mountain bikers?
Manageable, but the mountain biking here is more intensive than at most Surrey walks. The Hurtwood is one of Surrey’s main mountain biking destinations and cyclists can travel at speed on narrow woodland paths. Keep dogs in sight at all times, and use a lead near Car Park 3 (Pitch Hill) where bike traffic is heaviest.
Are adders a real risk at The Hurtwood?
Yes. Confirmed adder populations on the heathland sections of Pitch Hill and Holmbury Hill. They are active March through October. Keep dogs away from long grass, bracken, and sunny rocky areas. Seek immediate vet attention if your dog is bitten.
Is there water for dogs on the ridge?
Limited. The summit areas are dry. Carry water for your dog on warm days. There are occasional boggy dips and seasonal streams in valley sections below the ridge, but these are not reliable.
Plan this walk with live weather and dog-safe route info