Shere Village and Abinger Roughs
Shere, Surrey
The better starting point for this walk is the National Trust car park on White Down Lane at Abinger Roughs, not the village. It is free, quieter than Shere at weekends, and puts you into woodland straight away. The 211 acres of mixed woodland at Abinger Roughs give dogs the longest stretch of off-lead running on this route, with the exception of the livestock sections that are marked at entry and exit by latched gates.
The route comes down into Shere village, where the Tillingbourne runs through the centre and dogs enjoy paddling at the stepping stones. Keep leads on for the village streets and lanes. The A25 crossing between the woodland and the village is the most significant hazard on this walk - it is a fast A-road with no pedestrian crossing at the point you cross, and it needs full attention.
Shere draws a lot of visitors. It was a filming location for “The Holiday” and the village gets crowded at weekends and especially in December. A weekday visit is noticeably calmer and parking is much easier. Shere village car park now charges from June 2024; the Abinger Roughs car park remains free. The White Horse in Shere takes dogs in the bar and has water bowls and treats at a dedicated dog station.
Frequently asked questions
Why is this walk ‘off-lead partial’ rather than fully off-lead?
Three sections require leads: (1) livestock grazing enclosures within Abinger Roughs, marked by latched gates; (2) Shere village roads and lanes; (3) the A25 road crossing. The majority of the Abinger Roughs woodland is off-lead.
Is the A25 crossing safe?
It requires care. The A25 is a fast, busy A-road without a pedestrian crossing at the point this route crosses. Dogs must be on leads. Wait for a clear gap before crossing - do not rush this section. It is the route’s most significant hazard.
Is Shere village too busy to enjoy?
It depends when you visit. Shere is genuinely charming but draws large crowds, particularly at weekends and in December when fans of “The Holiday” make pilgrimages. Weekday visits are much quieter. The village has the Tillingbourne running through it, which dogs love paddling in. Arrive early for parking.
Can my dog paddle in the Tillingbourne in Shere?
Yes. The River Tillingbourne runs through Shere village and is shallow and accessible in normal conditions. A popular spot for dogs. Avoid after heavy rain when the flow increases significantly.
Plan this walk with live weather and dog-safe route info