Surrey delivers some of the most varied dog walking in the South East. Ancient woodland, open commons, chalk downs and quiet river paths all sit within easy reach of towns and villages, making it a brilliant county for regular outings as well as longer weekend walks. Whether you want shaded woodland in summer, wide open heathland in winter, or a proper viewpoint without committing to a full mountain day, Surrey has depth.
The walks below focus on proper dog friendly routes rather than short park loops. You’ll find a mix of distances and difficulties, with terrain that keeps things interesting and routes that reward both you and your dog with space, variety, and a sense of being out in the countryside.
Box Hill Circular
Box Hill is one of Surrey’s best-known landscapes, but it still earns its reputation. This circular route takes you along sections of chalk downland, woodland tracks and exposed viewpoints with long views across the North Downs. The paths are generally well maintained, but there is real elevation here, particularly on the climb up to the viewpoint, which makes it feel like a proper walk rather than a gentle wander.
For dogs, Box Hill works well outside peak hours when there’s more space to roam. Woodland sections provide shade, while the open downs give plenty of airflow on warmer days. Expect livestock in places and a fair number of other walkers, especially at weekends, but the scale of the landscape means it never feels claustrophobic.
- Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Chalk paths, woodland trails, open downland
- Parking: National Trust car park near Box Hill viewpoint
- Restrictions: Dogs may need to be on lead near livestock and steep drops
Frensham Ponds and Common
Frensham Common offers a very different feel to the chalk downs. Wide open heathland, sandy paths and pockets of woodland surround the two large ponds, creating a walk that feels expansive and relaxed. The terrain is mostly flat, making it accessible while still feeling wild and open.
Dogs tend to love this area thanks to the space and variety underfoot. The sandy ground is easy on paws, and there are plenty of quieter paths if you avoid the main pond edges on busy days. In warmer months, the openness can feel exposed, but breezes usually keep things comfortable.
- Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Sandy heathland paths, woodland tracks
- Parking: Frensham Great Pond car park
- Restrictions: Seasonal restrictions around wildlife and pond edges
Leith Hill and the Greensand Way
Leith Hill is the highest point in Surrey and delivers a walk that feels surprisingly substantial. This route combines forest tracks, sections of the Greensand Way, and climbs that steadily build to rewarding viewpoints. It’s a walk that feels immersive, especially once you’re away from the main paths.
For dogs, the woodland-heavy route is ideal for most of the year. There’s plenty of shade, varied scents, and softer ground underfoot. The climbs are gradual rather than sharp, making it manageable for dogs used to longer walks, though it’s best suited to those with decent stamina.
- Distance: 5 miles / 8 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Forest tracks, sandy paths, gentle climbs
- Parking: Leith Hill Tower car park
- Restrictions: Leads advised near forestry operations
Epsom Common Woodland Loop
Epsom Common is one of Surrey’s best woodland walks, with a dense network of paths winding through ancient trees, ponds, and open clearings. Despite its proximity to urban areas, it feels quiet and enclosed, especially once you move away from the main access points.
Dogs benefit from the natural shade and softer forest floor, making it a solid year-round option. The route is mostly flat, which makes it a good choice for steadier days or dogs that prefer consistent terrain. After heavy rain, some sections can become muddy, but this is part of the appeal for many dogs.
- Distance: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Woodland trails, muddy patches, boardwalks
- Parking: Epsom Common car park
- Restrictions: Dogs should be under control near wildlife areas
Newlands Corner and the North Downs Way
Newlands Corner sits high on the North Downs and offers sweeping views across Surrey’s rolling countryside. The route follows a mix of open downland and woodland, with wide paths that make it feel airy and open even on busier days.
This is a great walk for dogs that enjoy space and visibility. The open sections allow for relaxed pacing, while the woodland stretches offer breaks from exposure. It’s popular with walkers and cyclists, so lead control is useful near junctions and viewpoints.
- Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Terrain: Chalk paths, woodland tracks, open ridges
- Parking: Newlands Corner car park
- Restrictions: Leads recommended near viewpoints and shared paths
Chobham Common Heathland Trail
Chobham Common is one of the largest areas of open heathland in Surrey, with wide skies and a feeling of space that’s hard to beat in the South East. The trails weave through sandy paths, low vegetation, and scattered woodland, creating a relaxed but varied walk.
Dogs that enjoy open terrain will thrive here. The ground is generally forgiving, and the lack of steep climbs makes it suitable for longer outings without excessive strain. Wildlife is abundant, so awareness and recall are important.
- Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Sandy heathland, flat paths
- Parking: Staple Hill or Chobham Common car parks
- Restrictions: Seasonal ground-nesting bird protections
Silent Pool and Albury Heath
This walk combines woodland trails with open heath and gentle hills around the Silent Pool area. The scenery shifts subtly throughout, moving from shaded forest to more open ground, which keeps the route engaging without feeling demanding.
It’s a solid option for dogs that enjoy variety rather than big climbs. The paths are mostly well defined, and the mix of environments provides plenty of stimulation. Some areas are popular with visitors, but quieter loops are easy to find with a little exploration.
- Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Terrain: Woodland paths, heathland tracks
- Parking: Albury Heath car park
- Restrictions: Dogs should be kept clear of the pool edge
Pewley Down and Guildford Viewpoints
Pewley Down offers elevated views over Guildford and the surrounding countryside, with grassy paths and chalk trails that feel surprisingly rural. The walk is shorter than some others but includes enough elevation to feel rewarding.
For dogs, this is a good option for a quicker but engaging outing. The open ground allows for relaxed movement, while the compact route suits days when time is limited. It can be breezy and exposed, so conditions are worth considering.
- Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Terrain: Grassy paths, chalk tracks
- Parking: On-street parking near Pewley Hill
- Restrictions: Livestock grazing at certain times of year
Surrey Dog Walking Advice
Surrey’s landscapes often mix public access with working countryside.
- Livestock grazing is common on downs and commons, so lead control is essential in signed areas.
- Heathland paths can become very dry in summer and muddy in winter, so footwear and paw care are worth considering.
- Many popular locations are busy at weekends, so early starts or weekday visits offer a quieter experience.
Map of Dog Friendly Walks in Surrey
We’ve mapped each of these Surrey walks so you can quickly see where they’re located and plan routes that suit your location, time, and your dog’s energy levels. The map makes it easy to combine walks or explore new areas of the county.
Pewley Down offers elevated walking above Guildford, with grassy paths and chalk tracks that provide surprisingly rural views. The route is compact but includes enough ascent to feel worthwhile.
It’s ideal for shorter outings that still deliver open space and scenery. The exposed ground can be breezy, and grazing livestock may be present at certain times of year.
Distance: 2.5 miles / 4 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Grassy paths, chalk tracks
Parking: On-street parking near Pewley Hill
Restrictions: Livestock grazing at certain times
This walk combines woodland trails and open heath around the Silent Pool area, with gently rolling terrain and a steady, relaxed pace. The scenery changes subtly throughout, keeping the route engaging without demanding effort.
It’s well suited to dogs that enjoy variety rather than steep climbs, with clear paths and a mix of shade and open ground. The area can attract visitors, but quieter loops are easy to follow.
Distance: 3 miles / 4.8 km
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Woodland paths, heathland tracks
Parking: Albury Heath car park
Restrictions: Dogs should be kept clear of the pool edge
Chobham Common is one of Surrey’s largest areas of lowland heath, offering wide open walking across sandy paths and flat terrain. The landscape feels expansive and quiet, with long sightlines and minimal elevation.
Dogs that enjoy freedom of movement and open ground tend to thrive here. Wildlife is common, particularly birds, so good recall and awareness are important, especially during nesting seasons.
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Sandy heathland, flat paths
Parking: Staple Hill car park
Restrictions: Seasonal ground-nesting bird protections
Newlands Corner sits high on the North Downs and delivers wide, open walking with long views across Surrey’s countryside. The route follows chalk paths and woodland edges, creating an airy and elevated feel throughout.
It’s well suited to dogs that enjoy open ground and clear sightlines, with wide paths that allow for relaxed pacing. Busy periods are best avoided if you’re looking for quieter walking, but space is rarely an issue once you’re moving.
Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Chalk paths, woodland tracks, open ridges
Parking: Newlands Corner car park
Restrictions: Leads recommended near viewpoints and shared paths
Epsom Common is a dense woodland and wetland area threaded with well-established paths and boardwalks. Despite its proximity to nearby towns, the route feels enclosed and peaceful, particularly deeper into the reserve.
The flat terrain and natural shade make this a reliable option for steadier walks or warmer days. After wet weather, some sections can become muddy, which adds to the woodland character and tends to be a hit with most dogs.
Distance: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Woodland trails, muddy sections, boardwalks
Parking: Epsom Common car park
Restrictions: Dogs should be kept under control near wildlife areas
This route explores the wooded slopes and ridgelines of Leith Hill, following forest tracks and sections of the Greensand Way. The steady climbs lead to elevated viewpoints, creating a walk that feels immersive and substantial without being extreme.
The woodland environment makes this an excellent year round option for dogs, with shade, softer ground, and quieter paths away from main access routes. It’s best suited to dogs comfortable with longer distances and gradual elevation.
Distance: 5 miles / 8 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Forest tracks, sandy paths, gentle climbs
Parking: Leith Hill Tower car park
Restrictions: Leads advised near forestry operations
Frensham Common offers wide open heathland walking around the Great and Little Ponds, with sandy paths and low vegetation creating a relaxed, spacious feel. The route is largely flat, with gentle variations that make it accessible while still feeling wild and open.
Dogs benefit from the soft ground and open space, with plenty of quieter trails away from the water’s edge. The mix of heath and woodland keeps the walk interesting year round, although the exposed terrain can feel warm on still summer days.
Distance: 4 miles / 6.4 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Sandy heathland paths, woodland tracks
Parking: Frensham Great Pond car park
Restrictions: Seasonal restrictions to protect wildlife
This classic circular walk explores the chalk downland and woodland of Box Hill, one of Surrey’s most recognisable landscapes. The route combines steady climbs with open viewpoints and sheltered forest paths, offering a rewarding mix of terrain and long views across the North Downs.
It’s a popular location, but the size of the landscape means there’s plenty of space once you move away from the main access points. Woodland sections provide shade, while the open downs give a real sense of elevation and exposure, making this feel like a proper countryside walk rather than a short viewpoint stroll.
Distance: 4.5 miles / 7.2 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Chalk paths, woodland trails, open downland
Parking: National Trust Box Hill car park
Restrictions: Dogs may need to be on lead near livestock and steep drops
Explore dog friendly walks across the UK, as well as beaches, campsites and other points of interest on our Wildpack Map.
What’s Nearby?
- Dog friendly walks in the South Downs National Park
- Dog friendly beaches in Sussex
- Dog friendly walks in Kent
- Dog friendly woodland walks near London
Final Thoughts
Surrey proves you don’t need to travel far for quality dog walking. From open heathland to dense woodland and classic viewpoints, the county offers routes that work just as well for everyday outings as they do for longer weekend walks. With a bit of planning around conditions and crowds, Surrey is consistently rewarding for dogs and their humans alike.