Bookham Commons Woodland and Ponds Circular
Surrey
Bookham Commons is 154.7 hectares of National Trust land just west of Leatherhead, a Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1985 and one of the most thoroughly studied pieces of countryside in Britain, with more than 1,100 species of fly and 600 of beetle recorded. About two thirds is woodland dominated by mature pedunculate oak and cut by a network of rides that give dogs plenty of room to range off lead, and the rest is scrub, rough grassland on the open plains, and a string of woodland ponds with a bird hide on the eastern side. Nightingales sing here in spring, and the purple emperor butterfly flies over the oaks in high summer. This 4km circuit starts from the National Trust car park at the southern end of the common near Bookham station and loops through the woods and plains, returning past the ponds. The ground is flat throughout, on woodland paths and grassy rides that get muddy in winter.
This is a dog friendly walk with plenty of room under the oaks for a dog with good recall. Local cattle graze the plains to keep the grassland open, so put dogs on a lead where livestock is grazing, and keep them out of the ponds near the bird hide to avoid disturbing wildlife. Shade is good on the woodland sections. There are no facilities at the car park, but the Royal Oak on the High Street in Great Bookham, is dog friendly.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.0 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- No facilities on the common; the Royal Oak (dog friendly) is on the High Street in Great Bookham.
- Parking
- National Trust car park at the southern end of the common, Commonside, near Bookham station.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Bookham Commons Woodland and Ponds Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bookham Commons Woodland and Ponds Circular dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. Bookham Commons is flat, shady woodland with a network of rides, it is easy to reach by car or train, and a dog friendly pub is close by in the village. The one real caveat is the cattle that graze the open plains, which means some lead time in the grassland areas.
Can dogs be off lead at Bookham Commons Woodland and Ponds Circular?
Yes, in the woodland, if your dog has good recall. Cattle are used to graze the grassland plains, so dogs should be on a lead in areas where livestock is grazing. Keep dogs under control near the ponds and bird hide, where waterfowl and dragonflies are the attraction, and around cyclists and horse riders on the bridleways.
What should I know before visiting Bookham Commons Woodland and Ponds Circular with my dog?
Paths are flat but muddy in winter, so boots are a good idea. There are no toilets or cafe at the car park. Bookham station is next to the southern end of the common, so it can be reached by train. The Royal Oak in Great Bookham welcomes dogs and is a short drive or walk away. Check the gates for signs of grazing cattle before entering the plains.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
Bookham Commons Car Park, Commonside, Great Bookham, Leatherhead KT23 3LT
51.2891, -0.3808
Get DirectionsWhat’s Nearby?
Walk2.7 mi awayNorbury Park and Druids Grove from Westhumble
Surrey
This long loop through chalk downs, beech woods and ancient yews suits an energetic dog, in the Mole Gap estate that Surrey County Council saved from development in 1931.
Walk3.4 mi awayRanmore Common and Denbies Vineyard Walk
Surrey
A classic North Downs circular across chalk grassland, beech hangers and the vines of Denbies Wine Estate, with sweeping views south across the Mole valley.
Walk5.3 mi awayBox Hill Circular
Surrey
Surrey's most famous viewpoint with chalk downland walks and woodland descents, big views and excellent facilities at the top.
Walk5.7 mi awayNewlands Corner and the North Downs Way
Surrey
A North Downs viewpoint walk with big south Surrey views from the ridge, well-served with facilities and popular at weekends.
Walk5.8 mi awaySilent Pool and Albury Heath
Surrey
A chalk spring and heathland walk centred on the ethereal clear waters of Silent Pool, quiet and well worth the diversion.
Walk6 mi awayEpsom Common Woodland Loop
Surrey
A gentle woodland and common loop near Epsom racecourse, with diverse habitats and a surprisingly peaceful feel.