Westhumble - North Downs Way - Polesden Lacey - Westhumble

Richard Clayton

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The walk starts in the attractive village of Westhumble, on the edge of the North Downs where the Mole Valley cuts through the hills. The route has something different to offer at almost any time of the year: bluebells in spring, bright blue skies and wonderful views in summer and the chance to picnic and the golden colours of autumn.

You head out through Westhumble and join the North Downs Way. Beginning in Farnham, the trail follows the line of the North Downs eastwards close to Guildford, Dorking and Reigate to reach the Kent border and thereafter it passes close to Rochester, crosses the River Medway and continues along the downs to end at either Canterbury or Dover. Much of the trail follows the legendary Pilgrims Way, used by those making pilgrimages to pray at holy shrines. History doesn't record how different the pilgrims felt when they were heading back west. Spiritually enriched? Ripped off by the touts at Canterbury? Unimpressed by the lack of signposts at crucial points?

The views after Waymark 4 towards the South Downs are spectacular. A good picnic spot with a view is Steer's Field (Waymark 20).

Your furthest point is Polesden Lacey, with its stunning location on the crest of a hidden valley of the downs. Originally a Regency house built in 1821, it enjoyed its heyday in the Edwardian period of a hundred years ago when it was extensively rebuilt by society hostess Mrs Ronald Greville, becoming the scene of many glamorous house parties. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth spent part of their honeymoon there in 1923. Now one of the jewels in the National Trust's crown, it's a very popular spot for families and walkers.

The return leg of the walk skirts the NT grounds and takes you along paths and lanes on the north slopes of the ridge. As you approach Westhumble, there are views ahead across the Mole Gap to Box Hill. This dramatic landscape has inspired writers, poets and artists and Box Hill features in Jane Austen's novel 'Emma'.

England - South England - Surrey - North Downs

Features

Birds, Church, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Stately Home, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

11/11/2019 - Alison Quinn

10/11/19 Lovely walk on an autumn day. Very muddy in places as anticipated at this time of year. We didn’t see any footbridges on the long stretch up to Polesden Lacey but there was a yellow marker on the third gate into the field which led to the carpark. Also a little confusing near Bagden Farm as NT have installed extra gates. Use the gate nearest to the buildings. Instructions are very well written.

5/13/2018 - Iestyn Roberts

If you are intending to come by car, the best option is to park in the NT car park on Crabtree Lane. Should you wish, you can avoid walking to West Humble long the road by picking up the route at waypoint 24, continuing to 27 and then at the ruined chapel, taking the footpath to waypoint 3.

5/16/2017 - Nicola Clarke

A really lovely walk with accurate directions and beautiful views..highly recommended.

6/29/2012 - Jun Yao

Did this walk with my wife last Saturday. This is my first country walk. Very good experience, great views - winery, hills, horses, cows, etc. Great walk!

5/1/2011 - Claudia Faucherand

Did this walk with my friend yesterday and we both agreed it was one of the best walks we have done. Lovely views, excellent guide with pictures meant we didn't even get lost, which we would have done without them. Thanks a lot!!

3/14/2011 - Dan Dixon

Great walk, did this yesterday. Some stunning views which were ruined by the poor weather. This is definitely on my list of walks to do again in the summer to take more advantage of the spectacular views. Highly recommended.

9/13/2009 - Mike Park

Yes, an excellent walk. At Waymark 17 it is actually easier to walk across the bridge, and there are then steps immediately down to the left which will take you underneath.

4/19/2009 - Chris Turner

We have just completed this walk today in around 4 hours. Excellent variety of landscape, and a superb refreshment stop at Polesden Lacy made this an excellent way to spend a sunny afternoon. Easy to follow directions and moderately difficult walking terrain.