Wotton and the North Downs Way, with extraordinary bluebells

Richard Clayton

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This is a short and easy walk up to and along a stretch of the North Downs west of Dorking, with wildflowers, butterflies and birdsong to enjoy in summer; and in April one of the best displays of bluebells in Surrey.

The walk starts from Wotton and drops down through fields before crossing the North Downs railway line and climbing up to join the North Downs Way beside one of the many WW2 pill-boxes that ring the southern approaches to London, see Additional Info'.

It follows the North Downs Way westwards through the woods and open flanks at the edge of the ridge, affording great views to the south. It offers a springtime diversion at the southern edge of Old Simm's Copse, one of Surrey's largest and most magnificent bluebell woods.

It heads back by dropping down through chalky lanes and following a parallel track through fields and National Trust woodland.

England - South England - Surrey - North Downs

5/21/2023 - Stephen Harris

Walked 21.05.2023 - Directions and photos still correct. Bluebells dying out at this time of year so mid-late April seems to be the best time. Paths busy with wildlife and flowers in May so very lovely. Great walk and still a firm favourite! 10/10

4/24/2022 - Stephen Harris

Walked 24.04.2022. If you want to see the bluebells, now is the time. Simply stunning carpet of bluebells for as far as the eye can see. The best display is to turn right as you reach the fingerpost. You can go left as well but be sure not to get lost! The rest of the walk remains current and right now there is a lovely display of oilseed rape in the valleys!. Amazing walk that we repeat time and time again, never gets boring. Highly recommended! 10/10

8/26/2021 - david poole

Great walk 2.5 hrs a really lovely walk once the initial climb is over. Path overgrown during Summer as cross the railway line up but certainly manageable. Super views at the top and great pill box history (can go inside) for our ten year old!

4/4/2021 - Stephen Harris

Walked 04.04.2021. This is such a lovely walk, we have walked this again within 7 months of our first go at this walk. Directions are still current and good. It's a fine walk, some height gain keeps you fit but the views are amazing!. At the start of this walk, cattle were grazing along the path after point 2. To avoid them, rather than take the gate at point 2, head up to the church, go into the church grounds amd right up to the church. You can then turn right, through a gate and then turn left. You'll be higher up to avoid the cows lower down in the valley. The bluebells were not in flower as of 4/4, so I would suggest another two-three weeks (late April) to get the best chance of seeing them, but this may vary from year to year. 10/10.

11/12/2020 - Christine Barker

This is a magnificent walk. Wonderful far reaching views, big sky, magical woods, ancient chalky tracks. At point 18, going off-course for a few yards along the broad track brings you one of the remarkable veteran trees in Abinger Roughs, the Witch’s Broom Tree. There’s an NT info board beside it. Blessed by beautiful light on the November day that we followed this route we vowed to repeat in other seasons and hope to experience the bluebells next year. Many thanks to the compiler.

9/28/2020 - Stephen Harris

A simply stunning walk in Surrey. You will feel completely refreshed and amazed at the views to be had for a little effort. The directions are pretty much spot on although at point 3, the directions say to cross the gravel drive. You don't go into the house drive, you walk past the house with it on your left, then you will see the path. At point 14 there was confusion as the bend appears to go back on itself. Point 19, there is no metal gate now. The directions aside from a few changes (updates sent to WW) are spot on, this is truly rewarding walk, stunning scenary, great variety and simply so enjoyable!!! 10/10!