A circular walk from Friday Street to Leith Hill, Surrey

Discover the ultimate Leith Hill circular walk from Friday Street

Looking for the perfect way to blow away the cobwebs this winter?  A walk in the stunning Surrey Hills is just the ticket!  Whether you’re exploring solo or with family, a hike through Surrey’s breathtaking countryside, complete with a pub lunch, is hard to beat.

For this adventure, we’re heading to the iconic Leith Hill, the highest point in Surrey, where sweeping views, a hidden waterfall, and a charming Gothic tower await.  This circular walk is a gem for nature lovers and hikers alike, offering a mix of tranquil woodland trails and open vistas.

Of course, no great walk is complete without a cosy pub stop, and this route has you covered!  It’s an ideal day out, whether you’re training for an adventure (like our DofE-in-training teenager!) or simply craving fresh air and hearty food.

This guide will give you everything you need to plan your Leith Hill circular hike, from what to expect along the way to tips for making the most of your visit.

We completed the walk in winter, but you could choose any season to enjoy Surrey’s ever-changing landscape.  It’s a fantastic walk and I’m sure you’ll love it too.

*contains affiliate links

The first highlight of our Leith Hill circular walk is the enchanting Tillingbourne Waterfall, nestled in the heart of the Wotton Estate.  This secluded natural wonder is one of Surrey’s hidden gems.  It’s tucked away in the woods off the beaten track and would be easy to overlook, unless you know where to find it.

As the tallest waterfall in Surrey, the Tillingbourne Waterfall is definitely worth a visit.  The water cascades gracefully down the rocks into a small pond below.   The area is fenced off as it’s on private land, but you can still enjoy a good view from the nearby bridleway.

The bridleway is marked as private, but public access is permitted along this track.

Just opposite the Tillingbourne Waterfall lies Tilling Springs Pond, a picturesque spot which dates back to Surrey’s industrial days.  It’s incredible to think that from the 17^th to mid-20^th centuries the Tillingbourne Valley was a bustling hub of industry.

The River Tillingbourne played a pivotal role in powering numerous mills scattered throughout the area, including paper, corn, and even gunpowder mills.

For history enthusiasts, it’s worth exploring the disused gunpowder mills on a separate walk at Chilworth, another area steeped in Surrey’s industrial heritage.  You can see these fascinating ruins on a walk to St Martha’s Church, Surrey

This charming hamlet of Coldharbour is the epitome of quintessential Surrey.  As we arrived, riders on horseback trotted by, whilst a group of Lycra-clad cyclists whizzed past on the winding lanes.  The scene felt straight out of a countryside postcard!

However, Coldharbour was not always so serene.  Centuries ago, it carried a more sinister reputation.  The residents of nearby Dorking regarded the hamlet with suspicion, fearing the nefarious activities of local smugglers and bootleggers.

Today, those tales of smugglers are nothing more than history. Coldharbour has transformed into a peaceful and idyllic English country village, complete with traditional charm and a welcoming atmosphere.

One of the highlights of Coldharbour is undoubtedly the Plough Inn, a classic country pub.  This cosy spot is perfect for a pub lunch during your Leith Hill walk, offering a good choice of food, using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.

If you’re a real-ale enthusiast, you’re in for a treat!  The Plough Inn is home to the Leith Hill Brewery, a microbrewery tucked away in the pub’s beer garden.  Here, they brew four unique ales: Tickety-Boo, Crooked Furrow, Beautiful South, and Tallywhacker.  However, now is not a good time to try them all, as you’ve still got to climb Leith Hill!

Next door to the pub is a quaint village shop, selling an array of local produce, such as homemade chutneys, jams, and freshly-baked cakes.  You can also enjoy a quick pit stop with hot drinks, warm sausage rolls, or a slice of cake before continuing your walk.

The next stretch of the walk takes you up Leith Hill, the crown jewel of the Surrey Hills

Standing proudly as the Surrey Hills, Leith Hill is one of Surrey’s top beauty spots and is a favourite destination for cyclists and walkers alike.  It is one of Surrey’s top beauty spots and provides a fantastic viewpoint for the surrounding countryside.

For me, Leith Hill holds a special place in my heart.  As a child, I visited with the Brownies for our annual Easter outing, and it has been a cherished spot ever since!

The ascent from Coldharbour is not too challenging, as you are not starting from the base of the hill.  Although there is one steep section, the incline is manageable and well worth the effort.

At the top of the hill, there are several benches, where you can enjoy a picnic on a sunny day (though it can get a bit windy at the top!)  If you’re walking with kids, the area has trees to climb and wooded areas to explore.

At the summit of Leith Hill stands the iconic Leith Hill Tower, a striking Gothic landmark that marks the highest point in South East England.  At an impressive 1,029 feet above sea level, this tower offers an unforgettable highlight for visitors to the Surrey Hills.

Owned and managed by the National Trust, Leith Hill Tower is open to visitors, who can climb the spiral staircase for breathtaking panoramic views.  On a clear day, you can see as far as London to the north and the English Channel to the south.

Leith Hill Tower, an iconic 18th-century folly, was constructed between 1765 and 1766 by Richard Hull of nearby Leith Hill Place.  At the time, the hill itself fell just short of 1000 feet, so he built the tower to bridge the gap.

A Latin inscription on the building reveals that he wanted to create a “place for people to enjoy the glory of the English countryside”.  Tragically, Hull passed away in 1772, just a few years after completing the tower.  According to local lore, he loved it so much that he was buried beneath it.

Over the centuries, the tower fell into disrepair and was bricked up until 1864 when a side tower staircase was added.  However, it wasn’t until 1984 that the National Trust fully restored the tower, transforming it into a popular Surrey Hills landmark.

Today, visitors can explore an exhibition on the tower’s second floor, showcasing Richard Hull’s story and the building’s fascinating history.  The tower is open on weekends, Bank Holidays, and school holidays from 11 am to 3 pm, with a small admission fee for non-National Trust members.

In addition to its history and stunning views, Leith Hill Tower offers a servery located at the side of the tower.  Here, you can indulge in homemade cakes and hot drinks, perfect for recharging after your climb.

As you make your way down Leith Hill, keep an eye out for the charming Victorian drinking fountain and cattle trough on your right.  This historic piece, originally located in Roehampton, was relocated here in 2018 to provide drinking water for visitors exploring the Surrey Hills.

The fountain and trough make for a great photo stop along the descent.  If you time it right, you can capture an excellent photo of Leith Hill Tower beautifully reflected in the water.

From here, continue your journey down the hill to complete your circular route back at Friday Street car park.

The walk begins at Friday Street car park, located on Abinger Common in the heart of the Surrey Hills.  Nestled in the small hamlet of Friday Street, just south of Wotton near Dorking, it is a picturesque starting point and the perfect start for your countryside adventure.

The car park is free and you can locate it using the postcode RH5 6JR.

The walk is about 11km (7 miles).

Here is the map that we followed from Fancy Free Walks.

This circular walk takes about 3 hours, plus time for lunch or refreshments.

This is a moderately challenging trail, with some steep sections that require a bit of effort.  The terrain can be uneven at times, so may not be accessible for everyone, particularly those with mobility concerns.

However, the route is relatively easy to follow, with clear pathways and markers to guide you along the way.  The scenic countryside and views make it all worth the effort.

For your Leith Hill walk, you don’t need much, but there are a few essentials to ensure you’re prepared.  I recommend wearing sturdy shoes or hiking boots for comfort and support, especially given the trail’s uneven terrain.  A waterproof jacket is also a must, as the weather can change quickly in the Surrey Hills.

You’ll also want to bring a light waterproof day pack to carry your belongings and a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the hike.

If you prefer using a map, the Ordnance survey map 146 (Dorking), is useful, but we found it easy enough to follow the instructions without it.

Dogs will absolutely love this walk!  The route through the Surrey Hills has loads for them to explore the Plough Inn is canine-friendly, so your dog can join you for lunch.

In fact, the village shop even offers doggy ice cream, so your dog can cool off and enjoy a treat too.

The Leith Hill circular walk is a scenic and invigorating route, offering an memorable experience for anyone exploring Surrey’s natural beauty.  This walk takes you through some of the county’s most stunning landscapes, leading to Leith Hill, one of Surrey’s top beauty spots.

Along the way, you’ll pass several remarkable natural landmarks, making this trail a perfect choice for nature lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll, it’s one of the best walks in Surrey, offering breathtaking views, historical sites, and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

• Our 9 best walks in the Surrey Hills
• 3 best family walks at Box Hill, Surrey
• Walking in Norbury Park, Surrey
• Autumn walks in Surrey

We’d love to hear from you. Have you done any walks to Leith Hill? We’d love to hear your questions or comments below.

Pin for later: A circular walk from Friday Street to Leith Hill

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. (Read our full Disclosure Policy)