The Inspiring Views Walk in the Surrey Hills

Looking for an unforgettable walk in the Surrey Hills National Landscape? The Inspiring Views Walk combines stunning panoramic views with unique outdoor sculptures, making it the perfect choice for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

Drawn to the idea of blending art with nature, we set out on this scenic Surrey Hills walk for a Sunday adventure.  This self-guided trail leads to three striking sculptures from the Inspiring Views art project, while offering breathtaking vistas over the rolling countryside.

Join us as we explore this Surrey Hills walking route, discover natural art, and take in some of the most beautiful viewpoints in South East England.

As part of a Surrey Hills art project, five talented sculptors were commissioned to create sculptural benches along the Greensand Way, blending art with the natural landscape.  These unique benches can be found at Gibbet Hill, Reynards Hill, Holmbury Hill, Winterfold and Hascombe Hill in Surrey.

Eager to discover these arty landmarks, we embarked on a family adventure along the Inspiring Views walk, a scenic trail that showcases the sculptures in the breathtaking Surrey Hills.

The full 6-mile circular route includes some steep and uneven terrain, making it more suitable for experience walkers.  However, the initial stretch is a gentle woodland trail, perfect for families and those looking for a shorter walk.

If you

As part of a Surrey Hills art project, five sculptors were commissioned to design sculptural benches along the Greensand Way.  You can see these benches at Gibbet Hill, Reynards Hill, Holmbury Hill, Winterfold and Hascombe Hill in Surrey.

We set off on a  family quest to find these benches on the Inspiring Views walk.

The full 6-mile circular walk has some steep and uneven sections, so is not suitable for beginners or younger kids.  However, the first stretch of the walk is on a flat level trail through woodlands, so is ideal for all ages and abilities.

If you prefer a shorter walk, you can follow the trail to the Contour Bench, enjoy the views and retrace your steps from there.

Located at the top of Winterfold Hill, just a short distance from the car park, is the first artwork, Perspectives.  Designer, Giles Miller, has created this igloo-like shelter, using 400 wooden shingles for the roof.

Perspectives’ roof shingles all have engravings of personal messages and thoughts from local people.  The shelter covers a bench overlooking the Surrey Hills and provides a perfect space for reflection and contemplation.

We took some time to read the inscriptions and enjoy the views, then retraced our steps to The Greensand Way.

To get to the next sculptured bench we followed a stretch of the Greensand Way through some woodland.  This a flat path and part of a longer walking trail that goes for 108 miles from Haslemere in Surrey to Hamstreet in Kent.

The boys were delighted to find a rope swing hanging from one of the trees and we stopped for a play before heading to the next artwork.

The next composition is a bench, Contour, which was made from recycled plastic.  Looking at its beautiful design, you would never know it’s made of rubbish.

Contour is a stylish composition, which blends well with its environment.  This is not surprising as sculptor, Russell Jakubowski, got his design inspiration from the natural contours of the surrounding land on Greensand Ridge.

The bench’s position at the top of Reynards Hill is a perfect viewpoint, from which you can enjoy the beautiful countryside below.

As you reach the main road you have two options, walk along the road, or climb Pitch Hill.  We took the more challenging route up Pitch Hill.

There’s no denying that it’s a very steep climb up Pitch Hill.  However, at the top you can see for miles over the South Downs.  There is a trig point to help you with directions.  It’s a great place for a stop and has some benches, so you can enjoy the views.  However, the black clouds were rolling in and we were keen to push on.

To get back to the road, we took a steep descent through the woods.  There was no clear path, and the surface was uneven and rocky in places.  Plus, we had to climb over fallen trees.  The boys loved this, as they always prefer a more off the beaten track route.  I was more worried about slipping the whole way down on my back.

To be honest, we didn’t really enjoy the last stretch of the Inspiring Views walk.  We liked the pretty farm, but then the heavens opened.  Before long the ground was sodden and we were soaking wet.  Inevitably we missed a turning, as we were too busy looking at the ground.

Unsurprisingly we chose not to detour for the Xylem Voices sculpture, a later addition to the Surrey Hills art collection.

Eventually we reached Winterfold Hill and made a final ascent to return to our start.  By now we were drenched, exhausted and very hungry.

With hindsight, it is a lovely walk with some stunning views.  However, it would be better on a dry day so we could enjoy the views.  Plus we needed to take a big lunch and lots more snacks!

Xylem by Walter Bailey is another sculptural bench on the side of Gibbet Hill.  We came across this whilst doing the Hidden Treasures Walk at The Devil’s Punchbowl near Hindhead.

Grains by Tom Nicholson-Smith is up a footpath near the White Horse Pub in Hascombe.  That will be a project for the future, preferably when the pubs reopen!

Have you tried any good walks in the Surrey Hills?  We’d love to hear your comments below.

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