Walks in Surrey this spring

There's beauty in the bloom

Springtime is a wonderful time of year to get out and about as the county becomes awash with colour with wildflowers emerging including wild garlic, spring anemones and bluebells which are found in abundance in our woodlands. Here are a few places to visit for the best springtime displays:

Shere Woodlands nestling in the hills above East Clandon and Shere
White Down, above Abinger
Tilburstow Hill, Bletchingley
Staffhurst Woods, south of Oxted

You could also take a look at the National Trust's list of best bluebell sites across Surrey.

Here are some other suggestions on where to walk this spring.

Shere Woodlands

High up in the Surrey Hills, Shere Woodlands Local Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in Surrey's countryside, with natural woodlands and spring colours. The North Downs Way national trail goes right through the area and there are two self-guided trails to enjoy, the 3.5 mile Yew trail and the 1 mile Butterfly trail. Take a look at the information board on site and if you're there on the weekend, enjoy a treat from the mobile refreshment van.

Staffhurst Wood

Located in the east of Surrey, Staffhurst Wood is a beautiful woodland site with a small area of grassland and a pond. The deciduous woodland is made up of species such as oak, ash and beech and is home to as many as 200 plant species, such as common spotted orchids and wood anemones.

There are three self-guided circular trails from the car park - the 2 mile Bluebell trail and the 1 mile Newt trail. There is also a newly surfaced accessible trail that is relatively flat and popular with families and those with limited mobility.

We are lucky to have different habitats across Surrey although we are known as the most wooded county in England. If you fancy a stroll along a tranquil riverside path, bursting with spring new life, take a trip along the Basingstoke canal.

Basingstoke Canal Centre

The Basingstoke Canal is a beautiful waterway that runs through Surrey from New Haw to the canal centre at Mytchett and beyond into Hampshire. Take the family to the centre for a day out. There are boat trips, kayak and canoe hire, an onsite cafe and natural play area as well as a large meadow. And of course, the canal towpath is a flat, mainly well-surfaced path that you can cycle or walk along, from a short stroll to a longer linear challenge.

There are also many heathland sites, with wide open expanses and good views to enjoy. It's now ground nesting bird season where rare birds like the Dartford warbler nest on the ground so remember to take extra care and stick to paths when exploring. Find out more about our heathland sites.

Chobham Common National Nature Reserve

Chobham Common is vast with many free car parks dotted around the reserve. You'll find public paths to follow and many open spaces to spend some family time. Springtime brings blazing yellow colour on gorse bushes and fresh growth on trees. Choose from our 3 onsite self-guided trails; the Nightjar, Scots Pine or Bell Heather all of varying lengths.

We'd love to see your photos when you're out and about exploring nature, so please share them on social media using #ExploreSurreyThisSpring.

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