Another iconic highspot in the Surrey Hills above Chilworth village, St Martha's Hill is as well-known as its neighbour Newlands Corner and benefits from being near many other interesting places to visit.
St Martha's is a popular spot for walkers, horse-riders and cyclists, as well as visitors to this famous Norman (with Victorian additions) church that has the most amazing views to the Tillingbourne Valley and over eight southern counties. St Martha's is the only church to sit on the historic Pilgrim's Way and is reached by climbing the steep hill. Car parks are at the base of the hill.
Please take care of our countryside and open spaces. Take note of the Countryside Code.
St Martha's Hill is managed by Surrey County Council on behalf of the Albury Estate who own the land. We look after public access including general site management, litter bins, car parks at the base of the hill and visitor services including waymarked walking trails.
You will find information about how this site is managed for conservation and the wildlife to look out for at Surrey Wildlife Trust.
Accessibility
- Due to steep hills either side of the church and no car park at the summit, this site is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility
- The 2km Heritage Walk at Chilworth Gunpowder Mills trail is mainly accessible except in very muddy conditions
Facilities
- Two large free car parks on either side of the base of St Martha's Hill
- Benches inside and outside churchyard
- Chilworth station is a one mile walk from the southern base of the hill
- Bus routes stop at Longfrey Farm at the southern base of St Martha's
- Many self-guided walking routes and network of bridleways
Good for
- Historic church often open for quiet visits
- Outstanding views in a tranquil setting
- Start of the Downslink multi-access trail
- Connections with the North Downs Way national trail
- Historic pillboxes from World War II
Postcode , What3Words and OS reference
GU5 9BQ
///mash.puts.plots
TQ028483
Car parks
There are two free car parks at the base of the hill
- Guildford Lane (GU5 9BQ)
- Halfpenny Lane (GU4 8PZ)
Self-guided walking routes
We are installing new waymarking and checking routes at St Martha's Hill. Here are some existing routes to enjoy:
- Silent Pool and St Martha's self-guided trail starting at Silent Pool and following part of the North Downs Way
- Starting from Guildford Lane car park St Martha's Hill Walking Route
- Part of the Tillingbourne Trails group of local walks starting from the Gunpowder Mills Chilworth Heritage Trail
Around the area
- Chilworth Gunpowder Mills can be accessed using the Downs Link multi-access route which starts just below St Martha's Hill to the south, note the Downslink route is hilly and uneven at the St Martha's start.
- Chantry Woods, famed for its bluebells in spring.
- The Tillingbourne River flows for eleven miles from its source on Leith Hill through the Gunpowder Mills site, Chilworth, Albury, Shere and other Surrey Hills villages.
- Pewley Downs Local Nature Reserve, above Guildford town centre.
Contact
Take a photo and share with us on our social media channels @ExploreSurreyUK
If you need to get in touch to tell us about any issues at St Martha's Hill:
Email: countryside.estate@surreycc.gov.uk
Phone: Contact us via our contact centre
Environmental designations of St Martha's and what they mean
St Martha's Hill sits right in the heart of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs as they are commonly known), are formal designations of conservation. Sites must be kept in a healthy state to protect their special habitats and features.
A Scheduled Ancient Monument is an historic site or building that is included in the national government Schedule of Monuments.
St Martha's church is a Grade II listed Historic Building.