The best cycling routes around Ludshott Common
4.3
(149)
2,095
riders
239
rides
Touring cycling routes around Ludshott Common traverse a diverse landscape characterized by extensive heathland, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages. The area features a mix of terrain, from unpaved segments requiring good fitness to mostly paved paths suitable for various skill levels. Cyclists can explore the unique ecology of the heathland, which is home to heather, gorse, and Scots pine, alongside the mature beech trees and ponds of Waggoners Wells. This region offers varied elevation gains, providing both gentle rides and more challenging ascents.
Best touring cycling routes around Ludshott Common
- The most popular touring cycling route is Hammer Lane – SCOOP Café, Beacon Hill loop from Headley Down, an 8.8 miles (14.2 km) trail that takes about 1 hour to complete. This moderate route offers a scenic loop with opportunities for a cafe stop.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Devil's Punch Bowl Bike Trail – Top of Highcombe Copse loop from Grayshott, a difficult 13.9 miles (22.5 km) path. This route features challenging terrain through the notable Devil's Punch Bowl area and Highcombe Copse.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Hankley Common Trail – Elstead Mill on the River Wey loop from Churt, a 32.8 miles (52.9 km) trail leading through open common land and along the River Wey, often completed in about 3 hours 17 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Ludshott Common is defined by expansive heathland, dense woodlands, and the serene ponds of Waggoners Wells. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to more difficult, longer trails.
- The routes in Ludshott Common are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 140 reviews. More than 2000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Ludshott Common's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
1.0
(1)
6
riders
14.1km
00:57
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
22.6km
01:32
310m
310m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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6
riders
52.0km
03:14
520m
520m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
2
riders
23.9km
01:30
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Hindhead Commons is a sprawling, 282-hectare nature reserve in Surrey, managed by the National Trust. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and part of the Surrey Hills National Landscape, it represents one of the region's most ecologically valuable and historically dramatic landscapes. The Landscape: Sitting roughly 250 meters above sea level, it features a rare, cooler microclimate that supports a rich mosaic of ancient woodland, valleys, and vibrant lowland heath. This habitat is a lifeline for threatened wildlife, including Exmoor ponies, adders, and rare ground-nesting birds like the nightjar. The Devil's Punch Bowl: This massive, spring-eroded sandstone amphitheater dominates the eastern side of the commons, offering sweeping views that stretch all the way to the London skyline on clear days. The Great Transformation: For decades, Hindhead Commons was physically severed in two by the roar of the old A3 highway. Following the construction of the Hindhead Tunnel directly beneath the common in 2011, the old road surface was completely removed, allowing nature to heal and creating peaceful, car-free trails for walkers and cyclists.
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The Sailor’s Stone marks the 1786 murder spot of an anonymous mariner on the historic Portsmouth Road. Nearby trails ascend to Gibbet Hill, the second-highest point in Surrey, where his killers were executed. The summit delivers endless vistas, stretching past the North Downs all the way to London.
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At the top of Highcombe Copse, along Highcombe Edge, the ancient woodland gives way to a breezy ridge. Here stands the granite Robertson Memorial obelisk, overlooking a sweeping, panoramic view of the Devil’s Punch Bowl. It marks a peaceful resting point before trails descend steeply into the valley.
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Beyond the main trails, a maze of quiet, sandy bridleways and sunken lanes rings the Devil's Punch Bowl. These single-track routes connect to nearby Thursley Common, offering mountain bikers peaceful, technical terrain away from hikers.
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Gibbet Hill is the second-highest point in Surrey, offering an extraordinary viewpoint that stands out within the Devil’s Punch Bowl landscape. Standing beside the historic Celtic cross, you look out over a breathtaking panoramic landscape of rolling hills, deep valleys, and open heathland. On crisp, clear days, the scenery opens up dramatically, allowing you to trace the horizon all the way to the iconic skyline of central London, miles to the northeast.
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The old A3 road, which once choked the Devil’s Punch Bowl with traffic, has been transformed into a peaceful, paved walking and cycling trail. Following the 2011 tunnel bypass, nature reclaimed the tarmac, creating a scenic, accessible path that seamlessly connects visitors to the wider Surrey Hills network.
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Good Coffee with great outside seating and plenty of room to put bikes.
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This is incorrectly positioned on the map. It should be on the Farnham Road after Fulbrook Lane and before the bridge over the river
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Ludshott Common?
There are over 240 touring cycling routes available around Ludshott Common, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Ludshott Common?
The terrain around Ludshott Common is diverse, featuring extensive heathland, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages. You'll encounter a mix of surfaces, from unpaved segments that require good fitness to mostly paved paths suitable for various skill levels. The area also presents varied elevation gains, providing both gentle rides and more challenging ascents.
Are there any easy or family-friendly touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, Ludshott Common offers a good selection of easier routes. Approximately 53 routes are rated as easy, making them suitable for families or those looking for a more relaxed ride. These often feature mostly paved paths through scenic areas.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks I can see while cycling around Ludshott Common?
Ludshott Common itself is a significant heathland with heather, gorse, and Scots pine. Nearby, you can visit Waggoners Wells, a series of three man-made ponds set in a wooded valley known for its ancient beech trees and diverse lichen populations. The routes also pass through ancient woodlands like Gentle's Copse and other heathlands such as Bramshott Common.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Ludshott Common?
Yes, many routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Hammer Lane – SCOOP Café, Beacon Hill loop from Headley Down, which is a moderate 8.8-mile (14.2 km) trail.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Ludshott Common?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 140 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from expansive heathland to dense woodlands, and the serene ponds of Waggoners Wells. The variety of routes catering to different ability levels is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. Ludshott Common offers 96 routes rated as difficult, providing a challenge for experienced touring cyclists. For instance, the Hankley Common Trail – Elstead Mill on the River Wey loop from Churt is a difficult 32.8-mile (52.9 km) trail through open common land.
When is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Ludshott Common?
The region is beautiful year-round. Late summer is particularly stunning when the purple heather carpets the heathland. Spring brings yellow gorse blooms. Autumn offers spectacular colors from the beech trees around Waggoners Wells. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes near Ludshott Common?
Many routes start from villages or designated parking areas around the common. Specific parking information is usually available on individual route pages on komoot. It's advisable to check the starting point details for your chosen route.
Are there cafes or pubs along the touring cycling routes in Ludshott Common?
Yes, many routes pass through or near picturesque villages where you can find cafes and pubs. For example, the Burfield Heath and Wood – Milland Village loop from Liphook offers opportunities to stop in Milland Village.
Is public transport available to access touring cycling routes in Ludshott Common?
While specific public transport links directly to trailheads can vary, the area is accessible by train to nearby towns like Liphook, from which you can cycle to the common. For detailed public transport options, it's best to check local bus and train schedules to plan your journey to a suitable starting point.
What kind of wildlife might I spot while cycling in Ludshott Common?
Ludshott Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protection Area (SPA), important for its wildlife. You might spot rare butterflies like the silver-studded blue, reptiles such as sand lizards and adders, and ground-nesting birds like woodlarks and nightjars. Roe deer and rabbits are also frequently seen.
Most popular routes around Ludshott Common
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