The best walks and hikes around Prince's Coverts
4.5
(1940)
16,762
hikers
736
hikes
Hiking around Prince's Coverts explores a large area of managed woodland in Surrey. The landscape is characterized by mixed woodland, gentle hills, and the streams of the Rythe. The network of paths winds through sections known as Great Oakes and Sixty Acre Wood, offering a variety of routes on generally flat terrain with some gentle undulations.
Best hiking trails around Prince's Coverts
- The most popular hiking route is Prince's Coverts Forest Trails loop from Oxshott, a 4.0 mile (6.4 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 41 minutes to complete. This is an easy route with minimal elevation change, ideal for exploring the heart of the forest.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Prince's Coverts Forest Trails loop from Ashtead Common, an easy 3.6 mile (5.7 km) path. The trail follows well-maintained woodland paths suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Prince's Coverts Forest Trails loop from Claygate Common, a 5.0 mile (8.1 km) trail leading through the varied woodland, often completed in about 2 hours 7 minutes.
- Hiking around Prince's Coverts is defined by its dense woodlands, historical features like Jessop's Well, and an extensive network of paths. The trail system offers options for different ability levels, from short, easy walks to longer, more moderate hikes.
- The routes in Prince's Coverts are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,700 reviews. More than 16,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Prince's Coverts's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.8
(4)
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(1)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2.0
(1)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Avenue runs through the Prince's Covert woodland. It's a gravel track and offers a fast descent in one direction and a slow, steady climb in the other, with a consistent gradient of around 3%.
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The Avenue going through Stoke Wood, joining Fairoak Lane and Kingston Road, is a good gravel track. After going into the deeper, muddier reaches of the wood, this stretch can be a blissful interlude between rough sections. It is actually a good connecting thoroughfare between the tougher routes that abound here.
3
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Prince's Coverts has a mix of trails through the trees or two hardpacked gravel paths that fan out to the south east and south west from this entrance at its northern most tip. It was once the hunting ground of Prince Leopold I of Belgium who lived at Claremont Park nearby. If you do come into the woodland from here, the gate does look like it is locked shut but the kissing gate is open and you are allowed to enter. You are only allowed to horse ride here by prior agreement so the large gate is locked to stop unauthorised horse riders entering.
0
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Awesome gravel path looks like a road/farm track but no cars to worry about!
1
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On this gravel track you can go fast one way but quite slow and long climb the otherwise staying roughly at 3%
0
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Prince's Coverts?
Yes, Prince's Coverts is a popular destination for dog walking. The extensive network of woodland paths provides plenty of space for dogs to explore. However, as it is a managed woodland with wildlife and sometimes livestock, it's recommended to keep dogs under control.
Is there parking available at Prince's Coverts?
There are several small, free car parks and lay-bys at various entrances to the woods, such as those off the A244 (Oxshott Road) and near Crown Road. Parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea.
How do I get to Prince's Coverts using public transport?
The area is accessible by train. The closest stations are Oxshott, Claygate, and Ashtead. From any of these stations, it's a walk of about 20-30 minutes to reach one of the woodland entrances. Several routes start directly from near the stations.
Are the trails in Prince's Coverts suitable for families and children?
Absolutely. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle undulations, making it ideal for family walks. There are many shorter, easy routes through the woods. The mix of paths and natural features like streams and historical points of interest keeps a walk engaging for all ages.
How muddy do the paths get?
The paths can get very muddy, particularly after periods of rain. The soil is a mix of loam and clay, which doesn't drain quickly. It is highly recommended to wear waterproof hiking boots or wellies, especially during autumn and winter.
How many hiking trails are there in Prince's Coverts?
There is an extensive network of trails to explore, with over 750 different routes mapped on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls to more moderate, longer hikes that connect to adjacent areas like Esher Common and Oxshott Heath.
What do other hikers enjoy about Prince's Coverts?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the sense of tranquility within the vast woodland, the well-maintained paths, and the variety of scenery, from dense forest to open clearings.
Are there any pubs or cafes near the trails for a post-hike refreshment?
Yes, the nearby towns of Oxshott and Claygate offer several options. You can find traditional pubs and cozy cafes in their respective village centers, which are just a short walk or drive from the main woodland entrances, perfect for relaxing after your hike.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Prince's Coverts is beautiful year-round. Spring is fantastic for bluebells and fresh green foliage. Summer offers lush, shady walks. Autumn provides stunning colours, and winter, while potentially muddy, offers crisp air and the stark beauty of the woodland structure.
Are there any historical points of interest to see while hiking?
Yes, the most notable is Jessop's Well, an 18th-century well house built over an iron-rich spring. The name 'Prince's Coverts' itself refers to its history as a shooting estate for Prince Leopold of Belgium. Exploring the woods offers a glimpse into this past.
How does Prince's Coverts compare to nearby Esher Common or Oxshott Heath?
Prince's Coverts is a large, managed woodland with a dense network of paths, offering a more enclosed, forest-like experience. Esher Common and Oxshott Heath feature more open heathland and varied topography. For a longer walk, you can combine all three, such as on the Prince's Coverts Gravel Path β Esher Common loop from Oxshott.
Are there any circular walks that include ponds or water features?
Yes, the woodland is the source of three streams of the Rythe, and there are several ponds. For a route that specifically takes in a water feature, consider the Keeper's Cottage Pond β Thames Down Link loop from Oxshott, which offers a pleasant and moderately challenging circuit.
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