The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Mole Valley

Mole Valley offers a vast network of trails perfect for exploring with your dog. Our guide features over 160 dog-friendly hiking routes, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging ascents, ensuring there's something for every dog and owner.

Mole Valley, nestled within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), boasts diverse landscapes including rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and the meandering River Mole. This variety provides stimulating environments for dogs, with plenty of scents to explore and open spaces to enjoy. Iconic spots like Leith Hill and Box Hill offer stunning views and varied terrain, making it an ideal location for canine companions.

Yes, Mole Valley has numerous easy and gentle options. Our guide includes over 50 easy dog-friendly routes. For example, the Norbury Park Circular offers a moderate 7.3 km walk with gentle elevation, perfect for a relaxed outing. The Mole Gap Trail, while not a specific route in this guide, is also known for its relatively level path along the River Mole, suitable for a leisurely stroll.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, Mole Valley offers over 15 difficult dog-friendly routes. Trails around Leith Hill, the highest point in southeast England, and Box Hill provide invigorating climbs and descents. An example is the Box Hill, Mickleham Downs & Denbies Vineyard loop from Dorking, a demanding 18.9 km hike with over 450 meters of elevation gain.

Many trails in Mole Valley provide opportunities for dogs to access water, particularly those near the River Mole and its tributaries. The famous River Mole Stepping Stones at the foot of Box Hill are a popular spot. Additionally, several routes pass by lakes and ponds, such as Friday Street Mill Pond or Tilling Springs Pond, offering refreshing stops for your canine companion.

Mole Valley is rich in natural landmarks and stunning viewpoints. You can take your dog to the summit of Leith Hill for panoramic views, or explore Box Hill, which offers various scenic overlooks. The Salomons Memorial Viewpoint is another notable spot. Many trails also traverse ancient woodlands like Piney Copse or Rhododendron Wood, Leith Hill, providing beautiful natural settings.

Yes, circular routes are very popular in Mole Valley, allowing you to start and end your hike in the same location without retracing your steps. Many of the trails in our guide, such as the Norbury Park Circular, are designed as loops, offering varied scenery throughout your walk.

Parking is generally available at popular trailheads and beauty spots throughout Mole Valley, often managed by organizations like the National Trust or local councils. Specific parking details can usually be found on individual route pages or local information boards. It's always advisable to check for parking availability and any potential fees before your visit, especially during peak times.

Many areas in Mole Valley are accessible by public transport, particularly train services to towns like Dorking, which serve as gateways to popular hiking areas like Box Hill and Norbury Park. From these stations, you can often find walking routes that lead directly into the countryside. Checking local bus routes can also provide access to more remote trailheads.

The dog-friendly trails in Mole Valley are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 3,000 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the region's diverse scenery, well-maintained paths, and the abundance of natural spaces perfect for dogs to explore. Many highlight the stunning views from Leith Hill and Box Hill, as well as the peaceful woodland sections.

Autumn transforms Mole Valley into a spectacular display of colors, making it a wonderful time for dog walks. Trails through ancient woodlands, such as those found in Abinger Roughs or around Leith Hill, are particularly beautiful with their changing foliage. The Abinger Roughs Nature Trail and North Downs Way offers a long, immersive experience through these vibrant autumn landscapes.