Are you looking for a beautiful location to walk your dog in the Surrey area? We have got you covered… we have found 5 stunning, scenic walks based in the Surrey area, ranging from easy to more challenging walks. If you are looking for a short morning walk, or a longer stroll with your dog, we have listed some popular trails below for you to have a browse through.

1. Virginia Water Lake

History of this area

Virginia Water is a village in the borough of Runnymede in Northern Surrey, England. It is a very popular walk all year round with it’s glistening waters and abundance of wildlife, it is the perfect place to walk your dog. It was originally a royal pleasure ground, the area is now open to the public and very popular with visitors, especially dog walkers and families. Some of the most popular attractions at Virginia Water are the beautiful lake and the cascade waterfall.

What do you need to know about this dog walking spot?

There are lots of facilities on site, such as the cafe where the walk around the lake begins and ends, as well as refreshment stalls, ice creams vans in the summer time and open green with tables, perfect for a picnic spot and play time with your dog!

The walk length is around 4 - 5 miles, this is generally considered an easy trail as it is on mostly flat ground. There are lots of variations to this walk and lovely scenery on the way around the lake. There are times it may be suitable for your dogs to be off their lead with supervision, however they must be on a lead in the Valley gardens. There is parking available on site.

2. Lightwater Country Park

History of this area

Lightwater Country Park is situated on the edge of Lightwater Village, just off Junction 3 of the M3 motorway between the villages of Bagshot and Lightwater. It is mainly heathland habitat but also has woodland, meadows and ponds. It is full of amazing views of wildlife, birds, plants etc and is a great, scenic place for you and your dog to explore. There Is a bench that has been installed there called ‘Bench of Hope’ overlooking the pond at the country park. This is linked to the popular Netflix series called ‘After life’ andis in conjunction with a Suicide prevention charity (CALM). Those who visit this bench are able to access mental health resources for themselves or for someone who may need it, through a QR code on the bench. 

What do you need to know about this dog walking spot?

It is a popular dog walking location all year around but especially in summer. There is a duck pond on the left and a play area as you enter the country park, so it’s great if you want to turn your dog walk in to a whole family outing! It includes a great fitness trail which includes lots of large exercise frames that are set up to be used free of charge which is a bonus and can keep people entertained and healthy at the same time! So if your dog is content to sit and enjoy the countryside, perhaps this is something to do. There is also lots of open field space for your dog to have a runaround and play and walking around the heathland, sniffing through woodland.

The walk length is around 1.9 miles and is considered an easy walk. There are facilities at the country park, such as a cafe, toilets and picnic areas. If you are looking for more of a meal, then you can always take a short stroll in to Bagshot which has various dog-friendly pubs.

3. Box hill

History of this area

Box hill is a summit of the North Downs in Surrey. The hill gets its name from the ancient box woodland found on the steep west - facing chalk slopes which are overlooking the River Mole. The western part of the hill is owned and managed by the National Trust. The hill provides a habitat for 38 species of butterfly and has given its name to a species of squash bug which is found throughout the south - east of England. An estimated 850,000 people visit Box hill each year, so it is a very popular walking spot and an ideal place to take your dog!

What do you need to know about this dog walking spot?

Box hill is a very family place as there is a natural play trail. It is also visited frequently by nature lovers and dog walkers. You can appreciate the beautiful wildlife and flowers along your dog walk. There are various different routes available, meaning you can mix it up each time you visit. You and your dog can stop off for a rest at the tea room which has outside seating available and enjoy some refreshments. There are also dog friendly pubs, a short walk away.

This walk is between 1 and 4 miles and is considered easy to moderate.

4. Frensham Ponds

History of this area

Frensham Ponds were originally created in the 13th century to supply fish to the Bishop of Winchester whilst visiting Farnham Castle. Today the ponds (Frensham Great and Frensham Little) is a sanctuary of wildlife and a site of special scientific interest. Frensham Little and Great Ponds provide a stunning location to discover and is a great place to walk your dog and even paddle in the summer months in the water.

What do you need to know about this dog walking spot?

It is a lovely large area with sandy paths going through woods or around the lake. There are beautiful views and also a couple of lakes, varying from little to large ones if your dog enjoys a swim in the hot months. There are 2 car parks on site. 

This walk is between 1 - 7 miles depending on the route you take and is considered an easy to moderate walk.

5. Bourne Woods

History of this area

Bourne Woods is an area of quiet ancient woodland owned and managed by the Forestry Commission. It is a great place to take your dog for a walk and it is full of trees and wildlife. It has been the backdrop to many internationally renowned films and television series including - Gladiator, Harry Potter, Warhorse, Thor, Wonder Woman and Transformers 3.

What do you need to know about this dog walking spot?

There are lots of off lead areas for your dog to run wild here, as well as pathed trails. You can follow this to take you to a picnic area, which is a perfect rest spot for you and your dog. The woods has a long square route that can be cut down into smaller routes via the many side paths and cut throughs, including sandy trails and woods that open out onto heathland for your dog to explore while you admire the view. There is a dog friendly pub nearby called the Spotted Cow in Lower Bourne which has a free car park.

The walk is around 4 miles and is considered moderate difficulty.

Conclusion

Surrey is a dog-friendly paradise with plenty of places to explore. From National Trust parks to stunning backdrops, there's something for everyone and their furry friend. And don't forget to pack some treats and a treat pouch for longer walks or stops at one of the many dog-friendly eateries.

No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find a dog-friendly place to explore in Surrey. So get out there and enjoy some quality time with your furry friend!