Countryside walks in the Caterham Valley area of east Surrey
We are blessed in Caterham Valley to be surrounded by the beautiful Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and North Downs countryside, which offers the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views and long and short walks in the Surrey countryside within striking distance of London.
Here we share some of the best walks in the Caterham Valley area, whether you’re just looking to stretch your legs from home or are visiting from further afield (when lockdowns allow).
Share your favourite Caterham Valley walks and photos by tagging Caterham Valley For You in your posts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. We plan to keep adding news walks to this page as they are recommended to us. Happy exploring!
Need to know
Getting to Caterham Valley
Eating out in Caterham Valley
Timber Hill recreation area
So, we will start with the shortest Caterham Valley stroll first. This one is well-known to anyone who lives in Caterham, but it’s easily missed if you are new to the area or just visiting. Timber Hill recreation ground is found only minutes away from Caterham Valley town centre next to Caterham police station via Timber Hill Road. There is a children’s play area, seasonal flower displays, benches for a sandwich lunchbreak and plenty of room for picnics in the park (just make sure to take your rubbish home with you!). A hidden gem. Find Timber Hill park on Google Maps here.
Circular walk from Caterham Valley station
This six-mile Surrey stroll is found on the Fancy Free Walks website and include the stretch of the North Downs that runs just south of Caterham Valley where there are glorious views to breathe in. Conveniently, the walk also starts and ends at Caterham station, which means it’s an easy circular walk for visitors to take advantage of and then enjoy a drink or bite in one of Caterham Valley’s pubs, restaurants or coffee shops. Find the full directions on the Fancy Free Walks website.
Kenley Aerodrome walks
Only a 10-minute drive from Caterham Valley town centre, Kenley Aerodrome was home to Spitfires and Hurricanes during World War Two – in fact, it is known as the UK’s most complete surviving Battle of Britain fighter airfield. Kenley now provides an excellent place to enjoy nature and history walks and Kenley Revival have created a couple of excellent child-friendly self-guided walks which you can download: a Nature Trail and a Discover Kenley’s World War Two Secrets walk.
Woldingham Countryside Walk
Only a short five-minute drive from Caterham Valley town centre, this Woldingham Countryside Walk from Surrey Hills is a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty on our doorstep. The walk explores the Marden Park estate, established in the 17th century by Sir Robert Clayton, Lord Mayor of London; Woldingham School; St Agatha’s Church, which is claimed to be the highest as well as the smallest in Surrey; Knights Garden Centre; chalk grasslands and mature woodlands; and more. Find a downloadable leaflet of this Surrey Hills walk here.
Farthing Downs and Happy Valley walks
A short drive (10-minutes) from Caterham Valley town centre in the other direction and you’ll find the ever-popular Farthing Downs and Happy Valley – it is yet another place in our area to enjoy beautiful views and glorious open spaces if you’re looking to get away from it all for a bit. You can find some great ways to explore Farthing Downs and Happy Valley on the Fancy Free Walks website.
North Downs Way national trail and Surrey Hills walks
For the ambitious Surrey Hills walker, Caterham Valley is a gateway to the North Downs Way national trail. You can explore its 153 miles of stunning countryside, which follows the route of the historic Pilgrim’s Way, all the way from Farnham to Canterbury (or even on to the White Cliffs of Dover!) from our Surrey town. More locally, it puts Caterham Valley within walking distance of Reigate Hill, Godstone Vineyards, Botley Hill, Titsey Place and more (lots of options for days out, then!). You can find a map of the full route and Google Maps walk through on the National Trails website.
Share your favourite Caterham Valley walks and photos by tagging Caterham Valley For You in your posts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. We plan to keep adding news walks to this page as they are recommended to us. Happy exploring!
Walking groups to join in the Caterham Valley, Surrey area
East Surrey Walkers, part of the Ramblers UK walking charity
Caterham & District u3a regularly organises walks
