Wild Heaths & Hidden Trails – Chobham Common Circular Hike (18 km)

Step into the wild side of Surrey on this 18 km circular hike, setting out from Sunningdale to explore the sweeping heathlands, hidden trails, and big skies of Chobham Common — the largest National Nature Reserve in the south-east of England.

This is a landscape of rare beauty and unique wildlife, where sandy paths weave between heather, gorse, and silver birch, and open ridges offer far-reaching views.

- Start/Finish: Sunningdale Station, Surrey
- Distance: 18 km
- Time: Approx. 5.5–6 hrs (including breaks)
- Total Ascent: 196 m
- Grade: 3 – Challenging

The Hike:
From Sunningdale Station, we strike out across varied countryside before reaching the vast wilderness of Chobham Common. This is one of the UK’s most important lowland heath reserves, home to Dartford warblers, woodlarks, adders, and colourful dragonflies in late summer.

We’ll follow undulating sandy tracks and winding woodland paths, with a mix of wide-open heathland and sheltered sections under oak and birch. The route also takes us into quieter farmland and secluded valleys near Albury Bottom, before looping back across the common for a final stretch through big-sky heath and back to Sunningdale.

Highlights:
- Chobham Common: Rare lowland heath — wild, open, and full of character.
- Wildlife Encounters: A chance to spot nightjars, lizards, and even grazing ponies.
- Hidden Valleys & Trails: Explore quiet corners and sandy ridges often overlooked by walkers.
- Big Skies: Expansive heathland views that feel more like a wilderness than Surrey.

What to Wear and Bring:
- Our walks go ahead in all weather, so dress appropriately. Always carry a waterproof jacket.
- Check the forecast and bring sun cream, a hat, or sunglasses for warm days, and waterproofs, a warm hat, and gloves for cold or wet days.
- Wear trousers or leggings to reduce the risk of tick bites and nettle stings. Avoid denim or cotton.
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. Open-toe shoes are unsuitable.
- Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, lunch, and snacks, as there may be no opportunities to buy food or drinks along the route.
- Public toilets may not be available on the route.

Sign-Up Form:
If you haven’t completed a form this year or your circumstances have changed, please fill out the sign up form before attending. Participation is not allowed without a completed form, as this ensures we understand your needs and can maintain group safety. (link can be found in Ts&Cs section of the website - or cut and paste below into your browser) Form link: [https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058 ](https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058)

Preparation and Fitness:
You are responsible for your own health and safety. Ensure you can hike continuously for the duration specified. Dress appropriately, please bring the required gear and carry any personal medications. Participants without proper equipment may be unable to join the walk.

Our Guides:
Our experienced, qualified leaders are skilled in navigation, first aid, and outdoor leadership. Each route is carefully planned to match the advertised grade, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience.

Additional Information: Dogs are not permitted on our walks. Adventure Women UK is an all-female activity group, and participants must be over 18.
Our events are advertised on other platforms, the number of "guest" booked on include attendees from other platforms. If the walk is full, you can join the website waiting list here

Walk Grades: For details on walk difficulty levels, visit the Walk Grades Section at[ https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1](https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1)

Important Note: By RSVPing “Yes” to any event, you agree to the group’s terms and conditions. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies, which can result in serious injury or death. By participating, you voluntarily assume all such risks. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs.