Just Hike: 16km Devil’s Punch Bowl and Thursley Common

Beginning at Thursley Common National Nature Reserve, we’ll explore one of the UK’s finest remaining lowland heathlands before continuing across Hindhead Common, where sweeping views and abundant wildlife make this one of Surrey’s most spectacular landscapes.

We’ll climb to Gibbet Hill, Surrey’s second-highest point standing at 272 metres, before stopping to explore the iconic Devil’s Punch Bowl – a spectacular natural amphitheatre carved into the sandstone over thousands of years. Rich in myths, legends and fascinating history, the Punch Bowl has inspired writers, artists and visitors for centuries and is now one of the National Trust’s most treasured landscapes.

A memorable walk combining breath-taking scenery, panoramic viewpoints, fascinating history and some of Surrey’s most beautiful heathland.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging – 16km with several steady climbs and descents.
Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours walking, plus a 30–45 minute refreshment stop (around 5.5 hours in total).
Bring: Snacks, plenty of water, and money if you’d like to purchase refreshments at Devil’s Punch Bowl Café.
Facilities: Toilets and a Café are available at the Devil’s Punch Bowl Visitor Centre approximately halfway through the walk.
Hiking Guide: Kate Barker.

Meet/Park: Hankley Common Upper Car Park, Houndown Lane, Elstead, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6LW, 5-10min prior to start. What3words meeting point: marzipan.sitting.brotherly