Covid-19
The Friends of the Hurtwood and the local community of Peaslake has taken Government advice and issued the following updated guidance to safeguard residents and visitors to the Hurtwood:
- The very nature of the Hurtwood means it cannot be closed to visitors
- However, some of our car parks may be subject to unannounced closures
- Noting the above and Government advice about non-essential travel, you should not travel by car to visit the Hurtwood
Also please note that:
- The Village Store is limiting access and is open only for essential purchases
- No food and drink are available anywhere in Peaslake
- The Cycle Shop and Pub are closed, tables and chairs in Peaslake Centre have been removed.
If you can visit the Hurtwood on foot you must follow government advice about social distancing
Thank you
The Hurtwood is over 2,000 acres of privately owned Common land in the Surrey Hills
Friends of the Hurtwood, registered charity No. 200053, has the responsibility to raise the funding required to manage public access and protect the Hurtwood environment
Donate to help us to keep the Hurtwood open for everyone to enjoy
Visit the Hurtwood! You can walk, ride or cycle on miles of Bridleways and Footpaths
The Hurtwood can be a great location for an event. However you MUST request permission to run any event on the Hurtwood – more details here
Visiting the Hurtwood
The Hurtwood is enjoyed by many people from the local community. If you visit by car there are 14 free car parks on the Hurtwood. Their locations are on Google Maps. There are also downloadable Hurtwood maps. Click below.
Walk
There are over 60 miles of paths and bridleways and many more informal paths and tracks to explore. There are some steep paths more suitable for fitter walkers whilst there are plenty of less hilly areas if you wish to go for a more gentle stroll.
Ride
When riding please keep to the existing network of trails where possible, and avoid Mountain Bike trails. There are no height barriers in our car parks so Horseboxes are welcome in larger ones and where roads are suitable.
Cycle
'The Hurtwood provides miles of riding with trails of varying abilities and with easy access to Ranmore and Leith Hill. As the Hurtwood is open access to all users you will come across walkers, dogs and horses - please give way to them at all times.
We are A UK Registered Charity managing public access to the Hurtwood for all
2000
Acres Managed 14
Car Parks 1
Staff £ 80,000 +
Required BudgetA donation to Friends helps to
- Employ a full time Ranger.
- Manage 30 miles of registered footpaths and bridleways, 30 miles of unofficial tracks, firebreaks and 14 car parks, which together provide unrivalled access to the Hurtwood’s heath and hills
- Create and preserve wildlife habitats, and other conservation projects.
- Maintain panoramic views from the Hurtwood hills
- Clear and prevent litter and fly tipping.
- Protect three scheduled monuments including the Holmbury Hill Iron Age Hill Fort.
- Encourage children to treasure the countryside.
Protect and conserve the Hurtwood, so that everyone can enjoy its freedom and beauty
The Hurtwood is
Over 2,000 acres of privately owned Surrey countryside which is open to everyone for ‘air and exercise’ on foot, horse and bicycle.
Friends are
Friends of the Hurtwood is a registered charity responsible for public access to the Hurtwood. We work closely with the Landowners many of whom are active in forestry management and timber extraction
What we do
Friends of the Hurtwood clear trails, maintain 14 carparks, remove fly tip, open up views, protect the environment, care for wildlife
What it costs
Friends of the Hurtwood run a tight budget, currently around £80,000 per year. This covers the Ranger's employment costs, the occasional use of subcontractors and maintenance of 14 car parks, trails and viewpoints
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