Shere To Dorking: Walk In The North Downs

From the most beautiful village in Surrey to an award-winning vineyard, I am taking you on a scenic walk in the North Downs area from Shere to Dorking. We booked this walk back in August with Outdooraholics. It was our first guided hike since the lockdown ended.

Disclaimer: London-based hiking groups may offer the same or similar walks around the Shere and Dorking area. For more information, please check here.

Logistics for the Shere to Dorking walk

Distance: 15.8 mi (25.4 km)
Total Ascent: 748 ft (228 m)
Highest Point: 719 ft (219 m)
Lowest Point: 167 ft (51 m)
Walking estimate: 6 hours and 40 minutes
Difficulty: Challenging

How to get there:
- Train from London Waterloo to Guildford and change Guildford for a train to Gomshall. The journey takes around 1 hour depending on the waiting time at Guildford.
- Alternatively, you can also take a train from London Blackfriars to Redhill and change at Redhill for a train to Gomshall. The journey takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes depending on the waiting time in Redhill
- For the return take a direct train from Dorking Main to London Waterloo. The journey takes 55 minutes. Direct train from Dorking to London Victoria takes 1 hour.
- Gomshall and Dorking are served by different train operators, therefore you would need to book 2 separate journeys

What to pack:
- Comfortable footwear and clothing
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and head cover, if the sun is out as the path is quite exposed
- Rain gear if the clouds are out for the same reason as above
- Water (at least 2L recommended),
- Snacks & packed lunch if you are not planning on having lunch at the cafe in Newlands Corner
- Money for the farm and gift shop at Denbies Wine Estate

Additional Information
- There are public toilets at Newlands Corner
- Visitors toilets are available at Denbies Wine Estate

Where to eat and drink:
- Newlands Corner Cafe, Albury, Surrey
- Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, Surrey

Highlights of the Shere to Dorking walk

North Downs
Shere village
St Peter & St Paul Church, Albury
Newlands Corner
Denbies Wine Estate
St Barnabas Church
Dorking

Shere to Dorking walk

The walk does not start in Shere

The North Downs is a ridge of chalk stretching from Farnham to Dover. It is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The highest point is Botley Hill (270m). Our walk starts in the village of Gomshall in Surrey, accessible by train from London Victoria. From Gomshall, we quickly arrive in Shere, the most beautiful village in Surrey. This traditional English village is featured in numerous Hollywood films including some starring Cameron Diaz and Sir Sean Connery.

One more Church

We then follow the Tillingbourne River in the direction of Newlands Corner. On our way, we make a stop at the ancient Saxon Church of St Peter & St Paul in Albury Park. The Church, which has a wall painting of St Christopher with a red curly beard, differs from other churches due to its dome over the tower.

St Peter & St Paul church, Albury Park, North Downs — St Peter & St Paul Church, Albury Park

Albury village

We then continue along the Tillingbourne River and pass by the Farrier’s Cottage in Albury. The cottage is easily recognisable by its high chimneys.

Farrier's Cottage, Albury, North Downs — Farrier’s Cottage, Albury

The beauty spot

We finally set foot in the beautiful Newlands Corner where we stop to take countless pictures. Newlands Corner is a nature reserve of 103 hectares. It played an exciting part in the life of the famous crime writer Agatha Christie as her car was found in a bush in Newlands Corner during her disappearance in 1926.

Shere to Dorking walk beauty spot: Newlands Corner — Newlands Corner

The wine country

We continue our adventure in the North Downs and start walking towards Dorking, passing by evergreen woodlands. As we get closer to Dorking, we make a well-deserved stop at the Denbies Wine Estate. The estate spreads across 627 acres. Its history traces back to 1850 when Thomas Cubitt bought the estate which remained in the family until 1984. The estate was then bought by Andrian White who planted the vineyard. The winery estate building opened in 1993 whilst the restaurant and the tours only started in 2000. The Queen visited the estate as did the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Denbies estate, North Downs — View from Denbies Estate

And more Churches

After purchasing a bottle of their award-winning wine, we make our way to our final destination. Before entering the ancient market town of Dorking, situated 21 miles (33km) south of London, we make a stop at St Barnabas Church in Ranmore. This church is also known as “the Church of North Downs Way”.

St Barnabas church, Ranmore — St Barnabas Church, Ranmore

Arriving at Dorking

We finally complete our walk in the North Downs in the town of Dorking. The earliest proof of human activity in Dorking dates back to the Mesolithic period as tools were found on a construction site on South Street. From Dorking train station we find services running to either London Waterloo, London Bridge and London Victoria (approximately 55 minutes).