Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl make Hindhead a destination for days in nature, with a range of trail options: open heathland and ancient woodland, a natural amphitheatre, viewpoints and routes ranging from a short circular walk to a long-distance trail. If you’re looking for a hotel in Hindhead, you can plan your stay around the kind of landscape experience that matters most to you: a short accessible walk, named viewpoints or a longer hiking route.

Heathland, woodland and the Devil’s Punch Bowl

Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl are part of the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve. Both are also designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. At Hindhead Commons, the landscape is shaped by open heathland and ancient woodland. The Devil’s Punch Bowl is a natural amphitheatre and is described as Britain’s largest landform created by spring water.

The car-free route of the old A3 runs from the Devil’s Punch Bowl to Hindhead Commons and serves as a wildlife corridor. At Hindhead Commons, visitors can look out for Exmoor ponies and grazing cattle; opportunities for wildlife spotting may vary by season.

Trails and viewpoints

An accessible 300-metre circular route leads from the car park to a sandstone viewing platform.

The Hidden Hindhead Trail is well signposted and not particularly challenging. It passes over Gibbet Hill and by the Temple of the Four Winds; both offer excellent views. Trail conditions can vary, so if you’re planning to walk it, it’s advisable to check the latest information.

The Devil’s Punch Bowl loop goes around the Devil’s Punch Bowl and offers views across open heathland. Trail and access information can change; check the latest information if you’re planning to include this route.

The Greensand Way covers a much greater distance. This waymarked long-distance trail runs through Hindhead Commons, extends for 108 miles through Surrey and Kent, and starts in nearby Haslemere. Its route therefore extends well beyond the local circular walks. The shorter loop, the signposted trail and the Greensand Way offer different ways to include trails and viewpoints in your plans, without assuming a particular walking time.

Nature trail and café

Behind the café, there’s a nature play trail with mostly climbing and balancing activities. If the play trail is a main reason for your visit, check its availability in advance.

The Devil’s Punch Bowl Café serves hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches, panini, cake, flapjacks and pastries. The selection may change seasonally.

History at the Devil’s Punch Bowl

HistoryScapes offers an audio-guided walk at the Devil’s Punch Bowl, with George Mayes as a historical guide. The digital offering may be updated or replaced. Check that it’s available if you’re planning to take the walk.

Broom-making is also part of local history: it was a rural craft closely associated with the Devil’s Punch Bowl and is now in decline.

Discover more destinations: Bletchingley, Bisley, Cranleigh, Windlesham, Lingfield, Newchapel, Charlwood, Reigate.

For the main travel overview: Surrey.