Near Peaslake and Cranleigh, Surrey, within the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
Pitch Hill
Viewpoint
Place photograph
6.0
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.0A narrow sandstone spur rises above the Hurtwood to a summit with views across the Weald towards the South Downs.
Pitch Hill earns its place for the combination of a distinctive sandstone ridge, a wooded approach and far-reaching views from its 257-metre summit. It makes a rewarding hill walk, with mountain-bike traffic on some narrow tracks worth keeping in mind.
Dramatic · Wild · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapNear Peaslake and Cranleigh, Surrey, within the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Walk up through the Hurtwood to Pitch Hill’s summit for the views, or make a longer day of it by combining the hill with nearby woodland routes. The summit paths are shared with mountain bikers, so take care on narrow tracks.
Things to do
Walk to Pitch Hill summit
Climb through the Hurtwood to the 257-metre summit and look out towards the South Downs.
About 1–2 hours, depending on start point and pace
Take in the summit views
Pause at the top of the sandstone spur for views across the Weald towards the South Downs.
Explore a longer route from Cranleigh
An AllTrails out-and-back route via the showground, woods and golf course is listed as 4.9 miles with 646 feet of ascent. Check the current route details and conditions before setting out.
About 2–2.5 hours
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: Climb to the view
- 01
Choose a suitable local starting point and check access and parking before setting out.
- 02
Walk uphill through the Hurtwood towards Pitch Hill.
- 03
Pause at the summit to take in the views towards the Weald and South Downs.
- 04
Return by your chosen approach.
Half day · Around half a day
Make a half day of it: Pitch Hill and the Hurtwood
- 01
Check current access and parking arrangements before travelling.
- 02
Walk to Pitch Hill through the Hurtwood and spend time at the summit.
- 03
Extend the outing on a suitable local woodland route, checking the route and conditions before departure.
- 04
Allow extra time for muddy ground after rain and watch for mountain bikers on narrow tracks.
Verified history
Pitch Hill is part of the Hurtwood. A local account says public access to the privately owned woodland was granted in 1926 by Reginald Bray, Lord of the Manor of Shere. The hill is described as a 257-metre sandstone spur above Peaslake.
Folklore & legend
Local legend links the view from Pitch Hill to George Harrison’s song “Here Comes the Sun”. This is reported as legend, not established fact.
Hidden details
The sandstone spur — Pitch Hill is described as a narrow sandstone spur, a defining feature of its summit profile.
A shared network of narrow tracks — Mountain bikers use tracks around Pitch Hill, including steep, narrow routes that cross major paths. Stay alert and give other users room.
When to go
March · April · May · October · November · Choose a clear day; early morning can offer quieter paths, though this has not been confirmed by the supplied sources.
Clear conditions matter most for the summit views. A local walking guide highlights autumn colour in the nearby woods and bracken.
The route may be muddy after rain. Visibility can limit the summit views; mountain bikers use narrow tracks in the area.
The route
- ascent
- 646 feet
- distance
- 4.9 miles
- duration
- 2–2.5 hours
- difficulty
- Moderate
- route shape
- Out and back
- start point
- Cranleigh to Pitch Hill route; exact start point should be checked on the route source.
- parking start
- Check current parking options and restrictions before setting out.
- shorter alternative
- A shorter summit visit may be possible from a suitable local access point, but the supplied sources do not establish a specific shorter route.
- Woodland approach through the Hurtwood
- Uphill section to Pitch Hill
- Views from the summit towards the Weald and South Downs
Worth pairing with
Holmbury Hill
A nearby hill walk mentioned alongside Pitch Hill in a local Surrey Hills guide. Check route details and access before combining the two.
The Hurtwood Inn, Peaslake
A pub identified by a local guide as a possible end point for a Pitch Hill walk. Check current opening and food information before visiting.
What to look for
Look for the narrow sandstone spur beneath the summit and the changing view across the Weald towards the South Downs.
Best time to go
Clear days in spring, autumn and winter offer good conditions for views; autumn brings colour to the surrounding woods.
Choose a clear day for the broadest views. In autumn, the nearby beech woods and bracken add seasonal colour; expect muddy conditions after rain.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Cyclists
Before you go
Address
Practical information
Opening & access
Pitch Hill is part of the Hurtwood, where public access has been available since 1926. The summit can be reached on foot; check current local access information before setting out. Narrow tracks are also used by mountain bikers.
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Parking
Check current parking options and restrictions before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The described approach includes an uphill section and narrow tracks. Suitability for wheelchairs or visitors with limited mobility is not confirmed; check route conditions before visiting.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Pitch Hill
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
