River Mole, near Dorking, Surrey
Stepping Stones Walk
route · Waterside walk
Place photograph
6.0
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.0A steep descent through yew woods leads from Box Hill’s open views to the River Mole and its well-known stepping stones. The circular route returns past Burford Meadow and Box Hill Fort.
This walk links a memorable river crossing with a proper change of landscape: views across the Weald, a stepped descent through yew woods, riverside paths, open meadow and a Victorian fort. It is a compact but varied way to explore Box Hill on foot.
Dramatic · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapRiver Mole, near Dorking, Surrey
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The experience
A 3.2 km (2 mile) moderate circular walk from the Box Hill Visitor Centre, taking about 1 hour 30 minutes. Expect a viewpoint, a steep 275-step descent through yew woods, the River Mole crossing, Burford Meadow and Box Hill Fort.
Things to do
Take in the view at Salomons Memorial
Look south over the Weald; the National Trust says the South Downs may be visible in the distance on a clear day.
A short stop
Descend through the yew woods
Follow the route’s steps downhill towards the River Mole. The descent includes 275 steps, which can be slippery.
Visit the stepping stones
Stop by the River Mole crossing and watch the water. The route gives the footbridge as an alternative crossing; the stones can be slippery.
Cross Burford Meadow
Follow the route through the open meadow and look across the river to the wooded chalk cliffs known as the Whites.
Walk around Box Hill Fort
The return route passes the exterior of this late-19th-century fort. The National Trust says visitors cannot enter because bats live inside.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour 30 minutes
Quick escape: viewpoint and river
- 01
Start at the National Trust Visitor Centre at the top of Box Hill.
- 02
Take in the view from Salomons Memorial, then descend the steps through the yew woods to the River Mole.
- 03
Visit the stepping stones; use the footbridge instead if you do not cross the stones.
- 04
Return by the same route, allowing for the steep climb back to the top.
Half day · About 1 hour 30 minutes walking, plus time for stops
Make a half day of it: complete the circular walk
- 01
Begin at the Box Hill Visitor Centre and stop at Salomons Memorial for the view across the Weald.
- 02
Follow the marked route down through the yew woods to the River Mole and stepping stones; the route also offers a footbridge crossing.
- 03
Continue past Burford Meadow, with views of the wooded chalk cliffs called the Whites.
- 04
Climb back towards the summit, passing Box Hill Fort on the outside, then return to the visitor centre.
Verified history
Box Hill Fort was built in the late 1800s during a period of concern about Britain’s defences. The National Trust describes it as one of 13 military installations in the 72-mile London Defence Scheme. The route passes the building, but visitors may walk around the outside only; entry is not permitted because bats live inside. The stepping stones were removed during the Second World War in case of invasion.
Hidden details
The wartime removal of the stepping stones — The stones were removed during the Second World War in case of invasion—a surprising piece of wartime history attached to this familiar river crossing.
The fort is a bat refuge — You can walk around Box Hill Fort, but not enter: bats live inside. The fort formed part of the late-19th-century London Defence Scheme.
When to go
· Choose a clear day for the view; no specific time of day is established by the supplied source.
The National Trust describes the paths as potentially slippery in wet or wintry weather and recommends suitable footwear. No specific seasonal wildlife or flowering highlights are established by the supplied source.
Paths may become slippery in wet or wintry weather. Wear walking boots or sturdy shoes and take care on the steep steps and descent.
The route
- surface
- Surfaced path, steps, grassy and stony paths; can be slippery when wet
- distance
- 3.2 km (2 miles)
- duration
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- difficulty
- Moderate
- waymarking
- Follow the National Trust trail stages and signs to the Stepping Stones.
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- National Trust Visitor Centre at the top of Box Hill, grid reference TQ178513
- parking start
- National Trust lists a car park at the visitor centre. Check current arrangements and charges before visiting.
- shorter alternative
- Visit the viewpoint and walk down to the River Mole, then return by the same route; the supplied source does not give a shorter route distance or duration.
- Salomons Memorial viewpoint over the Weald
- Descent through yew woods by 275 steps
- River Mole and stepping stones, with a footbridge alternative
- Burford Meadow and the wooded chalk cliffs known as the Whites
- Box Hill Fort, viewable from the outside
What to look for
- 01
Pause at Salomons Memorial for the view over the Weald
- 02
watch the river at the stepping stones for a possible glimpse of a kingfisher
- 03
notice the wooded chalk cliffs known as the Whites from Burford Meadow
- 04
and look around the exterior of Box Hill Fort.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Spring to autumn; take particular care in wet or wintry conditions, when paths may be slippery.
Choose a clear day for the view south over the Weald; on a clear day the South Downs can be visible in the distance. Allow extra care and time after wet or wintry weather.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers · Dogs
Route at a glance
Duration
1–2 hours
Terrain
Hills, Riverside
Parking / start
A car park is listed at the National Trust visitor centre; check current arrangements and charges before visiting.
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The National Trust’s route starts at the Box Hill Visitor Centre and offers a bridge as an alternative to crossing the stepping stones. The stones may be slippery; check current conditions and access before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
A car park is listed at the National Trust visitor centre; check current arrangements and charges before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The National Trust page mentions a visitor-centre servery selling drinks and flapjacks. Check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are welcome; keep them on leads near grazing livestock.
Accessibility
Moderate, with a steep descent, 275 steps to the river and a long ascent back to the top. Paths can be slippery; sturdy footwear is recommended. Check before visiting if you need step-free access.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Stepping Stones Walk
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Source image6.5Surrey Hills National Landscape
Box Hill Country Park, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7BL
0.6 km away
Place photograph4.5Westhumble Bat Cave
Chapel Lane, Great Bookham, near Dorking, Surrey RH5
1.9 km away
