Dorking Walking Festival 2026

National Trust – Dorking to Box Hill Guided Hike

10:30am

Join our 11km guided hike, taking in all the special parts of Box Hill. Enjoy the unique trail from while your guide points out key points of interest along the way. From the flora and fauna to the fascinating archaeological features, there is something for everyone. The route will take you from the station, a small loop through Denbies, before climbing up the beautiful chalk grasslands of Box Hill. We will then return to the station via the riverside, taking in the features left from World War Two defence efforts.

• Meeting point: Outside the entrance to Dorking Main Station. Our walk leaders will have branded NT clothing and a bright red walk leader bag. W3W combining.noted.sheet
• Level: Strenuous
• Booking required: Please book here
• Dogs allowed: No
• Cost: Free

Surrey Hills Society – Discovering the North Downs Way and Denbies Vineyard

10:30am

Join the President of the Surrey Hills Society on this gentle ramble over to Denbies Vineyard and on to the North Downs Way. Learn about the Surrey Hills National Landscape, the North Downs Way National Trail and a little bit about Vineyards of the Surrey Hills, while enjoying the wonderful views over towards Box Hill. The walk will take approximately 2 hours and start and finish at the historic Kings Arms pub in West Street, Dorking. It is a moderate 4 mile walk but does have several steep inclines so you will need to be relatively fit, but we will take it at a leisurely pace, with plenty of spots to catch your breath.

• Meeting point: Kings Arms, 45 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BU W3W:/// career.dent.loose
• Level: Moderate
• Booking required: Events | Surrey Hills Society
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: Free

Dorking Museum – Everyday Histories: working lives in Dorking in the 18th and 19th centuries

2:00pm

Guided walk through the heart of Dorking with a Museum guide to explore the town’s history as a working town. Spot the evidence of Dorking’s Historic industries and trades in the fabric of the town.

• Meeting point: Dorking Museum, The Old Foundry, 62 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BS ///only.hardly.dining
• Level: Easy
• Booking required: Booking through Dorking Halls Heritage Open Days system: tel 01306 881717 email box.office@molevalley.gov.uk
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: Free

Mole Valley Ramblers – The hidden green spaces of Dorking and a local brewery

10:30am

Mole Valley Ramblers welcomes our own members and any visiting adults who would like to join this 5.5-mile walk, exploring hidden green spaces, alleyways and woodland to the south of the town centre. The walk goes over the Cotmandene, along Dorking High Street, through the historic area of Rosehill and up to the Glory Wood with spectacular views across the town. We shall learn about the gifting of this woodland to the people of Dorking in 1929 by Lord Hope, and the controversy caused by debate over where a bypass could be routed.

Our destination is a brewery on Punchbowl Lane where drinks and freshly made pizzas can be purchased. We shall return by a different route along the edge of Dorking Golf Club and over Deepdene Terrace, with more magnificent views in all directions.

The walk is not ideal for dogs given that much is on pavements and some lane walking. There are some hilly sections, which will be taken at a pace to accommodate all.

Please email leader in advance if you would like to join as there will be a limit of 30 places on the walk. Please let us know in advance if you would like to eat at the pizzeria on the brewery site. It serves from 1 pm

• Meeting point: In front of Dorking Sports Centre, Reigate Rd (free parking available behind there on a Sunday)
• Level: Moderate
• Booking required: fiona.s@molevalleyramblers.org.uk
• Dogs allowed: Yes, though the route includes pavements and lane walking, so it may not be ideal for dogs.
• Cost: Free
• More Details: For further information about this and all the walks that MVR offers please click here.

Harmony in Nature – Forest Bathing Taster Sessions

10:30am – 12 noon

Join Harmony In Nature for a 90-minute Forest Bathing taster session as part of Dorking Walking Week. Meeting outside Sweet Willow Café, we will enjoy a gentle mindful amble through Meadowbank Park, winding through parkland, open green spaces, and around the water.

Moving at a relaxed pace, you’ll be invited to awaken your senses and reconnect with nature through simple guided invitations inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku. The session concludes with our signature “Treelaxation” — a restorative guided meditation in nature.

Forest Bathing is an evidence-based wellbeing practice associated with reduced stress, improved mood, enhanced focus, and immune support. Led by experienced Forest Bathing guides, this accessible session offers a calming and rejuvenating experience in the heart of Dorking.

• Meeting point: Outside Sweet Willow Cafe, 297 High Street , Dorking, United Kingdom, RH4 1RE
• Level: Leisurely
• Booking required: https://harmonyhealing.co.uk/shop/forest-bathing-sessions/dorking
• Dogs allowed: No
• Cost: £15

Friends of Dorking – Quiz Walk

2:00pm – 5:00pm

A leisurely afternoon stroll around Dorking, answering clues and possibly also discovering parts of the town you didn’t know existed!
Suitable for all ages and abilities.

• Start point: The Surrey Yeoman, 220–222 High Street, Dorking RH4 1QR
• Level: Leisurely
• Book here: simonfedmands@gmail.com or 07753 821964. We would prefer people to pre-book but they can just turn up on the day
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: Free

Dorking Camera Club – Dorking Town Photography Walk

10:30am (lasting for 1.5 – 2 hours)

The Town Walk starts at St Martins Church in the centre of the town, exploring a route down through some of the small back roads to the Old Water Works, along West Street cutting back up to South Street, along the raised walkway above the War memorial, and into Rose Hill. then back down to the High Street looking at several points of interest along the way. Up Heath Hill to Cotmandene, and past the Almshouses, then to Dorking Halls and the Statues of Ralph Vaughan Williams and Thomas Cubitt, onto the distinctive Pippbrook buildings, and back across Meadowbank, where there are striking views of the town looking across the water. The route returns to St Martins Church through St Martins Centre where refreshments can be found.

We will be looking out for some great views, and non-photographers are very welcome, the route will be on roads and footpaths, in places there are some gradients to walk up or down, and there will be a few areas where there are flights of steps. The main road through Dorking will be crossed at pedestrian crossing points, crossing some of the smaller roads will require the usual level of care.

• Meeting point: The South side of St Martins Church, Dorking. ///skill.tries.spite
• Level: Easy
• Book here: https://www.dorkingcameraclub.co.uk/dorkingtownwalk/2026/
• Dogs allowed: No
• Cost: Free

Mole Valley Ramblers – West from Dorking to enjoy its location

11:00am

A short (3 1/2 mile), leisurely walk from the centre of Dorking to its western reaches via the Nower, Milton Street and Milton Court, with beautiful views across to Ranmore. There is a climb up Rose Hill at the start but generally flat after that. Some road walking.

• Meeting point: Outside the White Horse Hotel on the High Street in the middle of Dorking.
• Level: Leisurely
• No booking required: Just turn up!
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: Free
• More Details: For further information about this and all the walks that MVR offers please click here.

Surrey Coalition of Disabled People – Walk and Wheel

10:30am – 11:30am

A short, sociable, accessible walk and wheel through Meadowbank, St Martin’s, and the High Street. Suitable for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Generally level paving or tarmac path throughout, with two short, gentle slopes (one uphill and one downhill). There are opportunities to stop and rest during the walk, and we will be travelling at a gentle pace.

Accessible toilets available at the start/finish and along the route.

• Meeting point: Cafe Connect, Meadowbank. What 3 words reference arch.sharp.noted
• Level: Easy Access
• Book here: involvement@surreycoalition.org.uk or 01483 456558. We would prefer people to pre-book but they can just turn up on the day.
• Dogs allowed: No
• Cost: Free

Hello Dorking & Mole Valley Chambers – Netwalking

5:45pm – 6:45pm

Meet at the The Star, West Street, Dorking for a circular walk encompassing the town centre and adjacent countryside. We’ll return to the pub after an hour. It’s the perfect chance to unwind after the working day and connect with other local business owners.

• Meeting point: The Star, West Street, Dorking
• Book here: Click here to book.
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: Free

Mole Valley Ramblers – Dorking’s Naughty Composers

10:00am

We take in the sites of the old homes of composers Ralph Vaughan Williams (The White Gates) and his friend, Robert Müller-Hartmann (Westdene). There is enough scandal in the stories of the two composers’ families to be worthy of a TV soap opera. Come along and hear the gossip.

The walk is not all urban, by any means, as it also passes through Milton Heath, The Nower and Glory Wood. Total ascent 550 feet including one short, steep climb that we will take as slowly as necessary.

• Meeting point: The Cubitt statue opposite Dorking Halls: What 3 Words ///tens.retail.ballot
• Level: Leisurely
• No Booking Required: Just turn up!
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: Free
• Distance: 5 miles
• More Details: If you have any queries about the walk, please email andy.h@molevalleyramblers.org.uk. For further information about this and all the walks that MVR offers please click here.

Dorking Men’s Shed – Wednesday Wander

10:00am

Each Wednesday, a group of DMS members embarks on a walk through the local area. The route changes each week, offering an excellent opportunity to foster connections while appreciating the beautiful surroundings we are fortunate to have on our doorstep.

Level: Easy/Moderate
Pre booking required: info@dorkingshed.org.uk ​
Cost: Free

Ramblers Wellbeing Walk

10:30am

A leisurely walk starting in Meadowbank to Deepdene terrace, passing through the town centre and Cotmandene. After enjoying the amazing views of Dorking town and box hill at the Deepdene Terrace we will walk down to the golf course and end the walk in Dorking Halls.

• Meeting point: The Meadowbank Park
• Level: Leisurely
• Booking required: Ramblers Wellbeing Walks – Mole Valley District Council
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: Free

girls ALIVE – Evening Hill Hike (Ladies Only)

7:30pm – 9:00pm

Join girls ALIVE for a welcoming and sociable 5km evening walk, open to women of all fitness levels. Expect great company, gentle encouragement, and a hill or two to keep things interesting!

• Meeting point: St Martin’s Walk Car Park, located in Dorking, RH4 1DX (///hang.modest.note)
• Level: Moderate
• Website: https://www.girlsalive.org.uk
• Booking Required by Email: enquiries@girlsalive.org.uk for a free trial membership and to sign up for the Walking Festival
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: Free

Pippbrook House – A Walk in the Woods (Film Screening)

7:30pm

Pippbrook House & Dorking Halls Present a screening of the 2015 film ‘A Walk In The Woods’. Robert Redford, Nick Nolte & Emma Thompson star in this adaptation of the Bill Bryson book of the same name.

• Venue: Pippbrook House, Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SH
• Booking Required: www.dorkinghalls.co.uk
• Dogs allowed: No
• Cost: £8 Full Price / £5 Friends of Dorking Halls

Harmony in Nature – Forest Bathing Taster Sessions – Morning Session

10:30am-12 noon

Join Harmony In Nature for a 90-minute Forest Bathing taster session as part of Dorking Walking Week. Meeting outside Sweet Willow Café, we will enjoy a gentle mindful amble through Meadowbank Park, winding through parkland, open green spaces, and around the water.

Moving at a relaxed pace, you’ll be invited to awaken your senses and reconnect with nature through simple guided invitations inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku. The session concludes with our signature “Treelaxation” — a restorative guided meditation in nature.

Forest Bathing is an evidence-based wellbeing practice associated with reduced stress, improved mood, enhanced focus, and immune support. Led by experienced Forest Bathing guides, this accessible session offers a calming and rejuvenating experience in the heart of Dorking.

• Meeting point: Outside Sweet Willow Cafe, 297 High Street , Dorking, United Kingdom, RH4 1RE
• Booking required: https://harmonyhealing.co.uk/shop/forest-bathing-sessions/dorking
• Dogs allowed: No
• Cost: £15

Harmony in Nature – Forest Bathing Taster Sessions – Afternoon Session

2:00pm – 4:00pm

Join Harmony In Nature for a 90-minute Forest Bathing taster session as part of Dorking Walking Week. Meeting outside Sweet Willow Café, we will enjoy a gentle mindful amble through Meadowbank Park, winding through parkland, open green spaces, and around the water.

Moving at a relaxed pace, you’ll be invited to awaken your senses and reconnect with nature through simple guided invitations inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku. The session concludes with our signature “Treelaxation” — a restorative guided meditation in nature.

Forest Bathing is an evidence-based wellbeing practice associated with reduced stress, improved mood, enhanced focus, and immune support. Led by experienced Forest Bathing guides, this accessible session offers a calming and rejuvenating experience in the heart of Dorking.

• Meeting point: Outside Sweet Willow Cafe, 297 High Street , Dorking, United Kingdom, RH4 1RE
• Booking required: https://harmonyhealing.co.uk/shop/forest-bathing-sessions/dorking
• Dogs allowed: No
• Cost: £20

Mole Valley Ramblers – Vaughan, Vines & Views

10:00am

A moderate-paced walk from Dorking Sports Centre to Ranmore via Meadowbank, Denbies Vineyard and St Barnabus Church. The glorious views towards Box Hill and Leith Hill will be worth the gradual ascent of 643 feet. The Walk Leaders will share historical snippets about Dorking people and places along the way. We will stop for a refreshment break in Steers Field at the top of Ranmore to enjoy the views towards the Surrey Hills. You will have the opportunity to explore Dorking town centre and the shops and cafes at the end of the walk. NB: A moderate level of fitness is required. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are recommended as some of the footpaths on Ranmore and through the vineyard are stony and uneven and may be muddy after rain. Walking poles may be helpful but not essential. Bring water and any snacks you may need to keep up your energy levels.

• • Meet point: Meet outside Dorking Sports Centre, Reigate Road, Dorking RH4 1SN
  • Level: Moderate
  • Dogs allowed: Yes
  • Booking not required: Just turn up!
  • Cost: Free
  • More Details: If you have any queries about the walk, please email christine.griffin@btinternet.com. For further information about this and all the walks that MVR offers please click here.

Nower House Team – A Walk from The Nower to Nower House

10:00am – 12 noon

Join Abbeyfield Wey Valley Societies Community Liaison, Abbie for a free community walk from ‘The Nower to Nower House’ on Friday 25th September from 10am until 12pm.

Our meeting place is at Cafe Willow in West Street.

Abbie, who has previously worked as a wildlife guide and ecologist, will take you on a walk through The Nower and looks forward to talking all things community, local wildlife and of course available to answer any questions that may be asked about Abbeyfield Wey Valley’s story.
Abbie may point out various bird, plant and invertebrate species, including; goldcrest, firecrest, treecreeper, nuthatch, blue, great and coal tits, and perhaps a Tawny owl or two! Feel free to bring binoculars with you, for a better chance of spotting local wildlife.

The terrain is fairly even, however as we will be walking through a well-wooded area, tree roots, fallen branches, rabbit holes and various other small hazards may be present. Abbie, the guide will be on the lookout for these hazards along the way, to prevent any accidents or injuries. There will be areas which will be steeper than others, which will require a moderate level of fitness.

• • Level: Moderate
  • Meeting point: Café Willow, West Street
  • Dogs allowed: Yes
  • We would prefer people to pre-book but they can just turn up on the day: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dorking-walking-festival-special-a-walk-from-the-nower-to-nower-house-tickets-1987321322573?aff=oddtdtcreator, Abbie.Burrows@awvs.org.uk, 07353122948
  • Cost: Free

Hello Dorking – Litter Pick

10:00am – 12:00pm

Join us to help make our town shine. We’ll provide the high-vis and litter-pick equipment — you just need to show up with a willingness to make the town a better place.

• Meet point: South Street Gardens
• Let us know you’re coming: info@hellodorking.com

Mums on the Move – Mum and Baby Nature Walk

10:00am – 12:00pm

A chance to get out in nature and meet your local community of Mums! From newborns to toddlers everyone is welcome and we can’t wait to see you!

Gentle route round the Nower in Dorking, but enough to feel like you’ve worked those legs and always ending in a drink and a treat! For this event we will end up at Harts in the Courtyard.

This route is suitable for carriers, backpacks and all terrain buggies.

Come along for fresh air, light movement, and the chance to connect with a lovely community of mums. Babies, bumps, and furry friends welcome!

Meeting point: Hampstead Road, just off of West Bank Nower Entrance – ///views.lodge.bring
Level: Leisurely
Parking: Available along Hampstead Lane and the surrounding roads
Pre booking preferred: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KTlg0zTNZg8G2f93Do9gVN?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4 but you can just turn up on day.
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Cost: Free

Mole Valley Ramblers – Dorking and the Nower

10:00am

A 6 mile, moderate walk to enjoy the lovely mix of town and countryside, through open pastures and along woodland trails, passing through the town centre on the way. Mostly level, apart from a short, sharp climb up to the Nower, where we’ll take a short refreshment stop (bring snack and drink) to enjoy the extensive views over Dorking and surrounding countryside.

• Meeting point: Inholms Lane NT car park, RH5 4JH
• Grid reference: TQ170469 (///office.puts.snail)
• Level: Moderate
• No booking required but enquiries to – pauline.b@molevalleyramblers.org.uk
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: Free
• More Details: For further information about this and all the walks that MVR offers please click here.

Dorking Nursery – Family Walk and Trail

11:00am

A family walk around Dorking Town Centre to see what you can spot in your neighbourhood. There will be a treasure trail for you to check off all the fabulous things you find on the way!

• Meeting point: Dorking Nursery, West Street
• No Booking required: Just turn up!
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: Free

Dorking Museum – Up and Down the Greensand – geology, geomorphology and water

2:00pm – 5:00pm

Join a museum guide to follow the greensand through Dorking, from West and South Streets to Rose Hill, Glory Wood with its tumulus and Goodwyns, to Dorking Golf Club and Terrace to explore the features resulting from the particular geology of the area. This walk is about 3 and a half miles long, taking around an hour and a half, and will end at Cotmandene.

The terrain varies from paved town streets to woodland so will be uneven with some reasonably steep gradients. Walking shoes should be worn.

• Meeting point: Dorking Museum, the Old Foundry, 62 West Street, Dorking RH4 1BS ///only.hardly.dining
• Level: Leisurely
• Booking required: Tickets bookable through Dorking Museum website https://dorkingmuseum.org.uk/guided-walks-around-dorking/
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: £4 pp

Motor Neurone Disease Association East Surrey Branch – Wheels and Walkies

10:00am

Join the East Surrey Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association for a very special awareness walk around the beautiful Denbies Wine Estate.
Suitable for all ages and abilities – powered wheelchair users and dog-walkers especially welcome!

Free to take part with a free t-shirt for all participants.

• Meeting point: Main entrance at Denbies Wine Estate
• Level: Leisurely
• We would prefer people to pre-book but they can just turn up on the day: eastsurrey@mndassociation.org and/or 07753 821964
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: Free

Back on Track – Mole Gap Linear Walk – Leatherhead to Dorking

11:00am – 3:00pm

Enjoy this peaceful 12km linear walk along the banks of the River Mole as part of the Dorking Walking Festival.

The Mole Gap Trail offers the opportunity to visit two historic market towns and the outstanding countryside of the Mole Gap, including England’s largest vineyard. You will discover a river that has carved a route through the chalk of the North Downs, some of the best ancient yew and box woodlands in Europe and historic parkland that has inspired famous writers and artists through the centuries.

The walk will officially end in Dorking where participants are welcome to explore this quirky little market town or if people would prefer to dive out earlier and spend some time at Denbies that is possible too – both have good access to return transport links.

This hike is guided by Martin, an experienced Mountain leader and North Downs Way Ambassador. He brings a lot of knowledge about local places and history to our walks.

• Meeting point: Leatherhead Railway Station, Station Approach, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7SQ
• Level: Easy to Moderate
• Pre Booking Required: Dorking Walking Festival: 12km – Mole Gap Linear Walk – Leatherhead to Dorking – Back on Track
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: Free

Dorking Museum & Heritage Centre – The Deepdene Trail and Hope Mausoleum

2:00pm

Join a museum guide to explore the gardens of the Deepdene mansion. The 15 acre grounds have been restored and paths reinstated to allow access to the Italianate garden, grotto and tower and terrace created by Thomas Hope in the 19th century. There are stunning views of the Weald from the terrace. The walk includes access to the grade II* listed Hope family mausoleum.

The walk takes around an hour and three quarters and is led at a comfortable pace, to accommodate all abilities. The ground is uneven, with some reasonably steep gradients. Sensible walking shoes are recommended.

• Meeting point: The clubhouse to Dorking Golf Club, Deepdene Avenue, postcode RH5 4BX ///deep.apples.deeper Refreshments can be obtained here before the walk.
• Level: Leisurely
• Pre Booking Required: Tickets bookable through Dorking Museum website https://dorkingmuseum.org.uk/guided-walks-around-dorking/
• Dogs allowed: Yes
• Cost: £5 pp

Self Guided Walk – The Vaughan Williams Trail

As part of Dorking’s Walking Festival, Hello Dorking and Dorking Museum and Heritage Centre are delighted to share a fascinating self-guided town centre walk inspired by the composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.