There are plenty of walking options when walking at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punchbowl which is a National Trust site in the Surrey Hills countryside. There are spectacular views overlooking the Devil’s Punchbowl, wooden obstacles to climb, picnic benches, a cafe and toilet.
Where did we walk?
From the car park we initially went straight ahead to look at the view over the Devil’s Punch Bowl the view is spectacular and I don’t think the photos do it justice. The top of the Devil’s Punch Bowl is easily accessed from the car park and there is a map of the whole site on the right hand side as you walk from the car park to the punchbowl view point. It’s worth stopping at the map and looking at your walking options – there are lots of different routes to take, varying in distance.
Near the car park to the left there are several wooden obstacles dotted around (shown as ‘play area’ on the map), it includes a climbing log, wooden stepping logs and wood mound. We spent ages playing on the logs before heading for our walk.
For our walk we went along the Highcombe Hike which is a 2.8 mile walk. Due to little legs we didn’t do the whole walk but walked a good distance and then turned back on ourselves.
From the picnic and ‘play area’ near the car park we went on the walking path to the left. The path was lined with trees and you got glimpses of the Devil’s Punch Bowl throughout the walk. We carried on down this path until we reached Highcombe Edge. At Highcombe Edge there was a little car park, so just be aware if you have young children with you.
We then continued straight until we got to a cattle grid where were found another map, before heading out of the woodland area into a heathland common. Along the walk there were vantage points with benches to stop and look at the view. We stopped and had a little picnic en-route and continued to walk a little further on the common land. We didn’t see any but there are apparently wild ponies on the common.
After our picnic and a little explore of the common we traced our steps back to the car park. Our walk took us about 1 1/2 hours with a picnic stop but you could have walked much further than we did.
There were lots of cyclists on the walk we took but everyone was very friendly and seemed to be aware of walkers.
Is it buggy and dog friendly?
On the walk we went on you could have used an off road buggy. There is one gate to get through. The paths are flat but a bit rough in areas, but should be manageable with an off road buggy. We have not tried the other walking routes however.
The walks are dog friendly. You are just asked to keep the dogs on a lead when livestock are grazing.
What facilities are there?
Situated by the car park you will find a cafe (service is inside and you need to wear a mask). There are also toilets open during cafe opening hours. You will find plenty of picnic benches near the cafe.
Where can I park?
The address for the Devil’s Punch Bowl is London Road, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6AB.
National Trust Members can scan their membership card for a free car park ticket. For non-members there is pay and display and Paybyphone area code 803457 (0330 060 4037) £1.50 per hour for first 2 hours; £4 for up-to 4 hours; £6 for 5 hours and above. Tickets can also be purchased at the cafe. (This information was correct as of 14.05.21).
If you have enjoyed reading about walking at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punchbowl check out some other family friendly walks in Berkshire and Surrey.
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