Box Hill Juniper Top Circular Walk

Box Hill is a walker’s paradise, with many different trails leading through the surrounding woodland, valleys and hilltops. Our go-to route here is the Juniper Top trail where you’re treated to stunning views on a clear, sunny day, combined with the relief of long sections through shaded woodland to cool off and enjoy a gentle stroll through the trees.

Getting to Box Hill is simple as there is a large National Trust-owned car park at the visitors’ centre, where charges apply to non-members. There are bicycle racks if you choose to cycle to Box Hill, though it is your responsibility to ensure the safety and security of your bike. There’s a cafe that’s open 7 days a week serving hot and cold drinks as well as an array of light bites and snacks, where dogs on short leads are welcome to join you – though you may like to take advantage of the outdoor seating on a sunny day! There’s also a takeaway kiosk that opens 2 hours earlier than the cafe, as well as public toilets.

This route begins with a spectacular viewpoint just across from the car park where, on a clear day, you can see as far as Chanctonbury Ring 24 miles away on the South Downs. This is the perfect spot to stop and admire the views before heading into the woods to follow the path for Juniper Top. The route is signposted with brightly coloured markers, making it easy to follow and allowing you to simply enjoy the walk.

Emerging from the dense woodland, the landscape opens up as you arrive at Juniper top – a large, grassy plateau with more amazing views of the Downs. Here you can sit and admire your surroundings from the wooden bench, before heading down the steep, sloping hillside and back up onto tree lined pathways which are part of the Happy Valley trail. Once you re-enter the woodland, the surface underfoot turns into sturdy dirt pathways and you’ll walk alongside part of the Natural Play Trail. We just couldn’t resist racing each other along the wooden balancing beams here!

For those with four-legged friends, there are poo bins at the visitors’ centre but none en route – be sure to pick up after your dog and take any waste bags with you until you reach a bin. There are two road crossings on this route – one as you exit the car park to cross over to the Box Hill viewpoint, and the second at the other end of Zig Zag Road, by the Smith and Western restaurant. Take care at these points, especially at busy times, and put your dog on lead where necessary.