Hankley Common
Hankley Common is a nature reserve near Thursley, Surrey. It scores 85 out of 100 for off-lead dog walking (Not for off-lead).
| Off the lead? | No: dogs must be on a lead |
|---|---|
| Where | Nature reserve near Thursley, Surrey |
| Size | About 1,530 acres (617 ha) |
| Water for a swim | There's a river. |
| Parking | There are several car parks on or near it. |
| Livestock | None known |
| Ground | It's usually firm underfoot: the ground is mostly sandy soil that drains quickly. |
| Shade | 32% woodland |
| Suggested loop | 2.8 miles, about 70 minutes |
What it's like
A huge nature reserve of about 1,530 acres, with 41 miles of paths. There's a river. It's usually firm underfoot: the ground is mostly sandy soil that drains quickly. It's a mix of woodland and open ground. It's well away from main roads. There are several car parks on or near it.
Dogs
Dogs must be kept on a lead here.
You're responsible for your dog. Before you let it off the lead, read the signs at the entrance, look out for livestock and roads, and make sure it will come back when called.
Watch out for
- From 1 March to 31 July, dogs on the open access land here must by law be on a short lead (2 metres or less).
- Ground-nesting birds breed here from March to September. Keep your dog to the main paths then.
Parking
- Hankley Common Upper Car Park · free · Directions
- Elstead Common car park · Directions
- Car park · Directions
- Hankley Common Houndown Car Park · free · 24 m from the edge · Directions
Suggested loop
A 2.8-mile loop from Hankley Common Upper Car Park, about 70 minutes at a dog's pace, almost all of it inside the site.
Shown dashed on the map above. Drawn by computer from OpenStreetMap paths. We haven't walked it: paths can be missing, private, closed or overgrown.
Questions
Can dogs go off the lead at Hankley Common?
Dogs must be kept on a lead here.
Is there parking at Hankley Common?
There are several car parks on or near it. Parking: free.
Can dogs swim at Hankley Common?
There's a river.
Are there cows or sheep at Hankley Common?
We don't know of any grazing livestock, but check the signs and fields when you arrive.
Is Hankley Common muddy?
It's usually firm underfoot: the ground is mostly sandy soil that drains quickly.
How long is a walk at Hankley Common?
Our suggested loop is about 2.8 miles (4.5 km) from Hankley Common Upper Car Park and takes about 70 minutes at a dog's pace.
Where this comes from
MoD-owned permissive-access heathland (SSSI/SPA/SAC); Arc Trust page says dogs must be kept on a lead. Military training can close areas. Only one non-official-for-access source read; verify with MoD or on-site signage.
Researched online in November 2026. Nobody from Find Dog Walks has checked this place in person. Mud and shade are estimated from geology and woodland maps.
Something wrong? Open it on the map and use "Report a problem with this page", or email [email protected].