Hurtwood
Hurtwood is a nature reserve near Holmbury St Mary, Surrey. We rate it Great for off-lead dog walking (89 out of 100): plenty of ground well away from roads, 97 miles of paths, water to swim in and car park.
| Off the lead? | Yes, if your dog is under control |
|---|---|
| Where | Nature reserve near Holmbury St Mary, Surrey |
| Size | About 2,810 acres (1137 ha) |
| Water for a swim | There's a pond. |
| 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 | 89% woodland |
| Suggested loop | 2.9 miles, about 70 minutes |
What it's like
A huge nature reserve of about 2,810 acres, with 97 miles of paths. There's a pond. It's usually firm underfoot: the ground is mostly sandy soil that drains quickly. Most of it is woodland, so there's plenty of shade. A public road runs through it, so take care near the road. There are several car parks on or near it.
Dogs
Friends of the Hurtwood says dogs can be off the lead here if they're under control.
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).
Parking
- Hurtwood Car Park 15: Farley Glade · free · Directions
- Hurtwood Car Park 8: Farley Heath · free · Directions
- Hurtwood Car Park 3: Mil Plain, Pitch Hill aka The Quarry · free · Directions
- Hurtwood Carpark 14 (Youth Hostel) · free · Directions
Suggested loop
A 2.9-mile loop from Hurtwood Car Park 15: Farley Glade, 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 Hurtwood?
Friends of the Hurtwood says dogs can be off the lead here if they're under control.
Is there parking at Hurtwood?
There are several car parks on or near it. Parking: free.
Can dogs swim at Hurtwood?
There's a pond.
Are there cows or sheep at Hurtwood?
We don't know of any grazing livestock, but check the signs and fields when you arrive.
Is Hurtwood muddy?
It's usually firm underfoot: the ground is mostly sandy soil that drains quickly.
How long is a walk at Hurtwood?
Our suggested loop is about 2.9 miles (4.6 km) from Hurtwood Car Park 15: Farley Glade and takes about 70 minutes at a dog's pace.
Where this comes from
Friends of the Hurtwood say dogs are welcome and owners must keep control; lead advised only if hard to control, and when riders or bikes approach. Open access land, so statutory 1 Mar-31 Jul lead rule may apply. Livestock and swimming not covered.
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].