Walkmates
Walk
Route by PaulWalkmates
Save the route to find it later. Follow it to hear when a date is added.
A short walk with a big view across the Devil's Punch Bowl, following the National Trust's blue-marked Sailor's Stroll to Gibbet Hill and returning the same way. Allow about an hour for the 2.2 km route, including time at the viewpoints.
Start at the northern walking exit of the National Trust Devil's Punch Bowl car park, London Road, Hindhead, GU26 6AB. Head towards the white trig point and follow the dark blue trail discs. Cross the grassed-over line of the former A3, then follow the established path east to the old Portsmouth road. Pass the Sailor's Stone, which commemorates the murder of a traveller in 1786, and continue to the signed gateway on the right. The broad path leads onto Gibbet Hill, where the summit and nearby Celtic cross overlook the wooded bowl. Retrace this route to the car park.
The paths are mainly compacted gravel and a surfaced byway, with a short grassy crossing and a gentle climb to the hill. Uneven or wet patches can be slippery. The old Portsmouth road is a public byway shared with cyclists, horses and occasional vehicles, so keep alert and give others space. The present A3 passes through the tunnel below; this walk does not cross the live trunk road.
Parking is charged, with free parking for National Trust members. Everyone needs to validate parking at the machine or through JustPark. Phone signal is poor, so prepare the app before travelling. The cafe and toilets are beside the car park and available during cafe opening hours. Walk in daylight and keep dogs on a short lead, as requested by the National Trust.
Route and visitor information: National Trust, Sailor's Stroll and Hindhead Commons. Access guidance checked in October 2026; check the Trust's current notices before setting out.
Use the route details to plan your walk
If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.
The interactive map will load when you reach this section.
Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.
For walkers
Watch: portrait video or landscape video.
Saved Walks needs an account. Reopening the website needs a connection; check access, weather and your own navigation before you go.
Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.
No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.
Other routes starting close to this one
Explore more: Walks in Surrey
A few things to know before you make plans.
You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.
Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.
The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.
Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.
Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.
Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.
Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.
Necessary storage keeps Walkmates working. With your permission, Google Analytics, Mixpanel and Simple Analytics help us understand how the site is used. Optional analytics stay off until you choose.