Devil's Punch Bowl Walk
Guildford, Surrey
The Devil's Punch Bowl is a vast natural amphitheatre carved into the Surrey Hills near Hindhead. Since the A3 tunnel opened, the former road through the bowl has been removed and the area restored to heathland, creating one of the finest walking landscapes in south-east England.
The Route
Start from the National Trust car park (formerly the A3 car park) and descend into the bowl via the well-maintained path. The bowl is a dramatic landscape of heather-covered slopes, birch woodland and streams. Follow the path to the bottom of the bowl and then climb to Gibbet Hill (272m), the second highest point in Surrey, with views into Hampshire and Sussex.
The return route follows the rim of the bowl, passing through heathland rich in wildlife. Dartford warblers, woodlarks and nightjars breed here in summer. The restored landscape is a remarkable conservation success story.
Dog-Friendly Details
Dogs can be off-lead throughout the Punch Bowl area. The heathland is excellent for dogs who enjoy exploring varied terrain. There are streams at the bottom of the bowl where dogs can drink. The area is managed by the National Trust for nature conservation, so dogs should be kept close during ground-nesting bird season (March-August).
Practical Information
National Trust car park (free for members, charges for non-members). The cafe at the car park welcomes dogs in the outdoor area. Toilets at the car park. The nearest town is Haslemere, 2 miles south, accessible by train from Waterloo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the road?
The A3 dual carriageway that ran through the Punch Bowl was replaced by a tunnel in 2011. The old road was removed and the area restored to heathland by the National Trust. The transformation is remarkable.
Is it suitable for older dogs?
The descent into the bowl and climb out are moderately steep. You can stick to the rim path for a gentler walk with equally impressive views.