Ewhurst lies at the foot of Pitch Hill between the North Downs and the South Downs in the Surrey Weald. For travellers looking to combine hiking with local history, the hilly landscape and historic buildings offer distinct points of interest.
Hilly Landscape and Birdlife
Pitch Hill, Hurtwood and the Holmbury Hills are part of the Greensand Hills ridge. The upper slopes of Pitch Hill feature a mix of heathland and scrub, while deciduous oak and beech woods grow on the lower slopes. The landscape thus changes from heathland and scrub on the upper slopes to deciduous woodland on the lower slopes. Woodpeckers can be heard in the oak woods in spring, and cuckoos and chiffchaffs in summer; warblers and, occasionally, nightjars can also be heard on the hills. The season is a practical factor when planning a wildlife-watching trip: the woodland birdsong differs between spring and summer, while the hills provide additional species.
Walking Routes of Different Lengths
In Sayers Croft Nature Reserve, a 1.25 km figure-eight circular trail passes through old oak woodland, by Coneyhurst Gill and partly along an old Roman road. The circular route combines woodland, the gill and a section of the Roman road. Check the nature reserve’s guidance before your visit.
The fourth section of the Greensand Way is six miles long and runs from Gate Street Farm near Bramley or Grafham to Pitch Hill near Ewhurst. Along this section, the trail leads to a viewing platform at the summit, from which landmarks can be seen. The “Inspiring Views” walk follows a main path directly to the summit of Pitch Hill. Both the Greensand Way and “Inspiring Views” lead to the summit, but they describe different types of walk: a six-mile stage and a walk along the main path. Together with the circular trail at Sayers Croft, they offer a choice between a short loop through oak woodland and longer routes with the summit as a destination.
Village History and Listed Sites
At the northern end of the village, within the Ewhurst Conservation Area, an open space with a small green is bordered by listed buildings and the Bulls Head pub. The Church of St Peter and St Paul is a Grade I listed building. Ewhurst Windmill is a Grade II listed tower windmill dating from the early 19th century and is now used as a home. The church and windmill represent different types of building and also have different listings: Grade I and Grade II.
The local festival tradition also has historical roots: Ewhurst’s carnival developed from a village flower show first held around 1904.
Practical Information
Behind the Bull's Head pub is a public electric vehicle charging point on the BP Pulse network. Check its current availability before travelling, as network information and availability can change.
Discover more destinations: Abinger Common, Reigate, Ripley, Bramley, Windlesham, Camberley, Pirbright, Cranleigh
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