Westhumble To Merstham Walk - NDW Stage 3

This walk from Westhumble to Merstham covers stage 3 of the North Downs Way (NDW). It’s just over 10 miles in length and features some big hill climbs, lots of woodland, lots of views and…the M25.

What was the walk from Westhumble to Merstham like?

It was…ok. Now, just like stage 2 of the North Downs Way, Guildford to Westhumble, it was not my favourite walk. There were a few bits I loved, other bits were average, and some bits I didn’t like at all.

What didn’t I like

The roads. For this walk from Westhumble to Merstham along the NDW, you are never far from a road and car noise. You also walk a stretch of it right next to the M25.

Looking down to an A road on the walk between Westhumble and Merstham along the North Downs Way. The road is lined with leafless trees, and there are a couple of cars on the road.

What was average

The woods. It might sound like I hate woodland, especially after writing about Guildford to Westhumble. I promise you I don’t. It’s more that I am a bit bored of it. Most walks I have done lately are through some sort of woodland. Not on purpose, well, kind of. With the shorter winter days, I have been choosing to walk in areas that are quickest and easiest for me to get to. It happens to be wooded areas. I am really a view gal at heart.

Plus, now that I have made it my goal to walk the North Downs Way, I have no choice. I go where the trail tells me to go.

Saying that, I did enjoy some of the woods today on the walk between Westhumble and Merstham. They were of the straggly kind, and in some instances felt very fairytale-esc.

A muddy trail lined with bushes and overhanging branches on the North Downs Way walk from Westhumble to Merstham.

A dirt trail through the woods on the walk from Westhumble to Merstham along stage 3 of the north downs way. There is a green leaf covered branch leaning over the trail. — .

A bush tree tunnel on the Westhumble Merstham north Downs way stage 3 walk. There are a group of people walking through the tree tunnel.

What I liked

If I compare the walk today between Westhumble and Merstham, to the previous section, Guildford to Westhumble, I feel like there was a bit more variety. There are a lot of woods, but equally a lot of views. There was one particular bit I really liked. I don’t know why. I just did.

A trail with a tree to the right, and overgrown grass and hill to the left when walking to Merstham from Westhumble along the North Downs Way.

Anything else to note about the walk

There are some surprise hills. The first hill isn’t a surprise. That’s Box Hill. It’s right at the start of the walk out of Westhumble, no time to warm up, it just wacks you straight in the face. Then there are a couple more later one. One of them not quite as aggressive as Box Hill, but it’s close.

It’s also supremely muddy (if you do it in winter that is).

A muddy trail through the straggly woodland.

Want to try another Box Hill walking route? Read about it here.

Anything else?

Yes. I got myself a nasty little injury and limped my way to the end. More on that later.

Is the walk easy to follow?

In a word. Yes. The whole route is pretty well signposted. There was one spot that it wasn’t, and another where the sign was missing. Otherwise it was all good. It is similar signage to Stage 2. The wooden cross, the black disc with a white or yellow arrow or white acorn. There was also some fresh stuff. A few turquoise laminated cards with an arrow (this looks like a temporary thing so don’t count on them). Some white paint markings on some trees. And a posh one.

A wooden cross signpost saying 'North Downs Way' and 'Public Footpath' on the Westhumble to Merstham walk.

A black disc sign with orange arrow marking the route for stage 3 of the North Downs Way walk. The black disc is on a wooden pole lined with vine leaves.

A wooden stump signpost with trail disc signposts marking stage 3 of the North Downs Way on the walk between Westhumble and Merstham.

A wooden trail cross signpost saying 'North Downs Way' for stage 3 of the walk from Westhumble to Merstham.

Logistics for the Westhumble to Merstham walk

Start: Box Hill and Westhumble station (overground)
Finish: Merstham station (overground)
How to get there: You will need to get a single ticket for each journey. Although you go to/from the same stations in London, they are on different train lines. To get to Box Hill and Westhumble, there are direct trains from London Waterloo, Clapham Junction, London Victoria and London Bridge. Journey time ranges from 40min to 1 hour depending on which route you take. BUT, check your day of travel. At the time of writing, the London Bridge and London Victoria trains are only on the weekends. To get back from Merstham, there are direct trains to Clapham Junction, London Victoria and London Bridge and London St Pancras. At the time of writing the direct trains from St Pancras are only on weekdays, and the direct trains from Clapham and Victoria are only on weekends. Journey time ranges from 30min to 50 min depending on which train you get. There is also a lot of rail replacement cr*p going these days, on weekends. This may affect your journey if coming from Victoria/Clapham Junction. Did I confuse you? I confused myself.
Coming by car: There is a car park in Westhumble at the start of the woods. There is a car park up at Box Hill, and one at Reigate Hill (This one is near Merstham).
Distance: 10.8 miles
Time: 4 hours (although I was limping for some of it)
Elevation gain: With the ups and downs, you will walk up a total of about 624m
Difficulty: Medium (with a couple of challenging hills)
Terrain: Muddy AF, road, dirt trail, steps.
Amenities/tips: There is a small cafe outside Westhumble Station, then the Stepping Stones pub a bit further along. At Reigate Hill there is a cafe. I can’t recall if there are toilets. At Merstham there is a petrol station for pick me up snacks, a village shop and The Feathers pub. Hiking boots/shoes are recommended.
Time of year: I did this during winter

Map for the Westhumble to Merstham walk

You can find my more detailed route map for the Westhumble to Merstham walk on AllTrails here. You can also download a GPX file from there.

Route Description: How to walk from Westhumble To Merstham

Out of Box Hill and Westhumble Station, you need to take a right, and walk to the main road to reach the NDW. To cross the main road, there is an underpass to the left, then on the other side, go right.

After a bit more than is desirable walk along the main (busy) road, you will reach a North Downs Way sign to take you into the car park and woodland to the left.

The stepping stones

There are two trails you can take here. The left one will go via the memorial bridge, the right one to the stepping stones. I chose stepping stones route, because they are fun. The thing is, once I arrived at the river, the stepping stones weren’t there.

The brown water river at the start of the walk from Westhumble to Merstham. the river is within the woodland.

I was highly confused. It looked like people on the other side were confused too. Where did they go? Was the river too high today? It had never even occurred to me that this is a thing. I have since looked it up online and can’t find any mention of them not being visible with high water levels. I have been here a bunch and never seen this. Were they removed?

I guess the decision was made for me. I would be taking the memorial bridge route. If you come here, I would still try the stepping stones route first. See off the stones are there. I would actually be interested to know.

A wooden bridge over the river in the woodland at the beginning for the walk from Westhumble to Merstham.

If they are indeed gone, then from here, just walk to the left of the river and you will reach the bridge. It is a lovely bridge anyway.

The steep climb up Box Hill

I knew what was coming next, so I took off my jacket in preparation. Over the bridge, it’s straight along the trail to reach the first lot of steps. If you have never been to Box Hill, let me prepare you. Once you reach the steps, it’s uphill for longer than you think it will be. You just got to stick with it and keep going up. It’s also a popular route, so you may run into people traffic.

Steps leading up the dirt path through the woodland on the walk up to Box Hill.

Wooden steps in the dirt trail leading uphill in the woods along the North Downs Way stage 3 towards Box Hill viewpoint.

It was a muddy day today, so the people traffic was slower. Any opportunity I had, I did a quick overtake. I didn’t want to prologue the uphill for longer than it needed to be.

Walk past Box Hill viewpoint

At the top, it’s through the gate, and along the side of the hill to reach the Box Hill viewpoint. I didn’t stay long, actually, I didn’t stay at all. It was very crowded and I had a lot of walking ahead of me.

Looking at the view of thew hills and villages from Box Hill viewpoint on the walk from Westhumble Merstham along stage 3 of the north Downs Way.

Lots of people standing around at Box Hill viewpoint.

The route then heads into woodland where it stays for a while….whilst hugging the road. There is the occasional opening with views, but it’s mostly woods.

A wide dirt trail through the woods, with a trail signpost at the junction. There is a wooly hat on the signpost.

A dirt trail leading up through the bushes of the woodland on the Stage 3 North Downs Way walk.

A muddy trail through the woodland, with a wooden trail post on the grass on the left.

A mud trail leading towards a wooden gate on the walk between Westhumble and Merstham along stage 3 of the North Downs Way. the trail is surrounded by bushes and trees of the woodland.

A muddy trail with lots of fallen orange leave son the ground. There are a couple of leaning curves trees trunks next to the trail.

The dirt trail through the woods. There is a white arrow marking on the tree trunk to the right.

The cool tree, the steps and more woodland

Some way in, there is a short bit up some steps next to a big ass tree with roots poking out. I took a photo from the bottom, to then realise I had taken a photo of a couple making out by the tree….that photo is now deleted.

A large tree with the roots sticking out of the ground on the walk from Merstham to Westhumble along the north Downs Way. Past the tree and tree roots are wooden steps leading up the hill.

I have to say, I did actually enjoy this bit of woods. Earlier, I mentioned that the woods on the walk between Westhumble and Merstham are of the straggly kind. All leaning and hanging, like they are trying to take over and claim the path.

A dirt trail through the woodland and a walk in the Surrey Hills.

A brown and orange covered trail lined with tall thin trunked trees on the north Downs Way stage 3 walk.

Later, a junction comes up where you need to walk down some steps. As I made my way down I thought about how hard I had worked so far to walk up steps. These steps were taking away my hard work.

Two wooden trail signposts next to the path in the woodland, as it goes down into the woods.

Lots more woodland later comes a lovely viewpoint bench and a gravestone.

The bench and the gravestone

I reached a bench with a view which was my cue to take a break. I put my backpack down on the bench and turned around to be greeted by what looked like a gravestone. Wait what?

A wooden bench under tree cover in the Surrey Hills.

A gravestone next to a very large tree in the woods.

I went over and had a look, and it turns out it is a doggy gravestone.

‘1936-1944. A true thoroughbred’

After a short little break, I went on my way.

My favourite bit of the walk from Westhumble to Merstham

The route then goes along an interesting ridge of sorts, with a dip and hill to the left and a view to the right. I’m not sure why this was my favourite bit. I just really enjoyed the vibe of it. It was different from what I had walked so far.

Steps leading down, next to a wooden fence with trail markings on the walk towards Merstham from Westhumble.

A narrow trail with trees to the right and tall yellow grass on the hill to the left.

Looking through a gap in the trees to the view in the distance of fields and hills and a village when walking along stage 3 of the North Downs Way.

A narrow trail with a hills to the left and bushes to the right.

A trail along the ridge on the edge of the woodland.

It was short lived though, before heading back into the woods.

Betchworth Quarry and more woods

After the woods there is an opening towards Betchworth Quarry and Lime works. The information board told me that it was abandoned in the 1930’s and has since become a haven for wildlife and is a site of special scientific interest.

A wooden trail signpost in the woods, pointing along the path for the North Downs Way stage 3 walk.

A green field with a metal fence and bushes ahead.

looking through the wire fence to the green fields in the distance on the walk from Westhumble to Merstham.

It’s fenced off to protect the area. Apparently there are goats and snakes in there.

And then it’s back into woodland.

The missing sign

Somewhere through the woods is where I came across the first missing sign of the walk. It points back to the North Downs Way, and right for a public footpath. I knew something was wrong because right said ‘public footpath’ and not North Downs Way.

A muddy dirt trail leading through the dark woodland.

A wooden trail signpost in the dark woodland.

Inspecting the signpost, I could see a hole where a sign should probably be. I figured that must be the missing North Downs Way sign. It was angled such that I should could continue straight. So I did.

Further along through the woods, there is an opening to the right for a cool view to what looks like abandoned building. I wonder if these are part of the Quarry?

Looking through a gap in the bushes to the tall abandoned looking structure.

If you look closely, you can also see a windmill in the distance.

The road

Some more woodland later, the North Downs Way takes you along a residential bit and down to the main road.

A dirt trail leading through a bush tunnel on the walk from Westhumble Merstham along stage 3 of the North Downs Way.

A red coloured metal sign with the word 'danger', standing in front of vine leaves.

A wooden stump signpost with a white acorn disc marking the North Downs Way stage 3 walk route. The sign us next top a bush by the dirt trail which is covered in brown and red fallen leaves.

The road leading through the trees and bushes, lined with a fence on the walk between Westhumble and Merstham. through the trees some old houses are just visible.

The wooden cross signpost marking stage 3 of the North Downs Way walk route. The sign is in front of a hedge.

At the main road, it’s a left, and further along at the bend in the road, the trail is almost hidden to the left and up. A short way along, it’s back on the road again, straight a little more, then across the road to the right to pick up the trail through the woods.

The road going straight and curving to the right at the end. The road is lined with hedges, bushes and trees.

A dirt path leading up through the bushes and trees to the left, with a wooden signpost next to it.

The dirt path as it leads down to a road. there is a field ahead to the left, and lots of trees and bushes lining the road.

A wooden signpost on the side of the road, pointing to the right into the woodland.

Mud mud mud

After the woods, it’s left through the gate and there is a long stretch on narrow, potentially very muddy, path.

A narrow dirt trail running between the leafless bushes on the walk from Westhumble to Merstham. There are woodland trees at the other end of the trail.

Back in the woods, there are some more turns, lots more mud, and then some more uphill steps. Steps were becoming a common feature of this walk.

A very muddy part of the trail with a puddle. The path runs through bushes in the woods.

A brown leaf covered path through the woods, with a collapsed wooden fence on the left.

Steps leading uphill under the woodland on the Westhumble to Merstham walk. There is a wooden trail signpost at the bottom of the steps.

More woods and a confusing junction later (see photo below), I reached an area that would be my lunch spot.

A fork in the dirt trail . there are trees hanging over the trail, and a wooden signpost with a blue arrow on the left. — I’m really sorry, I can’t remember which way it is. I seem to recall walking the other way to which the blue arrow points. But, the arrow points right and I do think I went right. I have provided my AllTrails map at the top which you can follow.

Lunch – Just over halfway on the walk from Westhumble to Merstham

It was really the perfect spot for lunch. A grass hillside, with a view to the Surrey Hills and beyond. I did notice a hill ahead in the walk, and wondered if I was about to walk up that. Probably best I had my lunch now, for the energy.

Looking over the bushes to the green rolling fields and big hill in the distance when walking to Merstham from Westhumble.

A narrow trail running along the bottom of a grass hill, towards woodland on the other side.

The injury

It was when I got up to resume the walk towards Merstham that I became acutely aware of the pain in my leg.

This wasn’t a new pain. It started two days prior on the walk from Guildford to Westhumble. At the time, every bit of my legs were hurting, but there was this one suspicious spot. A specific spot on my tibia (lower leg bone). At the time, the thought that it was a stress fracture ran through my head, but I quickly dismissed that idea. I couldn’t possibly have a stress fracture. I had been walking in mud and soft ground for most of the route.

When I started the walk today, there was still something there, but again, it couldn’t be a stress fracture. It was mild enough that I could ignore it, so I did.

Well, now after getting up after my rest, the pain was hard to ignore. It was enough that I was now walking a bit funny.

I played it out in my head. Could this really be a stress fracture?

Up until this point in the walk, although it wasn’t my favourite walk, I was still enjoying it. It was nice to be out of the city, out in nature. Now, I was very aware that I had 5 more miles to go, and I had had enough.

The woods and the last big uphill and the M25

The section after the lunch spot was more woods, more mud then a very big uphill. Not as big as Box Hill, but big enough.

A mud dirt trail through the thin trunked tree woodland on the walk from Westhumble to Merstham.

A wooden trail signpost in the woods, with a turquoise laminated card and white arrow stuck to it.

At the top, it’s potentially confusing. You need to walk along the main bit of road path, then very shortly along, it’s a right turn. There is a North Downs Way sign here, but it’s semi-hidden. I initially missed it and continued straight. Straight towards the M25. I got close enough that I wondered if I was about to walk onto it. That’s when I checked my tracker and realised I had gone wrong.

A wooden cross signpost standing in front of a wooden gate and next to a big tree.

A dirt muddy path between the bushes. — See the sign hidden in the bush

So here we are. The M25. For the next while, the route is alongside the M25 and the noise that comes along with it.

Colley Hill

Through more woods, and more mud, things open up as the trail goes onto Colley Hill. I was so impressed by this bit. The views from here are incredible. It’s a shame about the M25 noise.

A very muddy wide path, with a puddle running through it, under the darkness of the bushes and trees.

A lonely leafless tree on a green grass field. The background is misty.

A view across the hilltop to the hills in the distance towards the end of the walk from Westhumble to Merstham along the North Downs Way stage 3 trail. There are two people walking across the hill, and the sky is misty.

I thought some more about my leg. What was a ‘funny’ walk had now turned into a limp. Despite it getting worse, I decided that it wasn’t a stress fracture. I don’t have time for a stress fracture in my life. So it’s not. I thought ahead to the walks I had planned in the near future, which I still fully intend to do. I am also planning to move to Cornwall for a bit, right after finishing the North Downs Way. If I have a stress fracture, I can’t go. Well, of course I can, but the whole point was to walk along to coast path. That I would not be able to do.

Reigate Hill

Some more path, a fort, and a bridge later comes Reigate Hill. There is a cafe of sorts here for refreshments. It was pretty busy in this spot, what with there being a car park, a cafe and a gorgeous view. So I moved on.

A wide path lined with grass and straggly trees near the end of the walk between Westhumble and Merstham along stage 3 of the North Downs Way.

A white metal bridge with a few people walking across it on the walk from Westhumble to Merstham, along stage 3 of the North Downs Way.

A bench with two people sat on it and a black dog, looking out to the view in the distance. — Reigate Hill

From Reigate Hill car park, the trail route is not obvious. You need to go to the other side of the car park, and left into Gatton park

In Gatton park, there are some different North Downs Way signs. I have never seen ones like this before. Quite posh.

A black metal signpost marking the walk route for stage 3 of the north Downs Way.

The end of the walk from Westhumble to Merstham

Out of Gatton park, and along more road, the route goes into a sort of residential area. Once in here, it’s a little confusing, but you need to keep to the road as it then takes you past a school, along more road, then a left behind some houses.

I don’t have many photos going forwards as it was getting too dark.

A road with a white building on the green on the left. — This is as you are about to exit the school grounds

This little bit off trail behind the houses was very very muddy, as it continued into Reigate Hill golf course.

I had been wondering when a golf course would show up. A classic feature of country walks in England, it had been a while since I found myself in one.

At this point it was now full on dark. I knew I was close to Merstham station, so I checked the times and saw a train would be leaving in 10 minutes. I wanted to make that train, and was near enough that I could…if it wasn’t for my leg. As I was in no position to run, I tried to power walk. Only, my decrepit leg insisted on slowing me down.

The pain was now so bad that with every step, it would go right through the bone. I was starting to get a dead foot.

Across the golf course and into Merstham, I missed my train. Well, at least I tried.

What happened next….

Sitting on the train on the way home, I inspected my leg. It seemed a bit swollen, but I wondered if I was imagining it. Sitting there, with my leg throbbing, I was still set on continuing with my walks and move to Cornwall. But as a compromise, I would do something short next. Take a break from the North Downs Way.

It was when I got off the train at the other end that it finally set it. The severity of the situation. I tell you, it was a real struggle to get home. Severely limping and in excruciating pain. Not able to feel my foot anymore.

Ok, ok, I will use crutches for my future walks. I have seen people hike up mountains on crutches. If they can do it, why can’t I?

Update: I didn’t attempt hiking in crutches. It was about 3 months before I could walk without pain again. Just in time for my move to Devon (not Cornwall). It was about two years before I came back to attempt to complete the NDW.

More walks near Westhumble and Merstham or along the NDW

Guildford to Westhumble is the section before this one. Mostly woodland.

Merstham to Oxted is the section after this one. Mostly follows the M25.

Farnham to Guildford is the first stage of the NDW. Also lots of woodland, more golf courses. Small hills.

Box Hill circular which isn’t fully part of the NDW, but it does walk a small bit of it. If you want to see Box Hill, this is the one I would do.

St Martha’s Hill and Newlands Corner, covers a small section of the NDW. I love this walk. There are a few great viewpoints, a nice amount of woods, and the old Chilworth Gunpowder mills.

Folkestone to Dover is one of my first walks for this website. It’s right at the other end of the NDW.

For other walks in Surrey, you can check out my favourite Surrey Hills Walks here.

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For more on what to do in the are, you can check out the Surrey Hills website.

Westhumble To Merstham Walk – NDW Stage 3