AT A GLANCE
Why go?
Puttenham Common is a wide, open stretch of heath, grassland, woodland and large ponds on the western edge of Surrey, a short drive from Guildford. Set within the Surrey Hills National Landscape and forming part of the Wealden Heaths National Nature Reserve, it is one of the county's finest places to walk among rare lowland heathland and take in far-reaching views toward the Hog's Back ridge.↗↗
There is no single ticket-office attraction here, just acres of waymarked paths, free car parks and a network of trails that suits a quick sandy stroll or a proper afternoon ramble. The North Downs Way national trail runs straight through the common, while three colour-coded self-guided loops—named after the heath's wildlife—let you set your own pace.↗
Heathland, ponds and big views
Surrey Wildlife Trust manages 263 hectares of Puttenham Common, much of it now-scarce lowland heath, and part of it is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Large areas of heathland, grassland and broadleaf woodland are stitched together by large ponds, creating extensive public open space that invites exploring on foot, by bike or on horseback.
