Reigate Mills and Pillboxes Circular is a 4.3 mile loop trail located near Reigate and Banstead, Surrey, England that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips and is accessible year-round.
An enjoyable circular walk from Reigate Heath, passing Reigate Heath windmill, Wonham Mill and pillboxes built during the Second World War. There are good views along the walk to the North Downs. This walk is published through a collaboration with the Surrey County Council. Reigate Heath Windmill is a grade II listed post mill which is now used as a chapel. It is thought to be the only windmill in the world which is a consecrated church. Built c.1765, this windmill was last worked by wind in April 1862. In 1962, the mill was purchased by Reigate Borough Council and was restored with new sails. A church service was held on 18 October 1964, and since May 1965 a service has been held on the third Sunday of each month during the summer. Pillboxes are small, reinforced defence structures used to provide a line of defence, called a stop line, and were part of the Defence of Britain project to halt a German invasion during World War II. Initially there were seven basic designs, though modification and even unique types were not unusual. Various different types of camouflage were also common. Most pillboxes were built of reinforced concrete and were roughly circular or rectangular in design. Specific features included slits through which guns were fired and blast walls to protect the entrance. This walk includes a few gentle gradients. The paths and tracks are mostly unmade and can be very muddy in part. Walking shoes or boots are required and wellingtons with grips are recommended for the winter months. You will need to negotiate a number of gates/kissing gates plus 6 stiles (all of which have open fencing surrounds which should be suitable for most dogs to pass through). You will be sharing some of the fields with horses and some of the paths have electric fencing alongside so take particular care with children and dogs. The walk crosses a golf course so please show respect for the golfers by allowing them to play their shots before you cross and watch closely for any stray flying golf balls. Allow 2 hours. If you are looking for refreshments, The Skimmington Castle pub is near waypoint 1, and The Black Horse pub is on the A25 near the bus stop at the start of the walk. Ordnance Survey Map: Explorer 146 Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate. This walk follows public footpaths and bridleways which cross private and public land. Information is included for your interest, but please respect people's privacy, keep dogs under control and remember the Countryside Code.
The walk starts from the Reigate Heath bus stop which is on the A25, alongside the junction with Flanchford Road. For help with planning your journey by public transport please visit http://journeys.travelsmartsurrey.info. If you are coming by car, there are car parks either side of Flanchford Road, half a mile south of the A25. From the car park on the south side of Flanchford Road, join the wide sandy track running along behind the car park, and turn right to start the walk. Approximate post code RH2 8AB. Grid ref: TQ 242505.
March 28, 2021Nice varied hike, love the windmill. Not too muddy and the stiles are easy for dogs.
March 28, 2021Lovely walk and scenery
March 20, 2021March 19, 2021March 6, 2021Stunning walk and views.
March 6, 2021Easy pleasant walk. Nothing outstanding.
February 28, 2021February 27, 2021What a lovely walk. It wasn't busy and we loved the scenery.
February 27, 2021Lovely trail! Very muddy you have to be nimble and agile in some places. So many dogs for my dog to play with too :)
February 21, 2021Not only our first alltrail walk but first walk in many many years, loved every second of it. Slightly muddy as expected, can't wait for our next walk
February 20, 2021February 20, 2021February 20, 2021Beautiful day for a beautiful walk, although muddy in parts. Pillboxes, windmill, River Mole & a mill. Bought half a dozen fresh laid eggs from The Granary.
February 18, 2021February 13, 2021January 31, 2021January 23, 2021Nice views. Easy walk. Nice distance. Was very muddy quite a lot of the route which is to be expected at this time of year. Glad I wore my wellies!! Car park (free) is small and busy but managed to get a spot.
January 17, 2021January 10, 2021Lovely walk, muddy in places due to the time of year.
January 9, 2021excellent walk amazing views
January 5, 2021This was a fairly easy trail .really enjoyed the views ,it was quite wet this morning but thoroughly enjoyed it . Going to do a trail a day during our 3rd lockdown
January 3, 2021Good easy walk
December 31, 2020December 31, 2020lovely walk through different scenery. worth re visiting soon.
December 31, 2020December 30, 2020I did this walk today and it was beautiful, so much to see along the way, horses playing, streams, mills, hills, the pillboxes, they are right about wearing wellington boots in the winter months, it's v v muddy in places. It's a fairly flattish walk so not taxing at all. The info given on the waypoints was excellent and it was easy to navigate my way round, until the last bit at the golf course, that was a little tricky but you are near the end anyway.
December 30, 2020December 30, 2020
