North Downs Way: Oxted to Dunton Green

The Walk: (Previous section: NDW Merstham-Oxted) From Oxted Station we climb to rejoin the North Downs Way (ND NDW Merstham-Oxted W) National Trail, which is then followed some 11 miles to Dunton Green, with the now familiar mix of woodland, lanes, paths enclosed by hedgerows, and open slopes giving great views out across the Weald and, at one point, slightly off route, a view over the London skyline. Also included are an unusual circular walled 'artwork' (The Coccolith), and glimpses of Chevening House, the country home of the Foreign Secretary. One is within earshot and sight of the M25 in the first and last parts of the walk, rather less so in the middle.

The Coccolith

Map

NB The map shows my route, with various diversions and excursions which you may not wish to follow precisely.

Why do it: When you emerge from the wooded sections onto the open downland, there are excellent views West and East, with the Kent Downs now coming into view, and South across the Weald, including the high point of Toy's Hill. 

Pastoral scene

Shortly after joining the NDW above Oxted, you will pass a plaque at the woodland edge denoting the point at which the Trail crosses the Greenwich Meridian.

Meridian plaque

The first part of the walk is through the Titsey Estate, managed by the Titsey Foundation, which provides good public access (including the car park at Botley Hill). Nearby the estate mansion, Titsey Place, and the associated gardens, are open to the public (check web).  

View over Titsey Park

There is a particularly notable view from, and including, the Coccolith, an artwork sponsored by the Foundation. Conveniently, just across the road from the Coccolith is the Titsey Brewery (see 'Refreshments')

Coccolith

The NDW follows The Avenue, a no through road and private lane serving large houses: along here you cross from Surrey into Kent, though there is nothing to mark the border.

A short diversion off the route is the village of Knockholt. Behind the church a path leads to a field with a view over London, the towers of the city peeping over the trees.

View from Knockholt over London

You pass a narrow passageway cut through the woods. This is 'The Keyhole', which is designed to give a view of Chevening House, the country home of the Foreign secretary. There are further views of the House as you descend the grassy slopes leading down to rejoin the mayhem of the M25.

The Keyhole (in truth, the house is difficult to see)

Distance: 2 miles from Oxted Station to rejoin the NDW at Oxted Downs, 10 miles along the NDW to the Rose and Crown at Dunton Green, 0.5 miles to Dunton green Station, making 12.5 miles in total

Logistics: Start from Oxted Station and follow the path out of Oxted and over fields, crossing the M25 on a footbridge to join the NDW.  Finish at Dunton Green Station, a short way off the NDW. 

You could shorten the walk to about 9.5 miles and simplify transport, by parking at the Upper Titsey Car Park on Botley Hill, and ending the walk with a celebratory drink at the Rose and Crown in Dunton Green, and treat yourself to a taxi back to the start (ask the bar staff for taxi details).

Upper Titsey Car park (aka Botley Hill)

Challenges: 

Expect mud after rain. 

Noise from the M25 motorway is obvious at the start and finish of the walk, less so in the middle.

After descending from the Downs after Knockholt Pound to the M25 corridor, the NDW is routed along the Sundridge Road (B2211). The first 100 yards or so are without any pavement and are positively dangerous: be prepared to jump up onto the narrow grass verge when traffic comes along.

NDW beside the B2211

Refreshments: Usual offerings in Oxted. 

Just off the route near the Upper Titsey Car Park is Botley Farmhouse: this has a restaurant and also a less formal tea room.   

Botley Hill Tea Room

When Titsey Place is open, so is the adjacent tea room: you could make a diversion into the park if time allows.

Titsey Place

Across the road from the Coccolith is the Titsey Brewery which serves food along with its beers.

Titsey Brewery cafe

A mile or so off the route, the village of Knockholt Pound has two pubs.

Near the end of the route at Dunton Green is the Rose and Crown pub.

Nearby Walks

For an overview map of all my walks along the North Downs Way see this page.

Previous section: Merstham to Oxted

Next section: Dunton Green to Wrotham

Photos 

A sunny day in late June

Joining the NDW above Oxted

Woodland clearance (ash die-back?)

Coccolith

The Avenue

An open section of the NDW

Foxglove

Knockholt Church

Descending from Knockholt Pound

Flower covered slope

Rose and Crown, Dunton Green