Surrey
Free maps are listed at the bottom of page.
Open routes
Hampton Court to Chertsey and Windsor
The Thames Valley Cycle Route offers a 98-mile route from London to Oxford. National Route 4 leaves London and enters Surrey as it crosses the River Thames at Hampton Court Bridge. The route then follows the river to Weybridge along the south bank towpath. Just upstream of D'Oyly Carte Island where the Thames has reached its furthest point south, the route divides: a new route crosses the river and the old, established route passes through the back streets of Weybridge, up Woburn Hill beside the A317, through Chertsey and alongside the A320 to Staines Bridge where the routes recombine.
The new route crosses the river using the Shepperton (Nauticalia) Ferry (cycles need to be carried down a short flight of steps), then heads due north up Ferry Lane and rejoins the river at Chertsey Bridge. At this point, the new route is very close to the established route and it is possible to enjoy a figure-of-eight ride. Care is needed when crossing the narrow and busy Chertsey Bridge.
The route continues along the riverside road under the M3 to Laleham and then passes Penton Hook Lock and continues to Staines on the towpath. From Staines Bridge, Route 4 continues alongside the A320, passes under the M25 near Egham, before reaching the meadows of Runnymede, famous for the signing of the Magna Carta. Beyond Runnymede the route crosses Windsor Great Park leaving Surrey and entering Berkshire.
Photo c/o CEPHAS/Mick Rock.
Croydon (New Addington) to Gatwick
The Surrey section of National Route 21 of the National Cycle Network connects Croydon with Gatwick and Crawley. The northern section between Croyden and Redhill is quite hilly and best suited to a mountain bike whereas the section between Redhill and Crawley is a perfect route for commuting and all types of bike are suitable. Route 21 then continues into Sussex via East Grinstead, Eridge and Heathfield before arriving at Eastbourne on the South Coast. The route shown is on the Downs and Weald cycle route map.
Guildford to Farnham
National Route 22 is open between Guildford and Rowledge, south of Farnham and follows mainly quiet roads and bridleways to the south of the Hog's Back. A map of the route and also of the parallel Christmas Pie Trail leisure cycle route is available on the Surrey County Council website.
The Saturn Trail
National Cycle Route 221 follows the Basingstoke Canal from Pirbright Bridge near Brookwood as far as Scotland Bridge near West Byfleet. This is a very pleasant and easy to follow walking and cycling route along a hard-surfaced, wide towpath. Along its length, the canal is lined with verdant banks and mature, often overhanging, trees through which can be seen vast stretches of woodland and views into suburban gardens. The Saturn Trail takes you through Woking which has been awarded Cycle Town status - for more information go to the Cycle Woking website.
Guildford - Cranleigh - south coast
The Downs Link is a traffic free trail linking the North and South Downs which runs from Bramley, near Guildford, to Shoreham-by-Sea on the South coast. There is a link at the north end to Guildford. The trail follows the line of a disused railway and as such makes for easy and safe cycling. The whole length is about 43 miles but it can be cycled in sections. The trail is particularly well suited to families. The Guildford to Cranleigh stretch is a beautiful 9-mile, traffic free route running down an old railway line near rivers, canals and some beautiful countryside. Mostly well-surfaced with very gentle hills. Download the Guildford to Cranleigh route information sheet.
A map of the Downs Link can be obtained either from Surrey County Council or from West Sussex County Council. Alternatively download the Surrey section here.
Guildford to Chertsey
Surrey County Council has signed existing routes between the three towns of Guildford, Woking and Chertsey as part of the National Cycle Network. In common with many other routes, this is a combination of traffic-free sections and quiet roads. Between Woking and Chertsey, the route comprises a shared footway beside the busy A320.
Route development
Shere to Abinger Hammer fully signed
With many thanks to our local rangers and the County Council, Route 22 is now fully signed between Shere and Abinger Hammer. Highway signs have also been installed between Tattenham Cotner and the London boundary at Oaks Park, which means that this route is now complete across Surrey with the exception of Westcott to Dorking.
Free cycle maps for Surrey
The following maps are available from Surrey County Council, tel: 08456 009009
Christmas Pie Trail
Downs Link
Surrey Cycleway
Yew Tree Way
Cycle Guide 1. Ashford - Stanwell
Cycle Guide 2. Addlestone - Woking
Cycle Guide 3. Banstead - Weybridge
Cycle Guide 4. Ash - Worplesdon
Cycle Guide 5. Bletchingley - Reigate
Cycle Guide 6. Alfold - Witley
Cycle Guide 7. Capel - Ockley
Cycle Guide 8. Caterham - Whyteleafe
District cycle maps
Rural Ways cycle maps
They can also be downloaded from Surrey County Council website.
Cycle Guildford - A leaflet can be downloaded from the Guildford Borough Council website or tel: 01483 505050.
Esher Common Cycle Route - Elmbridge Borough Council, tel: 01372 474579.
Frensham Common Cycle Trail - see Frensham Parish Council for walks & cycle paths around Frensham Common.
Guildford cycle routes - Sustrans volunteers in Guildford have produced a guide to the cycle network in their area. Download the Guildford cycle guide.