Headley Heath

The walk starts from the National Trust car park. A short walk across a bracken-covered corner of the heath leads to the late Victorian church of St Mary the Virgin. Opposite the Cock public house, a path leads through a pastoral landscape to a tiny wood, at the end of which is the heath. A moderately steep and stony path gives way to a surfaced drive, followed before long by a grassy path, a sandy track, and a narrow stony path. These changes of surface underfoot continue for the rest of the walk as underlying soil types vary, while the scenery differs even more as the route goes through a great variety of vegetation.

After a climb to an open grassy space, a steep descent follows down a path of wooden steps. On the way, a breathtaking view of a deeply wooded valley opens up on the left. From the foot of the hill another climb, albeit gentler, begins, and another valley view appears to the right, with delightful views of Box Hill behind.

Headley, as it appears today, owes much to the effects of World War II, when extensive tank training disturbed the soil and encouraged the growth of birch (an early constituent in forest development, over which longer-living hardwoods such as oak and beech eventually take over).

The character of the heath changes over the seasons: early spring brings unfolding ferns overshadowed by spectacular bluebells in late April and early May, summer brings wild flower meadows and colourful butterflies, and autumn introduces rich russet reds and golden yellows. There is always something to see on Headley Heath all year round.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.