4.5
(1952)
16,807
hikers
363
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Prince's Coverts offer access to an 864-acre managed woodland in Oxshott, Surrey. The area features mixed woodland, gentle hills, and the Rythe streams, contributing to a tranquil natural experience. Terrain is generally flat with gentle undulations, and the highest point is Horns Hill at 260 feet (79 meters). The underlying London Clay can make paths muddy during wet weather.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
4.8
(4)
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2.0
(1)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
2
hikers
9.89km
02:35
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
29
hikers
11.3km
02:58
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
36
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Avenue runs through the Prince's Covert woodland. It's a gravel track and offers a fast descent in one direction and a slow, steady climb in the other, with a consistent gradient of around 3%.
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The Avenue going through Stoke Wood, joining Fairoak Lane and Kingston Road, is a good gravel track. After going into the deeper, muddier reaches of the wood, this stretch can be a blissful interlude between rough sections. It is actually a good connecting thoroughfare between the tougher routes that abound here.
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Also visible from the A3, the Horse of the South, a two-tonne sculpture, was created by Nic Fiddian-Green. Once the only form of transport, it represents a protest against urban sprawl. A sister sculpture is based at Marble Arch in London, named Still Water.
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Owned by the City of London Corporation, Ashtead Common is part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), together with adjacent Epsom Common. In the 1870s access to countryside for Londoners was being threatened due to the expansion of the capital. The area was purchased to preserve it as an open space. You can spot the coal posts at the common's boundaries. Painted white with the City of London's crest near the top. They marked where tax would be payable to the City of London for coal imported into its boundaries.
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So close to busy, suburban Chessington, yet it feels so far away up here on Winey Hill. There are great views and you will often find horses grazing.
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Prince's Coverts has a mix of trails through the trees or two hardpacked gravel paths that fan out to the south east and south west from this entrance at its northern most tip. It was once the hunting ground of Prince Leopold I of Belgium who lived at Claremont Park nearby. If you do come into the woodland from here, the gate does look like it is locked shut but the kissing gate is open and you are allowed to enter. You are only allowed to horse ride here by prior agreement so the large gate is locked to stop unauthorised horse riders entering.
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There are over 370 hiking trails in Prince's Coverts that are accessible from bus stations. The majority of these, more than 240, are rated as easy, with another 130+ considered moderate, offering a wide range of options for different fitness levels.
Most of the bus-accessible hikes in Prince's Coverts are rated as easy or moderate. You'll find over 240 easy routes and more than 130 moderate options, making the area suitable for a broad spectrum of hikers, from beginners to those looking for a bit more challenge.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible routes in Prince's Coverts are circular, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same point. For example, you can enjoy the Prince's Coverts Forest Trails loop from Oxshott or the Prince's Coverts Forest Trails loop from Ashtead Common, both offering convenient circular options.
The terrain in Prince's Coverts features mixed woodland, gentle hills, and the Rythe streams. While generally flat, there are gentle undulations, with the highest point being Horns Hill at 260 feet (79 meters). Be aware that paths can become very muddy during wet weather due to the underlying London Clay.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,700 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil woodlands, extensive network of well-maintained paths, and the diverse landscapes suitable for various activities.
Absolutely. Prince's Coverts offers many family-friendly options, particularly the numerous easy-rated trails. The gentle terrain and well-maintained paths make it ideal for walks with children. Consider routes like the Prince's Coverts Forest Trails loop from Oxshott for a pleasant family outing.
Yes, Prince's Coverts is a popular destination for dog walkers. Dogs are generally welcome on the trails, but please ensure they are kept under control, especially around wildlife and other visitors. Many routes, such as the Prince's Coverts Forest Trails loop from Ashtead Common, are perfect for enjoying with your canine companion.
Beyond the natural beauty of the Prince's Coverts Forest Trails, you can discover historical features. The area is named after Prince Leopold I of Belgium, who used it as a shooting estate. You might also encounter Jessop's Well, a historical mineral spring site. Look out for varied forest paths like The Avenue β Gravel Track, Stoke Wood or Forest Path Between Chessington and Oxshott.
While most routes are easy to moderate, there are longer options for those seeking more distance. For example, the Winey Hill Monument β Ashtead Common loop from Claygate is a moderate 11.2 km hike, offering a good workout while remaining accessible by bus.
For a moderate challenge, consider the Prince's Coverts Gravel Path β Esher Common loop from Oxshott, which covers nearly 10 km. Another excellent option is the Gravel Path Through Meadows β Horses head sculpture loop from Claygate, a moderate 8.3 km route with interesting features.
Prince's Coverts offers enjoyable hiking year-round. The mixed woodland provides shade in summer and beautiful colours in autumn. However, be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on paths during wet weather, especially in winter and spring, due to the underlying London Clay.


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