Mole Gap Trail – Rail to Ramble Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Mole Gap Trail – Rail to Ramble Routes

Moderate

4.7

(42)

159

hikers

Mole Gap Trail – Rail to Ramble Routes

03:01

11.4km

100m

Hiking

The Mole Gap Trail runs for almost 7 miles (11 km) between Leatherhead Station and Dorking Station, following the course of the Mole, a river that has carved its way through the chalk foundations of the North Downs. The Trail visits sumptuous ancient woodlands, several historic sites and England’s largest vineyard.

Have your phone at the ready, as you can scan QR codes on the route’s waymarkers to find out more about the history, heritage and habitats found along the way.

From Leatherhead Station, you venture along Bridge Street and cross the River Mole via the impressive 18th-century Town Bridge. After heading south past the impressive Thorncroft Manor, the Trail skirts Norbury Park, a protected conservation area that’s home to ancient yew trees.

After passing through the peaceful hamlet of Westhumble, you cross paths with the North Downs Way and continue through Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard. From here, you’re rewarded with superb views towards Box Hill, one of the North Down’s most iconic summits.

Soon after the vineyard, you arrive in Dorking, where the end of the Trail awaits. The town has plenty of places to refuel and celebrate a fine day in the Surrey Hills.

by Surrey Hills National Landscape

Last updated: June 25, 2024

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

890 m

Leatherhead Town Bridge

Highlight • Historical Site

This 18th-century bridge provides lovely views down the River Mole from its semi-circular refuges. It's an impressive structure, with 14 arches spanning the river's channels. From the bridge, you can admire the nearby railway viaduct, built at the same time as Leatherhead Station in 1867.

Tip by

4.22 km

Druids Grove Yew Woodland

Highlight • Natural Monument

Druids Grove's ancient yew trees are a splendid sight on this part of the Mole Gap Trail. This is the North Downs' most extensive area of yew woodland and it forms part of the wider Norbury Park Special Area of Conservation. The Mole Gap Trail is a 7-mile (11 km) route that follows the Mole's journey through the North Downs from Leatherhead to Dorking.

Tip by

6.49 km

Westhumble Archway

Highlight • Structure

The hamlet of Westhumble is a peaceful place that has plenty to offer walkers. The Mole Trail, a 7-mile ( 11 km) route between Leatherhead and Dorking that follows the River Mole on its journey through the North Downs, runs through the hamlet. Its train station is also a good starting point for hikes up onto the popular and panoramic Box Hill.

Tip by

7.75 km

Denbies Wine Estate

Highlight • Viewpoint

With 265 acres (107 ha) of vineyards blanketing the hills, Denbies Wine Estate is one of the largest vineyards in England. Wine production began in 1989, when local businessman Adrian White purchased the estate.

Today, their wines have won many international awards including the IWC international Gold award. You can visit the vineyard and learn about its wine production on a tour or at the visitor center. The vineyard is open from 9.30am - 5.30pm daily. You can find more information, here: denbies.co.uk

Tip by

11.4 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.13 km

2.88 km

2.67 km

1.28 km

856 m

647 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.92 km

3.71 km

1.49 km

1.34 km

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 21 October

14°C

8°C

20 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

October 19, 2024,Mole Gap trail: Dorking to Leatherhead

I've had a cold so didn't have the energy for anything too demanding so this flat, gentle stroll from one train station to another was a the perfect antidote. Some scenic views through Denbies vineyard as well as some colourful woodland (a great time of year for it!) towards Leatherhead.

April 29, 2024

The Mole Gap Trail runs for almost 7 miles (11 km) between Leatherhead Station and Dorking Station, following the course of the Mole, a river that has carved its way through the chalk foundations of the North Downs. The Trail visits sumptuous ancient woodlands, several historic sites and England’s largest

February 26, 2025

Due to work by Surrey County Council tackling Ash dieback in 2025, the Mole Valley Gap is currently diverted along this route: komoot.com/tour/2070806337﻿
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The diverted route is not currently waymarked, however council placed signage will ensure you do not get lost on the diversion.