St Martha's Hill

St Martha's Hill is a wooded hilltop just outside Guildford in Surrey, set in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty between the town and the village of Chilworth. A small church, St Martha-on-the-Hill, crowns the summit, and the North Downs Way runs over the top along the line of the old Pilgrims' Way. It makes an easy, rewarding half-day outing from Guildford.

What will you see on St Martha's Hill?

The hill rises to roughly 175 m, ranking 18th among Surrey's hills. It belongs to the Greensand Ridge, at the point where that ridge comes closest to the North Downs. From the open ground by the church you get a broad outlook: south over Albury and Chilworth towards the South Downs on a clear day, and north-east across to Newland's Corner, another Surrey Hills viewpoint.

The church is Grade II listed. A 12th-century predecessor left behind its font and some medieval stonework built into the present structure, which was rebuilt in the mid-19th century. It serves a tiny parish and is popular for weddings, so a weekend visit may coincide with a ceremony.

How do you get to the top?

The usual route starts in Guildford. Follow the River Wey along the Wey South Path, join the North Downs Way and pass through Chantry Wood. The climb that follows is steady and fairly long. The descent can be sandy and steep in places, so wear shoes with decent grip. The summit also falls on the North Downs Way section from Guildford to Gomshall (about 7 miles), where it works well as a rest or lunch stop.

There are benches at the top for a picnic with a view. No shop or cafe stands on the summit, so bring food and water.

When is the best time to visit?

Pick a clear day, when visibility reaches the South Downs: spring and autumn mornings or summer evenings work best. The sandy sections get slippery after rain, and winter dusk comes early, so plan to be back down before sunset.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the climb take? From Guildford expect about an hour each way on foot. Allow half a day if you combine it with the viewpoint, the church and a longer stretch of the North Downs Way.

Is there an entrance fee? No. The hill and the trail are open to all, and the church can be admired freely from outside.

Is the walk difficult? It needs no special fitness, but the ascent is sustained and the way down is sandy and steep in places. Comfortable footwear is enough.

What else can you combine it with? Continue along the trail towards Gomshall for more Surrey Hills views, or head to nearby Newland's Corner for another wide panorama.