Leith Hill stands 294 metres (965 feet) above sea level and is the highest point in Surrey. The National Trust calls it the highest point in south-east England, while Wikipedia and the Surrey Hills National Landscape put it second, after Walbury Hill in Berkshire at 297 metres. Either way, it is the high ground of the county, about four miles south-west of Dorking.
Before you go: the tower is closed
The National Trust says Leith Hill Tower is closed for the rest of the 2026 season, and that Leith Hill Place, the house, is closed too. The countryside is open from dawn to dusk, and the Trust lists the tower tea kiosk as open from 09:00 to 17:00. Check the National Trust Leith Hill page before you set off, as kiosk hours can change. The tower is not climbable now, but the walks, the woods and the summit itself still make a good day out.
There are no toilets at the tower. The only ones are at Leith Hill Place, during house opening times, so plan on none being available on the hill.
The tower
Richard Hull of Leith Hill Place built the tower in 1765. Wikishire says he noticed the hill fell 35 feet short of 1,000 feet and wanted the building to carry it past the mark. Hull died in 1772 and was buried beneath it, as he had asked. The National Trust describes it as a place for people to enjoy the glory of the English countryside.
The climb is 78 spiral steps, with telescopes at the top. A National Trust leaflet says the views span 14 counties, taking in London landmarks to the north and the English Channel to the south. When it is open again, that is the reason to come on a clear day.
Walks from Coldharbour
Coldharbour sits about a mile north-east of the hill. The Southern Walks Club's Holmwood to Gomshall route climbs strenuously from the village to the summit and the tower, with a detour into the Rhododendron Wood. The Ramblers' Leith Hill and Surrey Hills circular starts at the Rhododendron Wood car park and passes Coldharbour, Broadmoor, Friday Street and Abinger Bottom.
AllTrails lists a Friday Street, Leith Hill and Coldharbour circular of 10.8 km, rated moderate, at roughly three to three and a half hours.
For refreshment, the Plough Inn on Abinger Road in Coldharbour is described by CAMRA as a 17th-century inn near Leith Hill with four handpumps and changing ales. It also has a small Leith Hill Brewery in an outbuilding, though that brews only occasionally. Phone 01306 711793 to check hours before you plan a stop around it.
Walks from Wotton
The Ramblers' Leith Hill to Wotton circular is 10.5 km (6.5 miles) and graded moderate. It runs through Abinger Bottom and Friday Street to the Wotton Hatch pub, then returns along the Greensand Way to the tower kiosk. It is mostly flat apart from the one ascent of Leith Hill, and it can be muddy after rain.
AllTrails lists shorter options:
Wotton Hatch to Broadmoor circular: 5.5 km, one to one and a half hours, moderate.
Wotton Common and Leith Hill circular: 8.9 km, 210 metres of climbing, two and a half to three hours.
Friday Street has a free car park near the Mill Pond, which suits a start from that side.
The shortest way up
If you only want the summit, start from Windy Gap or Starveall. Walking Englishman gives a half-mile route from Abinger Road, about 30 minutes with 65 metres of climbing, rated easy. For a longer day, the Ramblers' circular from Windy Gap is graded strenuous at 16.9 km (10.5 miles).
The Rhododendron Wood
The wood covers 69 acres on the southern slopes. The National Trust says the rhododendron planting was created by Caroline Wedgwood around 1900, giving a vista from Leith Hill Place. It is at its best in May and June, so do not expect flowers in September. The Trust's leaflet points instead to heather colour in autumn, and the Southern Walks Club says leaf colour is spectacular in late October and early November. Dogs must be on a lead in the wood.
A family trail, the National Trust's 50 things route, starts at the Rhododendron Wood car park. The first part around the wood suits young children, while the second climbs the hill with one short, steep section.
Parking and getting there
The National Trust lists three car parks for the tower:
Starveall Corner, three-quarters of a mile on an easy path.
Windy Gap (also called Shoe Tree), a quarter of a mile with steep steps.
Landslip, three-quarters of a mile on a steep gradient.
Surrey Hills National Landscape describes Starveall (Leith Hill Road) and Windy Gap (Abinger Road) as free. Starveall has a 190 cm height restriction and a gravel surface. Sources give different postcodes for Windy Gap, so use the car park name and a map pin rather than relying on a postcode alone.
Paid National Trust parking applies at Rhododendron Wood and Landslip, via a machine or the JustPark app. There is no phone signal, so download the app first. It costs £2 up to one hour, £4 up to two, £6 up to four and £9 all day. There is no overnight parking or camping.
By road, follow signs from the A25 at Wotton or the A29 at Ockley. By bus, the nearest served point is Holmbury St Mary, two and a half miles away, according to the National Trust.
Good to know
Dogs are welcome across the estate, on a lead near livestock and fenced areas.
No fires or barbecues.
Paths are steep in places, with steps and uneven surfaces.
