Dorhor two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

Walked the Dorking - Horley direction on a foggy early autumnal day. For the most part a very pleasant walk through farmland and past some historic spots. The downside was some short sections of road walking with sporadic but very fast traffic (although verges were wide) and a very overgrown and inaccessible path just past Brittleware Farm. Lots of stiles and a couple of fields of cows, some of the former in poor repair, but otherwise accurate and feeling safe.

Much nicer route into Horley compared to DorHor1, skirting the new Westvale development with views of the river Mole, on quieter roads.

I walked the Horley side of this this Saturday, and the Dorking side a few weekends ago.

This would be 5 stars if: there was less road walking near Horley; and no electric fence to cross. There is a Horhor2 route now, which does need review but I am going to guess is a 5 star route.

Most of this route is through farmland, with sheep, cows, and horses, and a llama. Walking from south to north, like I did, gives a good view of the chalk hills of the North Downs. Unlike Dorhor 1, the section near Horley involves now very little road walking, with a stretch along the Mole and through some fields. The small sections where there was some road walking needed, it was either a short section, little traffic, or a good verge. The route was mostly flat, with only two minor hills. In some places it probably would get a little muddy. There were a lot of stiles though.

If you’re coming in by train then be aware that the start point is about a 20 minute walk from Dorking Station.
As you pull away from Dorking High street you’re gifted with some rather cheeky little footpaths that are fairly steep. It’s almost like a welcome message from the walk which says “welcome to the Mole Valley, you’re going to be doing some hills today”.
Thankfully this isn’t the case.
After a short walk down some unpaved roads you slide into farmland and fields. Prepare to vault some stiles. This will be the only climbing you’ll be doing. There are quite a few of these to negotiate and sometimes they are fairly hidden is hedgerows. Some are easy to miss so you may wander into the wrong field if you’re playing around on your phone or something.

Be aware these are livestock fields. There’s mud, poo, cows and at some point the potential for a bull.
There’s short village intermission and a slight section of main road the walk along before heading back into some more fields.
There’s not any public toilets along the route but the Seven Stars pub in Leigh is about 45% of the way through the route and could make a good rest stop. There’s also The Plough before you head back into fields.
As you pass Tamworth Cottage keep an eye out for the lamas.
A little further along you’ll pass over some land with horses. A path around the perimeter has been taped off for walkers.
Some road walking is followed by a rather delightful woodland path that heads towards the A217.
As civilisation looms closer there’s a treat in the form of a corn field to pass through.
The next section skims around the edge of a new build site and livestock is replaced by dog walkers.
The roar of the nearby A road becomes ever present as you pass over beautifully manicured playing fields
In hindsight i’d probably end the walk here at Ye Olde Six Bells.
The rest of the route is a suburban stroll into town and rail connections.

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