Explore the Rim of the Devil’s Punch Bowl, Hindhead Common
The first thing that strikes you about the Devil’s Punch Bowl is the breathtaking view. It is impossible to do anything but gaze.
Which Route Will You Take?
When you finally manage to tear yourself away, you need to decide which direction to walk in.
We decided to explore the rim but, if you are feeling adventurous (and don’t have a buggy with you), you can brave the path down into the punch bowl.
Around The Rim
A walk along the rim has something for everyone to discover along the way – harrowing history for the adults, bug hunting and den building for the children and the chance to wonder at the way nature is reclaiming the old A3.
The Unknown Sailor
We started by taking the path up to Gibbet Hill, which is the second highest point in Surrey, and boasts stunning views across the Weald and towards London.
On this walk you come across the Sailor’s Stone, which remembers the Unknown Sailor, an unnamed man who was murdered here in 1786 by three men he befriended whilst walking to Portsmouth.
Up Gibbet Hill
The path then leads on to Gibbet Hill, where a granite cross marks the spot that the three muderers were hung in chains. It’s a gruesome story that you can either choose to read about on the information boards or ignore.
The walk to Gibbet Hill is not particularly taxing and the views from the top are wonderful.
Along the Old A3
We then walked down to the rim of the Devil’s Punch Bowl and followed the old route of the A3.
Until the Hindhead Tunnel opened in 2011, this was the main road between London and Portsmouth. It had three lanes and ran around the Devil’s Punch Bowl.
Looking at it now, it is hard to believe this was ever anything but a beauty spot. It’s nothing short of spectacular.
Down Into the Punch Bowl
There are also paths down into the Punch Bowl. They are steep and uneven in places but take you through some beautiful woodland.
Go Wild
There are plenty of places around the Devil’s Punch Bowl to stop for a picnic, hunt for mini-beasts, make dens or just stop and admire the views.
Visit the Devil’s Punchbowl and Hindhead Commons website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Hindhead
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU26 6AB
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free
Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Shop, ice creams, toilets and accessible toilets but note that the toilets are only open when the cafe is.
How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: The main paths around the rim of the punchbowl are generally buggy friendly. The paths down into the Punch Bowl are not – they are steep and uneven in places.
Parking: There is a large pay and display car park. It can become very busy during the weekends and holidays.
Cost of Parking: £4 or free with National Trust membership.
Wildlife You Might See: Cattle, ponies, butterflies, insects and birds.
Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: October 2021
Ratings
Our visit to The Devil’s Punchbowl in Hindhead is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
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