Being home to some of the most iconic spots for walking in the UK, whether Virginia Water, Shere or the home of the Old A3 in Hindhead, Surrey offers many options for those looking to explore while using a wheelchair.

As LITH-TECH is based in Farnham, we wanted to share some of the best accessible walks around Surrey, including one’s near our office, so you can take your new LITH-TECH wheelchair out for a ride soon after you’ve bought it from us!

Best Wheelchair Routes to Explore in Surrey

While most local parks have areas that can be explored by wheelchair, many will want to venture out further into the countryside to explore the best that Surrey has to offer.

Our recommendations for the best wheelchair-friendly routes in Surrey include:

1. The Hoe Valley Walk, Old Woking
2. The Bedser Trail, Horsell Common
3. The Basingstoke Canal
4. Queen’s Parl and Colley Hill, Reigate
5. RSPB Farnham Heath, Farnham
6. Devils Punchbowl, Hindhead
7. Shere Village
8. Virginia Water, and Windsor Great Park, Windsor

#1) Hoe Valley Walk, Old Woking

Situated right next to Woking Football Club, the Hoe Valley Walk is a newly paved walk that circles around an area of natural conservation. It follows much of the Hoe Stream, and is a gentle route, and less than a mile long.

While it’s not a circle, and you do have to either cut back on yourself or complete a circle by heading through a residential area, it is a pleasant walk that can be enjoyed at a leisurely place. Either park at the Leisure Centre across the road, or if a football match isn’t on, you may be able to use the football club car park.

At the top of Westfield Avenue, as it adjoins the A247 by the Football Club, head in front of the block of flats and the path will open up in front of you, just behind the bridge.

• Perfect for all wheelchair types
• Good for all ages
• No reserved accessible parking for the walk specifically

#2) Bedser Trail, Horsell Common

Horsell Common, home of the Martian invasion in the War of the Worlds by HG Wells, is also home to a 1.2km circular route known as the Bedser trail, which is designed with the wheelchair user in mind. Named after the local cricket hero Bedser twins, Sir Alec and Eric, the Bedser Walk was created in memoriam of the pair and their local impact.

The route can easily be accessed from the Horsell Common car park and is a gentle route on a gravel surface.

• Accessible parking available
• Good for all wheelchair types
• Perfect for those with young children

#3) Basingstoke Canal Towpath

Weaving its way through Surrey, the Basingstoke canal towpath has accessible parts, and most of it can be done on wheelchair in good weather. There are beautiful sites to see, and at places, moments of tranquillity.

While you can start at any point, there are parts that are more accessible than others. The Hampshire County Council website has more on the accessibility depending on where you join the towpath.

• Variety of joining routes
• Suitable for good weather only
• Better for all terrain electric wheelchairs

#4) Queen’s Park and Colley Hill, Reigate

Beginning the walk from the car park on Margery Lane, there is a gentle but achievable slope that takes you to the top of the hill. Surrey County Council states the valley below is perfect for those with sensory impairments as it contains lots of light and colour.

It’s a simple up and down route but offers a good spot to enjoy the views of the area, as well as a chance, if users want to, to explore more routes. There are some muddy routes in bad weather, so it’s best to head to Reigate Hill on dry days.

There’s a handy map which shows the inclines and parking for accessibility needs.

• Good for those in all kinds of wheelchairs
• Suitable on dry days only
• One section of incline suitable for electric wheelchairs

#5) RSPB Farnham Heath, Farnham

The closest walk to our office, RSPB Farnham Heath offers a walk around a wetland area. There are six blue badge spaces that are surfaced, and the others are grass, as well as disabled toilets.

Two routes, orange and purple, allow for electric wheelchair users and mobility scooters to explore some of the wetland and heath. Orange has fairly level surfaced paths and one short gradient. The purple route is partly surfaced and has tree roots in points, but it has been used by mobility scooters previously.

There’s a full accessibility statement that the RSPB has written on Farnham Heath, that you can read here.

• Different routes for different wheelchair types
• Some rocky ground but largely accessible
• A chance to sit and look at birds

#6) Devils Punchbowl, Hindhead

At the Devils Punchbowl, the byway that circles near where the old A3 was, is largely accessible and offers gorgeous views across the Devil’s Punchbowl. Parts of it are gravel, and the core track that starts at the parking is completely flat.

Suitable for all wheelchairs, heading out to the Devil’s Punchbowl, especially in warmer weather, offers clear views across the South Downs. It’s a short way off the A3, and there are four accessible parking bays.

The National Trust has an accessibility statement on Hindhead Common and the Devil’s Punchbowl, which you can read here.

• Accessible parking
• Parts are gravel, but light gravel
• Better in drier weather

#7) Shere Village, Guildford

Shere offers stunning historical walks around the centre, a gentle stroll alongside the river and more accessible opportunities, all of which don’t require going off road.

In Shere, you can see the houses from The Holiday, the church from Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, The Wedding Date and many others. It’s a great place to explore on wheelchair, and there’s plenty to see and do.

• Easy village to amble round
• Parking at various areas is suitable for blue badge holders
• Interesting routes to explore

#8) Virginia Water, and Windsor Great Park, Windsor

Right on the edge of Surrey lies Virginia Water and Windsor Great Park. As a royal park, including a deer park, there’s a lot of roads and routes designed to be accessible in the area. There is accessible parking, although it isn’t cheap and it starts from £3 an hour.

Routes circle through the park, and various points offer viewing, seating and exploring. Nearer Virginia Water, it can get busy, so going at off-peak times is better.

• Expensive but accessible parking
• Routes of varying lengths depending on preference
• Opportunities for seating at certain points

Are you looking for an electric wheelchair designed for all terrains?

LITH-TECH has a range of folding electric wheelchairs in stock, and we’re always happy to advise you on which wheelchair would suit you and your needs.

Get in touch with us today to discover a wheelchair that can suit your needs.