5k Run Guildford: Scenic Views from Pewley Hill to Chantry Wood

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 5.3km loop offers a quintessential Surrey Hills running experience, blending manageable distance with enough elevation to keep your heart rate elevated. Starting from Pewley Hill, you’ll transition quickly from the edge of Guildford into the lush canopy of Chantry Wood. The terrain is characterized by well-trodden woodland trails and firm paths, making it a "mostly paved" off-road experience that remains accessible year-round. With 86 meters of ascent, the route features three distinct "hilly" sections that reward runners with stunning views across the Tillingbourne Valley and toward the North Downs Way. It is an ideal course for those looking for a scenic recovery run or a brisk tempo session on undulating ground.

Chantry Wood is a beloved local gem, spanning over 70 hectares of mixed woodland and meadows that have served as a natural escape for Guildford residents for generations. Historically part of a larger estate, the area is famous for its vibrant display of bluebells in late spring and its proximity to the historic St. Martha-on-the-Hill church which sits just to the east. Running along the Scholar’s Trail, you follow in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims and hikers who have traversed these chalky ridges. The area is managed to preserve its rich biodiversity, so keep an eye out for roe deer and woodpeckers as you navigate the quiet, shaded corridors of The Chantries.