9k Run Haslemere: Scenic Trails of Blackdown Adventure

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience the rugged beauty of the Surrey Hills on this 8.6km loop that begins along the tranquil banks of the River Wey. This multi-terrain adventure follows a section of the famous Serpent Trail, offering runners a challenging yet rewarding mix of sandy paths, woodland tracks, and steady climbs. With 161m of elevation gain and a "Hilly" rating, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to test your climbing legs as you ascend toward the dramatic heights of Blackdown. The lack of paved surfaces makes this a true trail runner's escape, where the rhythm of your stride is set by the natural undulations of the landscape and the occasional crossing of ancient heathland.

Blackdown is steeped in literary and natural history, most notably as the site of Temple of the Winds, which offers some of the most spectacular panoramas in Southern England. This area was a deeply loved retreat for Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the Poet Laureate, who built his summer home at Aldworth to find inspiration in these very hills. As you navigate the trails near Haslemere, you are running through a National Trust protected landscape that marks the highest point in the South Downs National Park. The crisp air and expansive views across the Weald serve as a reminder of why this corner of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty remains a cherished destination for outdoor enthusiasts.