Highlight (Segment) • Forest
Road cycling
5.0
(26)
Staffhurst Wood is a captivating ancient woodland spanning 51 hectares, nestled south of Oxted in Surrey, England, close to the border with Kent. This significant natural area, part of the Weald Clay region, holds designations as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Local Nature Reserve, underscoring its ecological importance and long history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period.
What truly draws visitors to Staffhurst Wood is its breathtaking natural beauty, particularly the spectacular displays of bluebells…
Tips
April 25, 2019
Road cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Staffhurst Wood
4.6
(14)
133
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50.4km
02:22
490m
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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970m
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Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.8
(9)
88
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500m
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Details
Informations
Distance 620 m
Uphill 10 m
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Wednesday 25 March
9°C
3°C
31 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 30.0 km/h
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Staffhurst Wood offers three distinct self-guided trails: the Bluebell, Newt, and Acorn trails. Each trail provides a unique experience, guiding visitors through different parts of the ancient woodland and highlighting its natural features.
Yes, Staffhurst Wood is very family-friendly. The Acorn trail is particularly recommended for families with young children or pushchairs, as it is relatively flat with gentle slopes. However, it's best enjoyed in drier conditions to ensure easy navigation.
The terrain at Staffhurst Wood generally features gentle slopes, making it accessible for most visitors. One community member noted an average 1% ascent when heading north through the woods, indicating that significant elevation changes are minimal, contributing to its family-friendly nature.
Yes, Staffhurst Wood is a popular spot for dog walkers. Dogs are welcome to explore the trails, but owners are kindly asked to keep them under control, especially given the presence of diverse wildlife and other visitors. Please remember to clean up after your dog to help maintain the woodland's natural beauty.
While Staffhurst Wood is popular, especially during the bluebell season in late spring, you can often avoid the busiest times by visiting on weekday mornings or later in the afternoon. Weekends, particularly sunny ones, tend to be more crowded.
Yes, Staffhurst Wood has a rich history. It has been continuously wooded since the Anglo-Saxon period. During World War II, it served as an ammunition store and a base for troops, and a road built at that time for ammunition transport still exists. Some veteran trees from that era also still stand.
Staffhurst Wood is a haven for wildlife. Visitors might spot dormice, various bat species, and great crested newts. The woodland also boasts an outstanding moth population with at least six uncommon species, and its ancient trees support a rich lichen flora.
Staffhurst Wood itself is a natural reserve and does not have on-site cafes or public toilets. However, being located near Oxted and Limpsfield, you can find various amenities, including cafes, pubs, and restaurants, in the nearby villages for refreshments before or after your visit.
While Staffhurst Wood is easily accessible by car with two free car parks, direct public transport links might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus routes or taxi services from nearby towns like Oxted for the most up-to-date public transport options.
For a comfortable family walk, especially with children, we recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for woodland paths. Depending on the weather, layers are always a good idea, and waterproofs are advisable during wetter seasons as paths can become muddy.
For more detailed information about Staffhurst Wood, its ecological importance, and conservation, you can visit the official Surrey County Council website: surreycc.gov.uk. Additional historical and ecological details can also be found on its Wikipedia page: wikipedia.org.