The Devil's Punchbowl & The Temple of the Four Winds loop from Hindhead — Surrey Hills
The Devil's Punchbowl & The Temple of the Four Winds loop from Hindhead — Surrey Hills
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The Devil's Punchbowl & The Temple of the Four Winds loop from Hindhead — Surrey Hills
01:52
6.79km
110m
Hiking
Embark on an easy 4.2-mile (6.8 km) hike through the scenic Surrey Hills, gaining 358 feet (109 metres) in elevation over approximately 1 hour and 51 minutes. This loop from Hindhead takes you across varied terrain, including sandy heathland and ancient woodlands, offering superb views across the vast Devil's Punch Bowl. You will discover the stone base of the Temple of the Four Winds, which provides magnificent vistas, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of this natural amphitheatre.
For your visit, good walking boots with a firm grip are recommended, as some sections can be rocky or muddy, especially during winter months. However, the sandy soil helps the area dry relatively quickly, making it enjoyable in many conditions. The trail is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, promising a refreshing outdoor experience.
This route explores the Devil's Punch Bowl, a Site of Special Scientific Interest with ancient legends and literary connections, notably mentioned by Charles Dickens. You will also pass Gibbet Hill, the second-highest point in Surrey, which offers extensive views over the Weald and holds a grim history commemorated by a Celtic cross. The area's tranquility was significantly enhanced after the A3 road was rerouted through a tunnel in 2011, restoring its natural contours.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
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Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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2.12 km
Old A3 Pathway, Hindhead
Highlight • Trail
Until 2011, the A3 bottlenecked at Hindhead, going from two lanes to one. There was always traffic, air pollution was high there was a significant number of accidents. The Hindhead Tunnel was dug to allow the road to continue as a dual carriageway. Even in the short time since the tunnel opened the difference is incredible. Walking along here it is hard to imagine traffic crawling along the way.
Tip by
2.48 km
Celtic Cross on Gibbet Hill
Highlight • Monument
Three thieves were executed and their bodies hung on the hill as a warning to others. They murdered an unknown sailor they had befriended in the Red Lion in nearby Thursley. His memorial stone is closeby. Locals began to fear the area so in 1851, Sir William Erle erected this cross to show that it was safe.
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2.53 km
Gibbet Hill Viewpoint
Highlight • Historical Site
The three men who killed the unknown sailor (his memorial stone is nearby) were executed and their bodies hung on gibbets here on this hill as a warning to others, hence its name.
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3.23 km
Temple of the Four Winds Viewpoint
Highlight • Historical Site
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6.79 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.59 km
2.44 km
692 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
2.04 km
1.74 km
1.41 km
844 m
750 m
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Elevation
Highest point (270 m)
Lowest point (200 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 27 May
29°C
14°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.