Trail Running> Routes > Godalming Routes
Trail running routes starting and finishing at Godalming station – 11 km loops to 35 km long runs in the surrounding Surrey Hills.
These are my favourite training routes — from quick midweek escapes to longer endurance runs that make excellent conditioners for marathons and ultras. The trails are mainly sandy and well-drained, staying runnable all year round.
11 – 17 km Trails from Godalming
Short to mid distance trail runs – perfect for weekdays or if you’re short on time.
Godalming → Shackleford
–11-16 km–• • –Easy–• • 115 m – 230 m
Fast and undulating • Perfect for easy runs or faster tempo efforts
Godalming → Winkworth and Hydon’s Ball
–15km–• • –Easy–• • 290 m
Fast with hilly sections • Great for developing power on short climbs
Godalming → Thorncombe Street
–16km–• • –Easy–• • 260 m
Fast with hilly sections • Great for developing power on short climbs
Godalming → Cuttmill Pond
–17 km–• • –Easy–• • 225 m
Fast and undulating • Perfect for easy runs or faster tempo efforts
20 – 26 km Trails from Godalming
Classic long run territory – ideal for weekends and endurance building.
Godalming → Hascombe and Hydon’s Ball
–20km–• • –Easy–• • 400 m
Hilly and engaging • Perfect for building endurance in the hills
Godalming → St. Martha’s Hill
–22 km–• • –Easy–• • 240 m
Fast and flat with just a single climb • Perfect for long easy runs or drop in some tempo and marathon pace work
Godalming → Thursley Common
–24 km–• • –Easy–• • 170 m
Fast and flat • Great for long easy runs, or mix it up with tempo and marathon pace work
Godalming → The Sands
–26 km–• • –Easy–• • 360 m
Moderately hilly • Great for building endurance and banking some miles
30+ km Trails from Godalming
Bigger days on the trails – perfect for marathon tune-ups and ultra training.
Godalming → Winterfold Forest
–32 km–• • –Moderate–• • 775 m
Very hilly (for Surrey!) • perfect for mountain preparation or a final marathon tuner
Godalming → Frensham
–34 km–• • –Moderate–• • 520 m
Moderately hilly • Great for building ultra endurance or a final marathon tuner
Godalming → Chiddingfold
–35 km–• • –Moderate–• • 660 m
Moderately hilly • Perfect for building ultra endurance or a final marathon tuner
FAQs
Do any of these trail runs have sections on-road?
There are a few inevitable road interchanges, but I plan all my routes to make these as short and enjoyable as possible. They always serve as necessary sections between areas that enhance the overall run experience. Many of the small lanes in these routes take you through attractive villages that add variety and a sense of place.
What trail surfaces can I expect on these runs?
Expect the following: Sandy paths and bridleways (loose and compacted), forest and woodland tracks with tree routes, single tracks through heather, fields and grass footpaths, unmade roads and farm tracks, occasional flooded areas in winter, sandstone and flint paths, tarmac roads and footpaths.
What type of trail shoes are best for the Surrey Hills?
Much of the area has a sandy soil type, so drains quickly – especially on the commons and higher ground – so thick mud isn’t generally an issue. Trail shoes with 4 mm lugs are perfect for the general range of surfaces throughout the year. Hybrid road-to-trail shoes are also a good option and even road shoes are fine after long spells of dry weather.
Why do these trail routes all start from Godalming Railway Station?
Purely as a convenient reference point. It’s also the best orientation for runners who may be travelling to Godalming on the train. An easy run of 5-10 mins from the station will have you on the trails in all of my routes.
Looking for more trail running inspiration?
Trail Running Routes in the Brecon Beacons
Trail Running Routes in the Peak District
