Dorking sits at the foot of the North Downs in the heart of the Surrey Hills and is one of the finest walking towns in the south-east. Box Hill rises immediately to the north, Leith Hill — the highest point in south-east England — is just a short drive west, and the North Downs Way passes through the area.

A commuter town with good transport links to London, Dorking makes an ideal base for Surrey Hills walking, particularly using the train to avoid parking at busy locations like Box Hill. Several good pubs on walking routes.