This circular route begins in Dorking, a name likely derived from the Old English Deorc‑ingas, meaning “the people of Deorc,” referring to an early Saxon leader. The town has long served as a crossing point on the River Mole and developed as a market centre in the medieval period.

The walk skirts the edge of Denbies Wine Estate. The name Denbies, recorded in the 14th century, may originate from a personal name such as “Denebald,” though the exact derivation is uncertain. The modern vineyard was established in the 1980s on land once part of the Denbies manor.

From there, the route continues toward Westhumble. The name appears in the 13th century as Westhumle and is thought to come from Old English humol, meaning “hop,” suggesting historical links to hop‑growing. The area lies close to the line of the Roman road Stane Street, which connected London and Chichester.

Chapel Lane takes its name from the 12th‑century chapel of St Mary, now a ruin, which served travellers crossing the Mole Gap. The lane provides a straightforward link toward the ascent onto Ranmore Common.

Ranmore Common’s name is believed to derive from Old English rægn‑mor, meaning “wet heath.” Historically used for grazing, the area later became associated with the Evelyn family of Wotton House. St Barnabas Church, built in the 1850s, remains a notable landmark on the ridge.

The return follows the North Downs Way, a long‑distance trail that aligns with ancient trackways along the chalk escarpment. The term “Downs” comes from Old English dūn, meaning “hill.”

This route is generally suitable for dog walkers, though there are a few short sections on quiet roads. Several of the bridleways and wider tracks are also popular with cyclists, so shared‑use awareness is advisable.

The loop concludes back in Dorking, linking Roman infrastructure, medieval religious sites, Victorian estate history and long‑established agricultural landscapes in a single walk.