The walk starts from the National Trust car park. A short walk across a bracken covered corner of the heath leads to the late Victorian church of St Mary the Virgin. Opposite the Cock public house a path leads through a pastoral landscape leading to a tiny wood, at the end of which is the heath. A moderately steep and stony path gives way to a surfaced drive, followed before long by a grassy path, a sandy track and a narrow stony path. These changes of surface underfoot continue for the rest of the walk as underlying soil types vary. The scenery differs even more as the route goes through a great variety of vegetation.

After a climb to an open grassy space, a steep descent follows down a path of wooden steps. On the way, a breathtaking view of a deeply wooded valley opens up on the left. From the foot of the hill another climb, albeit gentler, begins and another valley view appears to the right. Behind are delightful views of Box Hill.

Headley, as it appears today, owes much to the effects of World War Two, when extensive tank training disturbed the soil and encouraged the growth of birch. Birch is an early constituent in the development of forest and over the years longer living hardwoods such as oak and beech will take over.

The character of the heath changes over the seasons. In early spring ferns begin to grow and unfold but these are overshadowed by the spectacular show of bluebells in late April and early May. Summer sees areas of wild flower meadow when butterflies come to show their colourful array and in the autumn rich colours of russet red and golden yellows take shape in the leaves of the trees. So come anytime, there is always something to see on Headley Heath. All year round.