Hindhead Common and The Devil's Punch Bowl

Hindhead is a diverse, dramatic landscape - and not just in appearance. These Surrey hills also have a myriad of stories to tell.

This guidebook uncovers these stories: tales of isolated beginnings and a sailor's infamous murder; of doomed businessman Whitaker Wright; and of the writers and philanthropists drawn to this area in the 19th century, including Arthur Conan Doyle and Alfred, Lord Tennyson.

Linking them all is the Portsmouth Road. It too has a story, evolving from highwayman's haunt to subject of the groundbreaking 'A3 Tunnel Project' completed in 2011.

Among the philanthropists who settled here was Sir Robert Hunter, co-founder of the National Trust. This guidebook describes his impressive career, and shows how he secured Hindhead for the Trust and shaped the organisation we are today.