Devil's Punchbowl

The Devil's Punch Bowl is a large natural amphitheatre and beauty spot near Hindhead, Surrey, in England, and is the source of many stories about the area. The London to Portsmouth road (the A3) skirted the centre of the site before the long Hindhead Tunnel was built in 2011.

The land is now owned and maintained by the National Trust as part of the "Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl" property. A Youth Hostel Association youth hostel used to be located inside the bowl but has now closed down. The highest point is Gibbet Hill at 272 metres (892 ft) AOD.

The name Devil's Punch Bowl dates from at least 1768, the year that John Rocque's map of the area was published. This was 18 years before the murder of the unknown sailor on Gibbet Hill, so this event was clearly not the origin of the name. Prior to 1768, it was marked as "ye Bottom" on a map by John Ogilby dated 1675. The northern end of the Bowl is known as Highcombe Bottom which exists in different variants: Hackombe Bottom, Hacham Bottom, and Hackham Bottom. These variants indicate that the pronunciation of the name is "Hay-combe" rather than "High-combe".

The soil in this part of Surrey has two layers — an upper layer of sandstone, with clay beneath. This deep depression is believed to be the result of erosion caused by spring water beneath the sandstone, causing the upper level to collapse. With its steep sides, the Devil's Punch Bowl has become a natural nature reserve, filled with heathland, streams and woodland.

The site has abundant wildlife. Most woodland species can be seen easily - including lesser spotted woodpecker and redstart. It is known for being the last remaining locality of wood warbler in Surrey.

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