Netwalking Dorking: an evening walk for Surrey business networking
Fancy trading the usual networking format, stiff drinks and small talk over a plate of canapes, for some fresh air and a proper conversation? Netwalking Dorking is back this September, and it might just be the most refreshing way to grow your local business contacts this autumn.
Mole Valley Chamber has teamed up with Hello Dorking, as part of the Dorking Walking Festival, to host a free netwalking event open to any business owner or employee across Dorking, Leatherhead and the wider Surrey area. No membership required, just good shoes and a willingness to chat.
What is netwalking?
Netwalking is exactly what it sounds like: networking on foot. Instead of standing in a function room, you walk alongside other local business people through the town, talking as you go. It is a relaxed, low pressure way to build genuine connections, and it works particularly well for people who find traditional networking a bit stilted or intense.
Event details
Date: Tuesday 22 September 2026
Time: 5.30pm to 7.45pm
Meeting point: Old House at Home, West Street, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1BY
Cost: Free
Organised by: Mole Valley Chamber of Commerce and Hello Dorking, as part of the Dorking Walking Festival
Who can attend: Any business owner or employee in Dorking, Leatherhead or the wider Surrey area. You do not need to be a member of Mole Valley Chamber or Hello Dorking (Dorking BID) to take part.
What to expect on the night
The group will meet at the Old House at Home pub on West Street at 5.30pm. From there, everyone will head out on a gentle walk across town to one of Dorking’s green spaces just off the High Street, before heading back to the pub for a drink and a bit more conversation. It is a relatively short, sociable route, suitable for most fitness levels, and there is no formal agenda beyond enjoying the walk and meeting people.
Why it matters for local businesses
For members and non-members alike, this is a low-cost, low-effort way to build the kind of relationships that lead to referrals, partnerships and new customers. Surrey business networking does not have to mean another breakfast event or evening drinks reception. A walk gives you longer, more natural conversations than a typical mixer, and Dorking’s green spaces provide a nice change of scene from a meeting room or pub function area.
It is also a good opportunity to meet people from both the Chamber and Hello Dorking’s business community in one go, useful if you are new to the area, new to business, or simply looking to widen your network beyond your usual circles.
Who should come along
- Business owners and sole traders in Dorking, Leatherhead or wider Mole Valley who want to meet other local businesses in a relaxed setting
- Employees representing a local business who enjoy networking but prefer something less formal
- New or prospective Chamber members who want to get a feel for the community before joining
- Anyone who finds traditional networking events a bit much, and would rather build relationships while walking and talking
Frequently asked questions
No. The walk is free and open to any business owner or employee of a local business. You do not need to be a member of Mole Valley Chamber or Hello Dorking (Dorking BID) to take part.
Netwalking Dorking is a free evening networking walk for local businesses, held as part of the Dorking Walking Festival. It combines a short walk through Dorking’s town centre and green spaces with informal business networking, organised jointly by Mole Valley Chamber and Hello Dorking.
The event runs on Tuesday 22 September 2026 from 5.30pm to 7.45pm, meeting at the Old House at Home pub on West Street, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 1BY.
The route is a gentle walk from the Old House at Home across town to one of Dorking’s green spaces near the High Street, then back to the pub. It is suitable for most fitness levels and is not a strenuous hike.
No, the event is free to attend.
Yes, attendees are asked to complete a short sign-up form in advance so organisers know numbers ahead of the evening.
Comfortable shoes suitable for walking are recommended, along with weather appropriate clothing, as the walk takes place outdoors regardless of light rain.
The group returns to the Old House at Home after the walk for a drink. Food and drink at the pub are available to purchase but are not included as part of the event.
Yes, there is an option on the sign-up form to join the Mole Valley Chamber newsletter and the Hello Dorking newsletter to hear about future events and activities.
The event is jointly organised by Mole Valley Chamber of Commerce and Hello Dorking, the organisation behind Dorking’s Business Improvement District (BID), as part of the wider Dorking Walking Festival.
Ready to walk and talk?
Spaces are informal but sign-up is required so we know numbers on the night. Click the ‘Book Online’ button above to secure your place, and feel free to bring a colleague along too.
We do hope you will join us, and look forward to seeing you there!
Are you a local business in the Mole Valley District and interested in joining the chamber? Find out more here.
