SWC Walk 31 – Huntingdon Circular
Length: 18.5km (11.5 miles) Toughness: 2 out of 10
10:08 Peterborough train from Kings Cross (Finsbury Park 10:14) arriving Huntingdon at 11:15.
Return trains are on the hour (journey time 1 hour 8 minutes) Buy a Super Off-Peak Day Return.
It may seem unimaginative to offer a second river valley walk today but like the Arun Valley, the water meadows of the Great Ouse valley are liable to be flooded in winter, so let’s take advantage of the current fairly dry spell to do this walk before it becomes too boggy. It's an easy walk from the historic town of Huntingdon to the attractive twin villages of Houghton and Wyton, with an opportunity to visit Houghton Mill, a working water mill.
It’s the last day this year on which it’s possible to visit the Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon, since it reverts to its winter opening times tomorrow. The museum closes at 3:30pm so you’ll need to visit it before starting the walk. If you do this, or even if you don't, you may want to cut out the 3.5km loop around Houghton Meadows to be sure of finishing before dusk. It's also the last day on which Houghton Mill (NT) will be open until next March.
The suggested lunch stop is the Three Jolly Butchers (01480-463228) in Wyton, or alternatively the Three Horseshoes Inn (01480-462410) in Houghton. Rather than taking tea in Houghton, it may be best to return to The George or somewhere else in Huntingdon to avoid ending the walk in the dark.
More information, including the walk directions, can be found on the Walk 31 main page .
Sunday, 30 October 2016
Sunday First Walk - Sussex water meadows
SWC Walk 14 – Pulborough Circular
Length: 21km (13 miles) Toughness: 4 out of 10
09:17 Havant train from Victoria (Clapham Junction 09:23, East Croydon 09:38) arriving Pulborough at 10:28.
Return trains are at xx:26 (journey time 1 hour 25 minutes) and xx:43 (journey time 1 hour 15 minutes). The cheapest option is to buy separate Advance tickets for the outward and return journeys before Sunday. You will need to specify the particular trains you intend to catch, and cannot change your mind. With dusk arriving around 5pm you’d probably be safe to choose the 17:26 train back.
With British Summer Time having ended, you’ll have had an extra hour in bed this morning, so the apparently early start is not really that early, and is necessary to ensure that the walk can confidently be completed before the light fails. If you’re worried that you might not make it back in daylight, you can omit the Parham Park loop after lunch, as described in the Walk Directions. This reduces the length of the walk to 11 miles.
This a longish but easy walk that explores the water meadows of Amberley Wild Brooks and the RSPB’s Pulborough Brooks, both of which are flooded in winter. So this may be a last chance until next spring to enjoy this tranquil walk with its bird-watching opportunities.
The recommended lunchtime pub is the Sportsman (01798 831787) in Amberley.
You will need to download the Walk Directions, suppressing any sections you plan to omit.
Length: 21km (13 miles) Toughness: 4 out of 10
09:17 Havant train from Victoria (Clapham Junction 09:23, East Croydon 09:38) arriving Pulborough at 10:28.
Return trains are at xx:26 (journey time 1 hour 25 minutes) and xx:43 (journey time 1 hour 15 minutes). The cheapest option is to buy separate Advance tickets for the outward and return journeys before Sunday. You will need to specify the particular trains you intend to catch, and cannot change your mind. With dusk arriving around 5pm you’d probably be safe to choose the 17:26 train back.
With British Summer Time having ended, you’ll have had an extra hour in bed this morning, so the apparently early start is not really that early, and is necessary to ensure that the walk can confidently be completed before the light fails. If you’re worried that you might not make it back in daylight, you can omit the Parham Park loop after lunch, as described in the Walk Directions. This reduces the length of the walk to 11 miles.
This a longish but easy walk that explores the water meadows of Amberley Wild Brooks and the RSPB’s Pulborough Brooks, both of which are flooded in winter. So this may be a last chance until next spring to enjoy this tranquil walk with its bird-watching opportunities.
The recommended lunchtime pub is the Sportsman (01798 831787) in Amberley.
You will need to download the Walk Directions, suppressing any sections you plan to omit.
Saturday, 29 October 2016
Saturday Third Walk – Heaths and lakes in the Blackwater valley
Extra Walk 83ab – Crowthorne to Blackwater, via Eversley Cross
Length: 15 km (9.3 miles), with shorter option (see below). Toughness: 1/10
10:30 Portsmouth Harbour train from Waterloo, changing at Guildford (arr 11:03, dep 11:09) for the Reading train, arriving Crowthorne at 11:38. From Clapham Jct you could take the 10:27 Exeter train and change at Woking (arr 10:45, dep 10:55) as well as Guildford. Buy a return to Crowthorne.
Alternatively, if you'd like more time for the critical connection at Guildford, take the 10:15 Haslemere train from Waterloo (Clapham Jct 10:22), arriving there at 10:50.
Trains back from Blackwater towards Redhill (changing at Guildford for Waterloo) are at 25 & 51 minutes past the hour.
Shorter Option: The walk route goes past Sandhurst station after 11¾ km (7.3 miles), where there are hourly trains towards Redhill at 22 minutes past. [You could also take a train in the other direction at 35 minutes past and change at Wokingham for Waterloo, but this takes longer.]
I wouldn't advise travelling back via Reading and changing there for Paddington as this is only valid with a more expensive "Any Permitted Route" ticket (£14.25 vs. £10.45 with a Network Card).
The short version of this walk has only had a couple of winter postings, each of which suffered from a flooded footpath just before the lunch stop. I thought I'd give it an outing in (hopefully) drier conditions, especially now that the relatively new optional extension to Blackwater makes it more suitable for longer days. It covers similar ground to the main version – pine woods, heathland, lakes, pastures and a long stretch alongside the River Blackwater – although to confuse GPS aficionados some of it is in the opposite direction.
There's a choice of two nice lunch pubs just off the large village green at Eversley Cross, the Frog and Wicket and The Chequers. If you finish at Sandhurst the Village Inn is reportedly better for tea or coffee, but a Halloween Beer Festival at the Rose & Crown will doubtless appeal to some. There are no particularly inviting places near Blackwater station, so if you're doing this extension the suggested tea place is Pistachios in the Park café at the entrance to Sandhurst's Memorial Park; allow 35-40 minutes for the final 2½ km.
You'll need to print the directions from the Extra Walk 83 page. You can reduce the amount of printing by clicking "Short" on the Walk Options line, which hides the directions and map routes which are only needed for the Main Walk.
PDF version: As an alternative, a PDF version of the Short Walk variations is on this Walk 83 (short) page. I'd be interested to hear how well this displays on various mobile devices. T=swc.83.ab
Length: 15 km (9.3 miles), with shorter option (see below). Toughness: 1/10
10:30 Portsmouth Harbour train from Waterloo, changing at Guildford (arr 11:03, dep 11:09) for the Reading train, arriving Crowthorne at 11:38. From Clapham Jct you could take the 10:27 Exeter train and change at Woking (arr 10:45, dep 10:55) as well as Guildford. Buy a return to Crowthorne.
Alternatively, if you'd like more time for the critical connection at Guildford, take the 10:15 Haslemere train from Waterloo (Clapham Jct 10:22), arriving there at 10:50.
Trains back from Blackwater towards Redhill (changing at Guildford for Waterloo) are at 25 & 51 minutes past the hour.
Shorter Option: The walk route goes past Sandhurst station after 11¾ km (7.3 miles), where there are hourly trains towards Redhill at 22 minutes past. [You could also take a train in the other direction at 35 minutes past and change at Wokingham for Waterloo, but this takes longer.]
I wouldn't advise travelling back via Reading and changing there for Paddington as this is only valid with a more expensive "Any Permitted Route" ticket (£14.25 vs. £10.45 with a Network Card).
The short version of this walk has only had a couple of winter postings, each of which suffered from a flooded footpath just before the lunch stop. I thought I'd give it an outing in (hopefully) drier conditions, especially now that the relatively new optional extension to Blackwater makes it more suitable for longer days. It covers similar ground to the main version – pine woods, heathland, lakes, pastures and a long stretch alongside the River Blackwater – although to confuse GPS aficionados some of it is in the opposite direction.
There's a choice of two nice lunch pubs just off the large village green at Eversley Cross, the Frog and Wicket and The Chequers. If you finish at Sandhurst the Village Inn is reportedly better for tea or coffee, but a Halloween Beer Festival at the Rose & Crown will doubtless appeal to some. There are no particularly inviting places near Blackwater station, so if you're doing this extension the suggested tea place is Pistachios in the Park café at the entrance to Sandhurst's Memorial Park; allow 35-40 minutes for the final 2½ km.
You'll need to print the directions from the Extra Walk 83 page. You can reduce the amount of printing by clicking "Short" on the Walk Options line, which hides the directions and map routes which are only needed for the Main Walk.
PDF version: As an alternative, a PDF version of the Short Walk variations is on this Walk 83 (short) page. I'd be interested to hear how well this displays on various mobile devices. T=swc.83.ab
Saturday Second Walk - Autumn colour and views on the North Downs
SWC Walk 131 - Guildford to Horsley
Length: 17.1km (10.6 miles) or 20.1km (12.4 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10: two substantial hill climbs, otherwise mainly level
9.30 train from Waterloo to Guildford, arriving 10.04.
Clapham Junctionites can catch the 9.27 to Woking and change there (arr 9.45, dep 9.56) for the above train.
Buy a day return to Guildford.
For walk directions click here.
I thought this might suit for our last walk before the Great Darkness begins, because if you do the full 20.1km/12.4 mile walk you will fill the available daylight hours (see Last Minute above) and also hopefully get some good autumn colour. Woods on this walk include Chantries Hill, which has some fine sweet chestnuts as I recall, and "the boring bit" - a straight couple of miles along the North Downs ridge after Newland's Corner which is all under the tree canopy. But this walk also has fine views aplenty - from Chantries Hill and Newland's Corner in particular, and possibly a distant view of The Shard etc towards the end.
For lunch, the Drummond at Albury has never disappointed us yet, but there are alternatives. If you are a sandwich-eater or don't require a formal lunch you can take the short cut to Newlands Corner - the 17.1km (10.6 mile) version of the walk - and either jostle with leather-clad bikers at its kiosk (which nevertheless has a quite extensive burger-and-chips-style menu), or try out whatever the current incarnation of the tea shop across the main road is (I can't keep up with its sundry changes in decor/format). The ever-popular escarpment at Newlands Corner is definitely the best place for picnics.
Those who have lunched at The Drummond might use either of the above options as an early tea stop (perhaps a dessert stop, as they are fairly soon after lunch), because pickings get slim thereafter. The only refreshment, in fact, is at The Barley Mow pub 1 mile from the end of the walk, which does do tea in pots, but gets ratty if asked for this more than two or three times in an afternoon. Cruelly, there are no pubs or cafes at all by Horsley station, though the Budgens on the corner (open to 10pm) does have a tea machine and a nice selection of pastries (or did last time I looked).
If you want to linger in The Barley Mow, note that the path from there to Horsley station is all tarmac and along the railway line, albeit through semi-woodland: ie though unlit, it is doable in the dark (though a torch would be useful).
Trains back from Horsley are at 17 and 47 past. Unless these trains are delayed, ignore the 11 and 41 past trains which actually get to Waterloo a few minutes later.
Length: 17.1km (10.6 miles) or 20.1km (12.4 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10: two substantial hill climbs, otherwise mainly level
9.30 train from Waterloo to Guildford, arriving 10.04.
Clapham Junctionites can catch the 9.27 to Woking and change there (arr 9.45, dep 9.56) for the above train.
Buy a day return to Guildford.
For walk directions click here.
I thought this might suit for our last walk before the Great Darkness begins, because if you do the full 20.1km/12.4 mile walk you will fill the available daylight hours (see Last Minute above) and also hopefully get some good autumn colour. Woods on this walk include Chantries Hill, which has some fine sweet chestnuts as I recall, and "the boring bit" - a straight couple of miles along the North Downs ridge after Newland's Corner which is all under the tree canopy. But this walk also has fine views aplenty - from Chantries Hill and Newland's Corner in particular, and possibly a distant view of The Shard etc towards the end.
For lunch, the Drummond at Albury has never disappointed us yet, but there are alternatives. If you are a sandwich-eater or don't require a formal lunch you can take the short cut to Newlands Corner - the 17.1km (10.6 mile) version of the walk - and either jostle with leather-clad bikers at its kiosk (which nevertheless has a quite extensive burger-and-chips-style menu), or try out whatever the current incarnation of the tea shop across the main road is (I can't keep up with its sundry changes in decor/format). The ever-popular escarpment at Newlands Corner is definitely the best place for picnics.
Those who have lunched at The Drummond might use either of the above options as an early tea stop (perhaps a dessert stop, as they are fairly soon after lunch), because pickings get slim thereafter. The only refreshment, in fact, is at The Barley Mow pub 1 mile from the end of the walk, which does do tea in pots, but gets ratty if asked for this more than two or three times in an afternoon. Cruelly, there are no pubs or cafes at all by Horsley station, though the Budgens on the corner (open to 10pm) does have a tea machine and a nice selection of pastries (or did last time I looked).
If you want to linger in The Barley Mow, note that the path from there to Horsley station is all tarmac and along the railway line, albeit through semi-woodland: ie though unlit, it is doable in the dark (though a torch would be useful).
Trains back from Horsley are at 17 and 47 past. Unless these trains are delayed, ignore the 11 and 41 past trains which actually get to Waterloo a few minutes later.
Saturday First Walk: Leigh to Sevenoaks
Saturday First Walk: Leigh to Sevenoaks T=1.21
Walk: 9 miles (14.5km) 5 out of 10
A leisurely start, gives a late lunch, but the pub is open for food all afternoon, and you should still have time for tea at the much improved Knole Park Brewhouse Café.
Travel: There are two train options to start the walk at 1134. London Victoria train to Tonbridge at 1039 arriving 1134, Clapham 1045. Alternatively Charing Cross 1015 Hastings train (1022 London Bridge) , changing at Tonbridge (1058) to the 1119 Southern train (platform 1) arriving 1123. Buy a day return to Leigh (Kent) pronounced 'Lie'.
For the return, there are frequent fast (and slow) trains to Charing Cross. If you prefer Cannon Street, get a train to Orpington, where there is a half hour direct service xx03 and xx33.
Lunch: is the White Rock pub (tel 01732 833 112), Underriver, some 9 km into the walk.
Directions are here L=1.21
Walk: 9 miles (14.5km) 5 out of 10
A leisurely start, gives a late lunch, but the pub is open for food all afternoon, and you should still have time for tea at the much improved Knole Park Brewhouse Café.
Travel: There are two train options to start the walk at 1134. London Victoria train to Tonbridge at 1039 arriving 1134, Clapham 1045. Alternatively Charing Cross 1015 Hastings train (1022 London Bridge) , changing at Tonbridge (1058) to the 1119 Southern train (platform 1) arriving 1123. Buy a day return to Leigh (Kent) pronounced 'Lie'.
For the return, there are frequent fast (and slow) trains to Charing Cross. If you prefer Cannon Street, get a train to Orpington, where there is a half hour direct service xx03 and xx33.
Lunch: is the White Rock pub (tel 01732 833 112), Underriver, some 9 km into the walk.
Directions are here L=1.21
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Wednesday Walk: Book 1, Walk 42 - Holmwood to Gomshall
Leith Tower, its woodlands and its heathlands
Book 1, Walk 42 - Holmwood to Gomshall (with optional extension to Guildford)
Length: Holmwood to Gomshall: 16.7 km (10.4 miles)
Gomshall to Guildford (reversing part of Book 2, Walk 13): 10.4 km (6.5 miles)
Toughness: 6 out of 10
Travel
London Victoria: 09-31 hrs (Horsham train)
Arrive Holmwood: 10-32 hrs
Gomshall: 15-53 hrs via Guildford to Waterloo
16-04 hrs via Redhill to London Bridge or Victoria
16-53 hrs via Guildford
17-06 hrs via Redhill
Gomshall to Guildford by No 32 bus (from outside the Compasses pub): 15-19; 16-30; 17-01 & 18-15. Journey time about 26 mins.
Guildford to London Waterloo: frequent fast trains.
Rail ticket: suggest a day return to Gomshall all routes permitted, which covers return journeys via Redhill or Guildford. In theory you will also require a single from Dorking to Holmwood, but I have never been asked for this.
Today's walk posting assumes Southern will behave themselves today and not cancel the suggested train.
I suggest we start today's walk using the alternative start, before we climb up Leith Hill with its tower, where (if open) we take elevenses before continuing on the morning leg of the walk.
Now - pre-empting anonymous moaners over the early start (before 10 am), the cost of the rail ticket is not expensive today and the start time as recommended in the TO Book will permit those amongst us who wish to walk long today - on to Guildford - to do so in daylight.
The lunch stop is the Stephan Langton Inn in Friday Street, or a little later in the walk, the Wotton Hatch in Wotton. Tea can be taken in Abinger Hammer at the Tea Rooms or at the Compasses Inn in Gomshall. On arrival in Gomshall, those walkers still with petrol in the tank may wish to carry on to Guildford, over the hills and far away, reversing the Book 2 walk - Guildford to Gomshall. With clocks going back four days later, this will be the last chance for SWC walkers to go long for many a month.
Trains from Gomshall back to London are infreqent and if you just miss one, rather than wait for the next you may prefer to take the No 32 bus outside the Compasses Inn to Guildford bus Station, a short walk from the railway station.
There should be the start of some leaf colour in the woods today which should add to the enjoyment of this lovely walk.
T=1.42
L=1.42
Next week: Wednesday 02 November: SWC 191a - Haddenham Circular (excluding Brill)
Book 1, Walk 42 - Holmwood to Gomshall (with optional extension to Guildford)
Length: Holmwood to Gomshall: 16.7 km (10.4 miles)
Gomshall to Guildford (reversing part of Book 2, Walk 13): 10.4 km (6.5 miles)
Toughness: 6 out of 10
Travel
London Victoria: 09-31 hrs (Horsham train)
Arrive Holmwood: 10-32 hrs
Gomshall: 15-53 hrs via Guildford to Waterloo
16-04 hrs via Redhill to London Bridge or Victoria
16-53 hrs via Guildford
17-06 hrs via Redhill
Gomshall to Guildford by No 32 bus (from outside the Compasses pub): 15-19; 16-30; 17-01 & 18-15. Journey time about 26 mins.
Guildford to London Waterloo: frequent fast trains.
Rail ticket: suggest a day return to Gomshall all routes permitted, which covers return journeys via Redhill or Guildford. In theory you will also require a single from Dorking to Holmwood, but I have never been asked for this.
Today's walk posting assumes Southern will behave themselves today and not cancel the suggested train.
I suggest we start today's walk using the alternative start, before we climb up Leith Hill with its tower, where (if open) we take elevenses before continuing on the morning leg of the walk.
Now - pre-empting anonymous moaners over the early start (before 10 am), the cost of the rail ticket is not expensive today and the start time as recommended in the TO Book will permit those amongst us who wish to walk long today - on to Guildford - to do so in daylight.
The lunch stop is the Stephan Langton Inn in Friday Street, or a little later in the walk, the Wotton Hatch in Wotton. Tea can be taken in Abinger Hammer at the Tea Rooms or at the Compasses Inn in Gomshall. On arrival in Gomshall, those walkers still with petrol in the tank may wish to carry on to Guildford, over the hills and far away, reversing the Book 2 walk - Guildford to Gomshall. With clocks going back four days later, this will be the last chance for SWC walkers to go long for many a month.
Trains from Gomshall back to London are infreqent and if you just miss one, rather than wait for the next you may prefer to take the No 32 bus outside the Compasses Inn to Guildford bus Station, a short walk from the railway station.
There should be the start of some leaf colour in the woods today which should add to the enjoyment of this lovely walk.
T=1.42
L=1.42
Next week: Wednesday 02 November: SWC 191a - Haddenham Circular (excluding Brill)
Sunday, 23 October 2016
Sunday Walk 2 Trees and donkeys in Surrey
Witley to Haslemere Book 1 Walk 44
14.2km, 8.8 miles
Difficulty 2/10
A walk to the medieval village of Chiddingfold, then through Frillinghurst Wood and several National Trust estates to Haslemere. Should be good for autumn colour.
Trains: Get the 10:00 Portsmouth Harbour train from Waterloo (Clapham Junction 10:09), arriving Witley 10:59.
Trains return from Haslemere at xx:17 and xx:42. Get a return to Haslemere.
The Lockwood Centre for Horses and Donkeys, just over 1 km into the walk, is open today. If you want to visit, you have a chance to practise the ancient art of dawdling on the way from the station – the train arrives Witley 10:59, the sanctuary opens 11:30. Those in more of a hurry might still glimpse the occasional moke through the hedge.
Lunch: is at the 600 year old Crown Inn in Chiddingfold. Best to phone (01428 682 255). There's another pub nearby, the Swan Inn (01428 684 688). There's also a tea-shop, Treacle’s.
Tea: Two tea shops, Darnleys and Hemingway's, face each other across Haslemere High St. There's pubs there too.
Walk Directions: in Book 1 or here.
T=1.44
14.2km, 8.8 miles
Difficulty 2/10
A walk to the medieval village of Chiddingfold, then through Frillinghurst Wood and several National Trust estates to Haslemere. Should be good for autumn colour.
Trains: Get the 10:00 Portsmouth Harbour train from Waterloo (Clapham Junction 10:09), arriving Witley 10:59.
Trains return from Haslemere at xx:17 and xx:42. Get a return to Haslemere.
The Lockwood Centre for Horses and Donkeys, just over 1 km into the walk, is open today. If you want to visit, you have a chance to practise the ancient art of dawdling on the way from the station – the train arrives Witley 10:59, the sanctuary opens 11:30. Those in more of a hurry might still glimpse the occasional moke through the hedge.
Lunch: is at the 600 year old Crown Inn in Chiddingfold. Best to phone (01428 682 255). There's another pub nearby, the Swan Inn (01428 684 688). There's also a tea-shop, Treacle’s.
Tea: Two tea shops, Darnleys and Hemingway's, face each other across Haslemere High St. There's pubs there too.
Walk Directions: in Book 1 or here.
Sunday walk 1 Autumn in the Chilterns
Little Kimble to Saunderton SWC walk 10
17 km 10.6 miles
Difficulty 5/10
This chilterns walk is good for autumn colour, particularly in Monkton Wood. Lets hope there is some. Starts off flat, ends hilly.
Train: Get the 10:13 Aylesbury train from Marylebone, arriving Little Kimble at 11:08.
Trains return from Saunderton direct at xx:50, platform 2.
If missed you can take the xx:54 from platform 1 and change at Princes Risborough for the next London train.
Get a return to Little Kimble.
Lunch: The Pink and Lily 01494 489 857 (a pub once favoured by Rupert Brooke).
An earlier option would be the Plough 01844 343 302 (where David Cameron left his daughter).
Tea: The Golden Cross pub is handy for the station.
Walk Directions: here
17 km 10.6 miles
Difficulty 5/10
This chilterns walk is good for autumn colour, particularly in Monkton Wood. Lets hope there is some. Starts off flat, ends hilly.
Train: Get the 10:13 Aylesbury train from Marylebone, arriving Little Kimble at 11:08.
Trains return from Saunderton direct at xx:50, platform 2.
If missed you can take the xx:54 from platform 1 and change at Princes Risborough for the next London train.
Get a return to Little Kimble.
Lunch: The Pink and Lily 01494 489 857 (a pub once favoured by Rupert Brooke).
An earlier option would be the Plough 01844 343 302 (where David Cameron left his daughter).
Tea: The Golden Cross pub is handy for the station.
Walk Directions: here
There are one or two navigational challenges en route. The notes recommend using a compass but here’s a couple of Mr Tiger's Tips to see you through.
In the woods shortly after lunch (Monkton Wood), keep to the track at the right hand edge – this track is not obvious on entering the wood but is plain sailing once you're on it.
Later in the walk, 450 metres after point [12] "by the corner of wire mesh fencing, 20 metres to your right" your route is onward down the escarpment to a wooden gate. Use the path slightly to your left to get down.
T=swc.10
In the woods shortly after lunch (Monkton Wood), keep to the track at the right hand edge – this track is not obvious on entering the wood but is plain sailing once you're on it.
Later in the walk, 450 metres after point [12] "by the corner of wire mesh fencing, 20 metres to your right" your route is onward down the escarpment to a wooden gate. Use the path slightly to your left to get down.
T=swc.10
Saturday, 22 October 2016
Third Walk
CW2 Walk 20c - Robertsbridge Circular
Length: 19.3 km (12 miles). Toughness: 4/10
Catch the 10:15 from Charing Cross (Waterloo East: 10:18, London Bridge 10:23) arrives Robertsbridge 11:34.
The White Horse at Silver Hill really does looked to be closed for good now. Consequently the morning route will be via Hurst Green, with lunch at Eurasia at The Royal George PH.
Return from Robertsbridge xx:14 17:44 18:14 18:44 xx:14 until 22:14.
Length: 19.3 km (12 miles). Toughness: 4/10
Catch the 10:15 from Charing Cross (Waterloo East: 10:18, London Bridge 10:23) arrives Robertsbridge 11:34.
The White Horse at Silver Hill really does looked to be closed for good now. Consequently the morning route will be via Hurst Green, with lunch at Eurasia at The Royal George PH.
Return from Robertsbridge xx:14 17:44 18:14 18:44 xx:14 until 22:14.
T=2.20
Saturday Second Walk - A southern Chiltern classic
Book 1, walk 51 - Henley to Pangbourne
Length: 19.2 (11.9 miles)
Toughness: 6 out of 10
9.50 train from Paddington (10.00 Ealing Broadway) to Twyford, arriving 10.42, changing there for the 10.50 to Henley-on-Thames, arriving 11.02.
Buy a day return to Pangbourne. This should be accepted from Twyford to Henley if you explain you are on a walk, but if not the upgrade cost should not be too much.
For walk directions, click here
What better way to celebrate this season of mists, mellow fruitfulness and deepening mud than this book one classic, which despite starting and finishing on the Thames is really a walk on the gentle southern fringes of the Chilterns.
There are four options for lunch, numbers two and three being perhaps best to aim for as they are close together and if one is full the other hopefully will oblige. Number one is a gourmet option but too early in the walk: number four would be a bit of a stretch for all but the fastest walkers. (Assuming all are still open: research - aka a quick Google - suggests they all still have active websites).
In the afternoon you can either hammer on to get to the Lou La Belle Cafe in Pangbourne, which closes at 5pm, or take it easy and enjoy the daylight which today lasts till the soon-to-be extravagantly late hour of 6.20pm (5.52pm sunset).
Trains back from Pangbourne are at 17 and 47 past. Don't bother trying to change at Reading for a faster train to London as this saves 10 minutes at best.
Length: 19.2 (11.9 miles)
Toughness: 6 out of 10
9.50 train from Paddington (10.00 Ealing Broadway) to Twyford, arriving 10.42, changing there for the 10.50 to Henley-on-Thames, arriving 11.02.
Buy a day return to Pangbourne. This should be accepted from Twyford to Henley if you explain you are on a walk, but if not the upgrade cost should not be too much.
For walk directions, click here
What better way to celebrate this season of mists, mellow fruitfulness and deepening mud than this book one classic, which despite starting and finishing on the Thames is really a walk on the gentle southern fringes of the Chilterns.
There are four options for lunch, numbers two and three being perhaps best to aim for as they are close together and if one is full the other hopefully will oblige. Number one is a gourmet option but too early in the walk: number four would be a bit of a stretch for all but the fastest walkers. (Assuming all are still open: research - aka a quick Google - suggests they all still have active websites).
In the afternoon you can either hammer on to get to the Lou La Belle Cafe in Pangbourne, which closes at 5pm, or take it easy and enjoy the daylight which today lasts till the soon-to-be extravagantly late hour of 6.20pm (5.52pm sunset).
Trains back from Pangbourne are at 17 and 47 past. Don't bother trying to change at Reading for a faster train to London as this saves 10 minutes at best.
Saturday First Walk - Autumn colours and Ivinghoe Beacon
Book 2 Walk 5 - Tring Circular
10.1 miles/16.3 km, Toughness 4 out of 10
This walk starts with a bracing ridge walk up to Ivinghoe Beacon, before passing through the woodlands of the Ashridge Estate to the Bridgewater Monument, and finally descending to the village of Aldbury.
Trains: 9:24 from Euston to Milton Keynes Central, arriving at Tring at 09:59. Return trains xx10, xx26, xx56 for Euston, or xx34, xx39 changing at Watford Junction.
Lunch: Bridgewater Arms, Little Gaddesden, 01442 842408
Tea: The National Trust cafe by the Bridgewater Monument has tea and cake. Or furher on in Aldbury village are the Greyhound Inn and Valiant Trooper.
Click here for full details and walk directions
T=2.5
10.1 miles/16.3 km, Toughness 4 out of 10
This walk starts with a bracing ridge walk up to Ivinghoe Beacon, before passing through the woodlands of the Ashridge Estate to the Bridgewater Monument, and finally descending to the village of Aldbury.
Trains: 9:24 from Euston to Milton Keynes Central, arriving at Tring at 09:59. Return trains xx10, xx26, xx56 for Euston, or xx34, xx39 changing at Watford Junction.
Lunch: Bridgewater Arms, Little Gaddesden, 01442 842408
Tea: The National Trust cafe by the Bridgewater Monument has tea and cake. Or furher on in Aldbury village are the Greyhound Inn and Valiant Trooper.
Click here for full details and walk directions
T=2.5
Wednesday, 19 October 2016
Wednesday Walk: Book 2, Walk 1 - Wendover Circular
An energetic woodland walk in the Chilterns
Book 2, Walk 1 - Wendover Circular
Length: 18.5 km (11.5 miles)
Toughness: 7 out of 10
London Marylebone: 10-27 hrs - Aylesbury train
Arrive Wendover: 11-15 hrs
Return: Wendover: 16-23; 16-53; 17-20; 17-55; 18-26; 18-52
Today's walk takes you through a number of woods and vales in the Chiltern Hills with several ups and downs to keep a SWC walker honest.
To reach the pub - the Red Lion, in Whiteleaf- in time for lunch will necessitate walking at a good, steady pace during the morning leg. Slower walkers have the option of a) taking the 09-57 hrs train from Marylebone, and we will catch you up en route, or b) your taking one of the short cuts as noted in the Walk Directions.
After lunch you have a steep hill which plays havoc on one's digestion, then more woods and the remains of Pulpit Hill Fort before you descend to Ellesborough Church. You now have a choice of routes to walk-end. The Book's main route takes you over a number of large, flat, arable fields. If these have been ploughed up recently, the harvest now having been gathered, your boots will soon weigh a ton each from clinging mud, and progress onwards will be very hard going. In these circumstances the alternative route is recommended - a steep ascent up Coombe Hill - to use up the last of your energy - then it's a steady descent into Wendover. So the choice is heavy boots or a knackering climb !
For tea in Wendover, chocaholics make for Rumsey's on the High Street. I don't - I prefer the Shoulder of Mutton pub next to Station Approach, which serves hot drinks, the demon booze and food all day.
If you join us on today's energetic walk you are excused a visit to the gym on Thursday.
T=2.1
L=2.1
Next Week, Wednesday 26 October: Book 1, Walk 42- Holmwood to Gomshall - Leith Hill, woodlands, heathland and maybe, leaf colour.
Book 2, Walk 1 - Wendover Circular
Length: 18.5 km (11.5 miles)
Toughness: 7 out of 10
London Marylebone: 10-27 hrs - Aylesbury train
Arrive Wendover: 11-15 hrs
Return: Wendover: 16-23; 16-53; 17-20; 17-55; 18-26; 18-52
Today's walk takes you through a number of woods and vales in the Chiltern Hills with several ups and downs to keep a SWC walker honest.
To reach the pub - the Red Lion, in Whiteleaf- in time for lunch will necessitate walking at a good, steady pace during the morning leg. Slower walkers have the option of a) taking the 09-57 hrs train from Marylebone, and we will catch you up en route, or b) your taking one of the short cuts as noted in the Walk Directions.
After lunch you have a steep hill which plays havoc on one's digestion, then more woods and the remains of Pulpit Hill Fort before you descend to Ellesborough Church. You now have a choice of routes to walk-end. The Book's main route takes you over a number of large, flat, arable fields. If these have been ploughed up recently, the harvest now having been gathered, your boots will soon weigh a ton each from clinging mud, and progress onwards will be very hard going. In these circumstances the alternative route is recommended - a steep ascent up Coombe Hill - to use up the last of your energy - then it's a steady descent into Wendover. So the choice is heavy boots or a knackering climb !
For tea in Wendover, chocaholics make for Rumsey's on the High Street. I don't - I prefer the Shoulder of Mutton pub next to Station Approach, which serves hot drinks, the demon booze and food all day.
If you join us on today's energetic walk you are excused a visit to the gym on Thursday.
T=2.1
L=2.1
Next Week, Wednesday 26 October: Book 1, Walk 42- Holmwood to Gomshall - Leith Hill, woodlands, heathland and maybe, leaf colour.
Sunday, 16 October 2016
Sunday Walk 2 – Two Royal Parks
Extra Walk 240 – Hampton Court Figure-of-8
Length: 13 km (8.1 miles). Toughness: 1/10
10:27 Hampton Court train from Waterloo (Vauxhall 10:31, Clapham Jct 10:36, etc), arriving at 11:03. Hampton Court is in TfL Zone 6.
Trains back from Hampton Court are at 05 & 35 minutes past the hour.
If you missed last Sunday's encounter with Richmond Park's deer in the rutting season, here's another chance to see these magnificent animals in the parkland and gardens around a famous royal palace, with the added attraction of some early autumn colour on the trees. The pubs in Hampton Wick come a bit too soon for lunch so I suggest stopping at the Pheasantry café in Bushy Park's Woodland Gardens; you'll be going past it at around 12:30 and then again an hour or so later, allowing you to opt for an early or a late lunch stop. The suggested tea stop is the Tiltyard café in the palace grounds, but there are plenty of other refreshment places just across the main road from Hampton Court station.
Earlier this year Historic Royal Palaces controversially ended a longstanding tradition of free entry to the Formal Gardens outside the main summer season, but you can still wander freely around the Wilderness and other ‘informal gardens’.
You'll need to print the maps and directions from the Extra Walk 240 page. T=swc.240
Length: 13 km (8.1 miles). Toughness: 1/10
10:27 Hampton Court train from Waterloo (Vauxhall 10:31, Clapham Jct 10:36, etc), arriving at 11:03. Hampton Court is in TfL Zone 6.
Trains back from Hampton Court are at 05 & 35 minutes past the hour.
If you missed last Sunday's encounter with Richmond Park's deer in the rutting season, here's another chance to see these magnificent animals in the parkland and gardens around a famous royal palace, with the added attraction of some early autumn colour on the trees. The pubs in Hampton Wick come a bit too soon for lunch so I suggest stopping at the Pheasantry café in Bushy Park's Woodland Gardens; you'll be going past it at around 12:30 and then again an hour or so later, allowing you to opt for an early or a late lunch stop. The suggested tea stop is the Tiltyard café in the palace grounds, but there are plenty of other refreshment places just across the main road from Hampton Court station.
Earlier this year Historic Royal Palaces controversially ended a longstanding tradition of free entry to the Formal Gardens outside the main summer season, but you can still wander freely around the Wilderness and other ‘informal gardens’.
You'll need to print the maps and directions from the Extra Walk 240 page. T=swc.240
Sunday Walk 1 – The rolling Chilterns countryside
Extra Walk 243 – Goring Circular via Hill Bottom
Length: 18 km (11.3 miles). Toughness: 4/10
10:00 Weston-super-Mare train from Paddington, changing at Reading for the Oxford train (arr 10:34, dep 10:46), arriving Goring at 10:59. If you get to Paddington early you can take the same Oxford train at 09:45 (Ealing Broadway 09:53) and not need to change. Buy a return to Goring & Streatley.
Trains back are hourly at 32 minutes past. Because of engineering works along the line it doesn't look as if you can save much time by changing at Reading for a non-stop train to Paddington.
This walk had a couple of Saturday outings last year but this is its first Sunday posting. Unlike the SWC's first Goring walks this one ranges over the undulating hills to the east of the river, with just a small overlap with Book 1's Walk 4 (Pangbourne Circular) around Hill Bottom. The Sun Inn here is the suggested lunch pub, with two later alternatives in Woodcote. Goring has several nice pubs to revive you before the journey home, and feedback from last year's walk said that the Village Café in its High Street was open to 5pm on Sundays: if someone could confirm this I'm sure the walk author will update the document to include it.
The walk document suggests a possible 7 km extension along the Thames Path to Whitchurch and Pangbourne, but at this time of year you'd have to keep up a brisk pace to avoid finishing in the dark (sunset is at 6:08pm). If you decide to do this, trains back from Pangbourne are at 37 minutes past.
For more information about the walk and a link to the Directions, OS Map, etc, go to the Extra Walk 243 page. T=swc.243
Length: 18 km (11.3 miles). Toughness: 4/10
10:00 Weston-super-Mare train from Paddington, changing at Reading for the Oxford train (arr 10:34, dep 10:46), arriving Goring at 10:59. If you get to Paddington early you can take the same Oxford train at 09:45 (Ealing Broadway 09:53) and not need to change. Buy a return to Goring & Streatley.
Trains back are hourly at 32 minutes past. Because of engineering works along the line it doesn't look as if you can save much time by changing at Reading for a non-stop train to Paddington.
This walk had a couple of Saturday outings last year but this is its first Sunday posting. Unlike the SWC's first Goring walks this one ranges over the undulating hills to the east of the river, with just a small overlap with Book 1's Walk 4 (Pangbourne Circular) around Hill Bottom. The Sun Inn here is the suggested lunch pub, with two later alternatives in Woodcote. Goring has several nice pubs to revive you before the journey home, and feedback from last year's walk said that the Village Café in its High Street was open to 5pm on Sundays: if someone could confirm this I'm sure the walk author will update the document to include it.
The walk document suggests a possible 7 km extension along the Thames Path to Whitchurch and Pangbourne, but at this time of year you'd have to keep up a brisk pace to avoid finishing in the dark (sunset is at 6:08pm). If you decide to do this, trains back from Pangbourne are at 37 minutes past.
For more information about the walk and a link to the Directions, OS Map, etc, go to the Extra Walk 243 page. T=swc.243
Saturday, 15 October 2016
Saturday Third Walk -- Amberley Circular with possible Arundel Extension
SWC Walk 11: Amberley Circular with possible Arundel
Extension T=3.11
Distance: 11.1 Miles or 17.8 km for those more metrically minded (or 15.1 miles/24.2 km with extension)
Difficulty: 5 out of 10
The recommended lunch spot is the Crown Inn (01903 742 625) in Cootham (5.5 miles/8.2 km into the walk). Tea and other late afternoon refreshments can be had at the Bridge Inn near Amberley Station.
Enjoy the walk!
Distance: 11.1 Miles or 17.8 km for those more metrically minded (or 15.1 miles/24.2 km with extension)
Difficulty: 5 out of 10
Train: Take the 9:36
AM Southhampton/Bognor Regis train from London Victoria (stopping at Clapham Junction at 9:42 and East
Croydon at 9:53), arriving at Amberley at 10:55. Return
trains from Amberley are at 18:17; 18:59; 19:29; 20:30 and 21:30 and from
Arundel at 18:12; 18:54; 19:24; 20:25; 21:25. Buy a day return to Amberley
or Arundel, if planning on doing the extension.
This walk always makes a very enjoyable day out
with a gentle start along the foot of the Downs just above a wetlands preserve
and a dramatic finish following the ridge of the Downs back to Amberley. It is also possible to extend the walk by
doing the last leg of SWC Walk 100
along the Arun River to Arundel. If conditions merit, those of a more adventurous
nature could defer the start of the extension with a stop at the always
charming Bridge Inn near Amberley Station and complete this final segment in
the light of a near full moon. You can
find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here and the extension here.The recommended lunch spot is the Crown Inn (01903 742 625) in Cootham (5.5 miles/8.2 km into the walk). Tea and other late afternoon refreshments can be had at the Bridge Inn near Amberley Station.
Enjoy the walk!
Second Walk – Aldermaston to Woolhampton [Midgham Station] (via Stanford Dingley)
Quiet and scenic, rolling West Berkshire countryside: woodlands, fields,
commons, chalk stream valleys (Kennet, Bourne, Pang), heathland, finish along canal or
through parkland.
Length: 20.3 km (12.6 mi) [shorter walk possible, see pdf]
Length: 20.3 km (12.6 mi) [shorter walk possible, see pdf]
Ascent/Descent:
301 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 4 ½ hours
Toughness:
5 out of 10
Take
the 09.32 Bristol Temple Meads train from Paddington, change at Reading:
arrives 09.57, departs 10.12
(Newbury Train, usually departing from Platform 1); arriving Aldermaston
at 10.25
Return
trains:
xx.24 to 19.24, then 20.10, 21.17, 22.29
hours (change at Reading, from 63 mins journey time). Buy a Midgham return.
First
posting of the full version of this former map led walk, the short version has been
premiered in rather wet conditions on a Wednesday in February (participants
may remember vividly): “This walk explores a
surprisingly quiet part of the commuter area that is West Berkshire, less than
an hour from Central London. It is an undulating landscape with some fine views
over unspoilt countryside -
the West Berkshire Downs, which are part of the North Wessex Downs Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty and consist of a mix of ancient woodlands, commons,
fields and pretty villages with pleasant, historical pubs.
The
route passes through the chalk stream river valleys of the Kennet, the Bourne
and the Pang, where you’ll
also find some evidence of traditional water meadows. Lunch destination is the
very pretty village of Stanford
Dingley in the Pang Valley. The walk also leads through the Bucklebury Estate,
one of the largest in the South, and through the elevated Bucklebury Common, one
of the largest commons in Southern England. In the main this consists of a
variety of woods, but you’ll also walk through one of Berkshire’s largest
heathlands and see part of a famous Avenue of Oaks. At the end there is a
choice of finishes either along the Kennet & Avon Canal or through the
landscaped Midgham Park. “
There are plenty of pubs on and just off route (see
the webpage for details), but the recommended lunch stop is The Bull Inn in Stanford Dingley (8.4 km/5.2 mi).
For
tea there are now two options: The Angel Inn has reopened, and there is The Rowbarge Inn, both in Woolhampton,
2 minutes from Midgham station.
For
walk directions, map, height profile, and gpx/kml files
click here.
T=swc.117
Saturday First Walk - Woods and hills and the hoot of a steam train
Book 1 Walk 34 - Balcombe to East Grinstead
Length: 17.2km (10.7 miles)
Toughness: 6 out of 10
9.42 from London Bridge (9.56 East Croydon) to Balcombe, arriving 10.22.
Best ticket: a tricky one, as Balcombe and East Grinstead are on different branches, diverging at East Croydon. Our resident train gnome says that an "any permitted" day return to Balcombe is accepted at East Grinstead, but recent comments cast doubt on that. You should certainly avoid a cheaper "Thameslink only" return to Balcombe, as you will be coming back on a Southern service. Having said that, you could get a "Thameslink only" return to Balcombe (£5.60 with a Network Card) and then a single from East Grinstead to East Croydon (£6.15 with a Network Card) and then make sure you change at East Croydon to a Thameslink train to return to London Bridge (or use Oyster from there on in, but don't forget to tap in). Anyone with better advice is welcome to post a comment
For walk directions click here.
This pleasant Wealden walk seems to have dropped off the map recently, which is a pity as it was once a firm favourite. You set out eastwards from Balcombe, the only rural stop on the Brighton line, and to begin with there is a fair bit of upping and downing, taking in the gardens of Wakehurst Place, a National Trust property (whose tea room is a potential light lunch stop) en route.
One more up and down brings you to West Hoathly, whose pub the Cat Inn looks to have slight idees au dessus de son gare (ideas above its station: a joke from the Terence Rattigan play French without Tears), even though West Hoathly is in fact not au dessus de son gare because it is the village that refused to let the Bluebell Line re-open its station (see Wikipedia). (Ho ho ho - Ed)
Whatever, with luck your walk through the woods after lunch will be punctuated with the pleasant hooting of a passing Bluebell Line train, before a climb up to Stone Farm Rocks and a walk along the Weir Water Reservoir. Tea is at the Old Mill pub or Starbucks in the Sainsbury's by the station, though keen students of the East Grinstead Circular walk would be able to divert to other options.
Trains back from East Grinstead are at 07 and 37 past.
Length: 17.2km (10.7 miles)
Toughness: 6 out of 10
9.42 from London Bridge (9.56 East Croydon) to Balcombe, arriving 10.22.
Best ticket: a tricky one, as Balcombe and East Grinstead are on different branches, diverging at East Croydon. Our resident train gnome says that an "any permitted" day return to Balcombe is accepted at East Grinstead, but recent comments cast doubt on that. You should certainly avoid a cheaper "Thameslink only" return to Balcombe, as you will be coming back on a Southern service. Having said that, you could get a "Thameslink only" return to Balcombe (£5.60 with a Network Card) and then a single from East Grinstead to East Croydon (£6.15 with a Network Card) and then make sure you change at East Croydon to a Thameslink train to return to London Bridge (or use Oyster from there on in, but don't forget to tap in). Anyone with better advice is welcome to post a comment
For walk directions click here.
This pleasant Wealden walk seems to have dropped off the map recently, which is a pity as it was once a firm favourite. You set out eastwards from Balcombe, the only rural stop on the Brighton line, and to begin with there is a fair bit of upping and downing, taking in the gardens of Wakehurst Place, a National Trust property (whose tea room is a potential light lunch stop) en route.
One more up and down brings you to West Hoathly, whose pub the Cat Inn looks to have slight idees au dessus de son gare (ideas above its station: a joke from the Terence Rattigan play French without Tears), even though West Hoathly is in fact not au dessus de son gare because it is the village that refused to let the Bluebell Line re-open its station (see Wikipedia). (Ho ho ho - Ed)
Whatever, with luck your walk through the woods after lunch will be punctuated with the pleasant hooting of a passing Bluebell Line train, before a climb up to Stone Farm Rocks and a walk along the Weir Water Reservoir. Tea is at the Old Mill pub or Starbucks in the Sainsbury's by the station, though keen students of the East Grinstead Circular walk would be able to divert to other options.
Trains back from East Grinstead are at 07 and 37 past.
Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Wednesday Walk - Liphook to Haslemere
Book 1 Walk 6 – Liphook
to Haslemere
Length:
15.0 km (9.3 mi)
Ascent/Descent:
378 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 4 hours
Toughness:
4 out of 10
Take
the 10.00 Portsmouth Harbour train
from Waterloo, (not stopping CJ),
change at Haslemere onto the 09.45 stopping service (09.52 CJ) to
Portsmouth & Southsea, arriving
Liphook at 11.00.
Return
trains from Haslemere are on xx.02 (last at 21.02), xx.15, xx.32 (last at 21.32) and xx.39
(last at 19.39), journey time from 49 to 66 mins.
This
walk has plenty of relatively mild uphill and downhill sections and routes
almost entirely through full-grown mixed woods - mainly oak, beech and chestnut
trees. After passing Shulbrede Priory in the middle of the woods, you come to
the pub and church by the village green in Fernhurst. In the afternoon, you
cross streams in the forest before passing through Valewood Park and up into
Haslemere, a town surrounded by beautiful countryside.
For tea there’s lots of choice in Haslemere.
Next
Week: Book 2 Walk 1 - Wendover Circular; 20.2 km; 7/10 rating.
T=1.6
Sunday, 9 October 2016
Red deer in Richmond Park
Distance 12km (7.5m); toughness 1/10.
Travel to Richmond Richmond 11am to start walking by 11.10am
This short walk is usually posted in winter but I thought I
would give it an October outing so you have the chance to view the autumn rut
of Richmond Park
Important
note: red deer
The park should be looking splendid as the leaves start to
change colour. You will also have plenty of time to explore Richmond
Walk directions and information on lunch and refreshments can
be found here
A Bedfordshire ramble
Distance 19.5km (12.2m); toughness 4/10; mainly flat. The walk
is stile free.
Trains: London Finsbury Park Sandy
Return trains from Biggleswade at xx:19. Buy a day return to Sandy
This Bedfordshire walk was inspired by the weekly Country
diary in the Guardian newspaper where, from time to time, a nature writer,
Derek Niemann , writes about the flora and fauna around Sandy
Refreshments
The Crown
Northill. (01767 627337) You will only have done a quarter of the
walk when you reach this attractive pub but it makes a lovely stop. You
should reach here about 12.30pm . There is an extensive menu including good
vegetarian options. However it will be a
long stretch after lunch but you can stop at the next pub for a break and
refreshments. There is seating by a pond for picnic lunchers
Hare and
Hounds, Old Warden (01767 627225) 8 miles into the walk for a
late lunch or a refreshment stop.
For late picnic lunchers the Abbey Church of St Leonards
about 500m before the Hare and Hounds is a lovely spot.
The Surfin Café in
Biggleswade is a recommended tea stop. Open until 5pm .
Here are full pdf walk
instructions and further details about the walk including an option to
complete a long circular walk back to Sandy
Saturday, 8 October 2016
Third Walk - Guildford Circular (via Albury Park)
Length: 24.9 km (15.5 mi)
Ascent/Descent: 486m; Net Walking Time: 6 hours
Toughness: 7/10
[to shorten the walk: start or finish at Shalford or Chilworth, for details see the webpage]
Take the 09.30 Portsmouth Harbour train from Waterloo (09.56 Woking), arrives Guildford 10.03.
From Clapham J take either the 09.22 stopping service (arrives Guildford 09.50) or the 09.27 to Woking, changing onto the 09.30 Waterloo departure.
There are four (fast) return trains per hour.
This walk was premiered a few years ago and I remember it as a very good walk through areas not touched by other Guildford walks. But since then “it was significantly changed”, to quote the author. So presumably it’s even better now…?
Here’s the summary to give you an idea of what to expect: “This circular walk explores the area to the south-east of Guildford. The landscape is exceptionally varied, with water meadows, valleys, woods, heathland, parkland and fine views from the contrasting chalk hills of the North Downs and the adjacent Greensand.
The walk leaves Guildford via Shalford Water Meadows alongside the River Wey Navigation, then heads east from Shalford up the valley of the River Tillingbourne. This was once an important industrial area and the route includes a heritage trail through the extensive ruins of the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills, the national importance of which is reflected in its status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. An attractive stretch along the quiet valley of Law Brook (one of the river's tributaries) and across the small Albury Heath brings you to a lunchtime stop in the hamlet of Little London.
The route now heads north through Albury Park, designed by the English landscape pioneer John Evelyn. In 1819 the estate was acquired by the banker Henry Drummond, who built a new parish church in Albury and closed the old Saxon Church, now isolated in the private parkland but accessible to the public. At the same time he became one of the founder members of a new religious movement and built the neo-gothic Catholic Apostolic Church for it. The route then passes the crystal-clear waters of Silent Pool on its climb up the North Downs, where a stretch along the North Downs Way leads to a mid-afternoon refreshment stop at the Newlands Corner viewpoint.
The final section of the walk includes one more climb to another famous church with a long history, St Martha-on-the-Hill, perched on the side of the Greensand hills. A gradual descent through Chantry Wood leads back to the River Wey and Guildford. An alternative return route to Shalford (see below) takes in another historical site on the Tillingbourne, the 18thC Shalford Mill, now managed by the National Trust (open Wed & Sun, by guided tour only; last tour 4pm); admission (2015) is £2.75.”
For tea, a mid-afternoon break at the Newlands Corner viewpoint (5¼ km after Little London) is possible. At the end of the walk there are many tea places in Guildford, Bill’s and Coffee Culture seem to be the preferred options (see the webpage for details).
T=swc.185
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