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This Week's Walks - Archive

Please see the Saturday Walker's Club This Week's Walks page.

This is an archive of walks done by the Saturday Walker's Club. You should only need to use this page if the SWC website is down.

Sunday 11 August 2019

In the steps of the unknown sailor and across a heathery heath (Haslemere to Farnham)

SWC Walk 144:  Haslemere to Farnham via remote heathery heathlands T=swc.144

Length: 14.7 Miles or 23.6 km for those more metrically minded (various options exist to lengthen or shorten the walk – see walk instructions for details)

Difficulty:  7 out of 10

Train:  Take the 9:30 AM South Western Portsmouth Harbour train from London Waterloo arriving in Haslemere at 10:32. Return trains from Farnham are hourly and half-hourly until 23:00.  Buy a day return to Haslemere  (you may then need a separate Farnham to Woking single). 

This walk is chalk full of variety and interest….from the fine view points of the Temple of the Four Winds  and Gibbet Hill  (the second highest point in Surrey) around the Devil’s Punchbowl then across heathery heathland with interesting World War II relics and finally to the romantic ruins of Waverley Abbey before arriving in Farnham. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for resting and rehydrating along this journey….Also, interestingly, the early part of the route passes by a few landmarks associated with the poignant tale of the unknown sailor. More information and the walk instructions can be found here.

The suggested lunch stop is the Three Horseshoes in Thursley, 6.5 miles/10.5 km into the walk (a booking has been made) and suggested afternoon refreshment stop is the Barley Mow in Tilford. On arrival in Farnham, there are numerous options for post walk bevies….the Mulberry near the station and the William Cobbett a short distance further on are two recommendations….See walk instructions for details….

Enjoy the walk!

2 comments:

Sandy said...

n=12 on this great walk, including 1 or 2 newcomers I think. We enjoyed w=beautiful-sunshine-and-a-light-breeze and impressive heathery colours. Most partook of refreshments of some kind in the nice garden of the 3 Horseshoes at lunchtime, where Sunday roasts went down well I believe. Everyone did both Thursley Common extensions and at least half the walkers also visited the "Atlantic Wall." There were some weary legs by the time we got to a welcome afternoon stop in the garden of the Barley Mow, after which the group I was with made good time on the final leg from Tilford to Farnham where the William Cobbett was also visited before we got the 1900 train. Thanks to all for a top day out.

Stargazer said...

To echo Sandy's report, it was a real delight to do this walk with her best finery on show...seas of purple glimmering in the sun...but also lots of variation along the route....a really great day out....