Posts tagged National Trust
Walking The Greensand Way through the Surrey Hills

Devil’s Punchbowl

The Greensand Way is a magnificent long-distance footpath that stretches for 108 miles (173 km) across the beautiful landscapes of Surrey and Kent in southeast England. From its western starting point in Haslemere, Surrey, the trail meanders eastward, culminating near Hamstreet in Kent, close to the edge of the Romney Marsh.

True to its name, the route predominantly follows the prominent Greensand Ridge, a geological feature that rises distinctly from the surrounding clay vales. This provides walkers with an incredibly varied and rewarding experience. You'll traverse ancient woodlands, including sections of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, both celebrated for their natural beauty and ecological significance. The trail also passes through charming villages, open farmland, and areas of heathland, offering ever-changing vistas.

One of the defining characteristics of the Greensand Way is the breathtaking views it affords from its elevated position. From various points along the ridge, particularly in Surrey, you can often enjoy expansive panoramas across the Weald to the south, and northwards towards the more distant North Downs. The trail is well-marked with its distinctive Greensand Way logo, making it relatively easy to navigate, though its undulating nature with frequent ascents and descents can provide a good workout for walkers and runners alike.

Beyond the natural beauty, the Greensand Way is rich in history and heritage. You'll encounter historic churches, ancient castles and picturesque villages with traditional pubs, perfect for a refreshment stop. The trail also links to other significant walking routes, offering opportunities for longer adventures. Whether tackling the entire route over several days or enjoying shorter sections, the Greensand Way provides a fantastic opportunity to explore some of southern England's most picturesque and historically significant landscapes.

Point to Point: Walking the Greensand Way in the Surrey Hills

Start: Start of the Greensand Way at alley to the left of 43 High Street, Haslemere, GU27 2LA
Finish: Oxted Station, Oxted, RH8 9EU
Distance: 88 km (55 miles)
Elevation change: + 1,479m / - 1,522m. Net -46m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Maps:
- Haslemere & Petersfield Map | Midhurst & Selborne | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL33
- Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
- Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: LDWA: Greensand Way, Surrey County Council: Greensand Way, Wikipedia: Greensand Way
See individual section posts linked below for other links.

Walking the Greensand Way in the Surrey Hills in 20 walks

If you’re not up for a 88 km walk in one go, you can take in the Greensand Way in the Surrey Hills in 20 walks of between 7 and 11 km each. We chose this option, completing all 20 sections over 2 years from 2022 to 2023. The advantage of this option is exploring more of the villages and side paths close to the route.

Each number refers to a circular walk below. Base map: Esri Topo via RideWithGPS

Section 1: Haslemere and Hindhead

  • Start & Finish: Start of the Greensand Way at alley to the left of 43 High Street, Haslemere, GU27 2LA

  • Alternative Start: National Trust Devil's Punchbowl Car Park, Thursley, Hindhead, GU26 6AG

  • Distance: 9.8 km (6.1 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 231m

Section 2: Devils Punchbowl and Thursley

  • Start & Finish: National Trust Devil's Punchbowl Car Park, Thursley, Hindhead, GU26 6AG

  • Distance: 11.1 km (6.9 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 199m

Section 3: Thursley and Witley Park

  • Start & Finish: St Michael and All Angels Church, Thursley, Godalming, GU8 6QQ

  • Distance: 10.9 km (6.8 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 163m

Section 4: Witley and Hambledon

  • Start & Finish: Hambledon Church, 1 Church Lane, Hambledon, Godalming, GU8 4DS

  • Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 124m

Section 5: Hydons Ball and Holloways Heath

  • Start & Finish: National Trust - Hydon's Ball and Heath car park, Salt Lane, Godalming, GU8 4BB

  • Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 172m

Section 6: Winkworth and Hascombe

  • Start & Finish: Free parking opposite the White Horse Pub, The Street, Hascombe, Godalming GU8 4JA

  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 179m

Section 7: Shamley Green and Grafham

  • Start & Finish: Shamley Green Christ Church, Church Hill, Shamley Green, Guildford, GU5 0UD

  • Distance: 10.3 km (6.4 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 107m

Section 8: Winterfold Wood and Reynards Hill

  • Start & Finish: Hurtwood Car Park 3, Pitch Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 7NL

  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 204m

Section 9: Pitch Hill and Holmbury Hill

  • Start & Finish: Hurtwood Car Park 3, Pitch Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 7NL

  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles),

  • Elevation change: +/- 239m

Section 10: Leith Hill and Broadmoor

  • Start & Finish: Starveall Car Park, Leith Hill Rd, Dorking, RH5 6LU

  • Distance: 10.3 km (6.4 miles)

  • Elevation Change: +/- 206m



Section 11: Westcott and Bury Hill

  • Start & Finish: Holy Trinity Westcott, Logmore Lane, Westcott, Dorking RH4 3NN

  • Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 163m

Section 12: The Nower and Dorking

  • Start & Finish: Reigate Road Car Park, 9 Reigate Rd, Dorking RH4 1SN

  • Distance: 10.8 km (6.7 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 222m

Section 13: Brockham and Betchworth

  • Start & Finish: St Michael's Church, The Street, Betchworth, RH3 7DN

  • Distance: 10.4 km (6.5 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 149m

Section 14: Betchworth and Reigate Heath

  • Start & Finish: St Michael's Church, The Street, Betchworth, RH3 7DN

  • Distance: 9.6 km (5.9 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 98m

Section 15: Reigate and Redhill Common

  • Start & Finish: Bell St Car Park, 83 Bell Street, Reigate, RH2 7AN

  • Distance: 9.1 km (5.6 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 136m

Section 16: Earlswood and Nutfield Priory

  • Start & Finish: St John the Evangelist Church, Redhill, Church Rd, Redhill, RH1 6QA

  • Distance: 8.8 km (5.5 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 165m

Section 17: Nutfield and Bletchingley

  • Start & Finish: High Street, Bletchingley, Redhill, RH1 4PA

  • Distance: 9.9 km (6.1 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 164m

Section 18: Bletchingley and Godstone

  • Start & Finish: High Street, Bletchingley, Redhill, RH1 4PA

  • Distance: 10.4 km (6.5 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 143m

Section 19: Tandridge and Oxted

  • Start & Finish: Oxted Station, Oxted, RH8 9EU

  • Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 165m

Section 20: Oxted and Limpsfield

  • Start & Finish: Oxted Station, Oxted, RH8 9EU

  • Distance: 11.2 km (7 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 142m

Richard gowerTrek, National Trust, Trig Pillar, Surrey Hills, Surrey, EnglandComment
Walking The River Wey and Wey Navigation

The Wey Navigation near Byfleet

The River Wey Navigation, often simply referred to as the Wey Navigation, is a remarkable feat of 17th-century engineering that transformed the natural course of the River Wey into a navigable waterway. Stretching for just under 20 miles (32 km) through the heart of Surrey, from Godalming to its confluence with the River Thames at Weybridge, it holds the distinction of being one of Britain's first truly successful navigations. Opened in 1653, its creation predates many other well-known canals, making it a pioneering example of inland waterway transport and a vital artery for goods like timber, flour, and agricultural produce to reach London.

Unlike many later canals that involved extensive cutting and embankment, the Wey Navigation largely followed the natural river course, enhanced by a series of 17 locks, weirs, and cuts. This blend of natural river and engineered improvements allowed barges to bypass shallow sections and rapids, ensuring a reliable transport route. The infrastructure along the navigation is a testament to the ingenuity of its original builders, with many of the locks, lock houses, and associated buildings retaining their historic character. Walking or cycling along its towpaths offers a picturesque journey through diverse landscapes, from tranquil water meadows and ancient woodlands to the fringes of bustling towns like Guildford.

Today, the Wey Navigation is no longer a commercial highway but has found a new life as a cherished recreational asset. Managed by the National Trust since 1968, it provides a haven for wildlife and a tranquil escape for visitors. Boating, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular activities, offering a unique perspective of the Surrey countryside. Anglers enjoy its well-stocked waters, and birdwatchers are often rewarded with sightings of kingfishers, herons, and various waterfowl.

Beyond its recreational appeal, the Wey Navigation serves as a living museum, offering insights into the industrial past of Surrey. Many of the old wharves and warehouses can still be seen, hinting at the bustling trade that once flowed along its waters. Interpretive boards along the route provide snippets of its history, and the National Trust actively works to conserve its heritage, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this historic waterway. Whether you're interested in engineering history, wildlife, or simply a peaceful day out, the Wey Navigation offers a rich and rewarding experience, connecting communities with nature and a fascinating past.

Point to Point: Walking the Wey Navigation

Start: Thames Lock, Jessamy Road, Weybridge, KT13 8LG
Finish: Godalming Station, Station Approach, Godlaming, GU7 1EU
Distance: 32.5 km (20.2 miles)
Elevation change: + 146m / - 111m. Net -35m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (160) Windsor, Weybridge & Bracknell
- Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Links: LWDA: Wey Navigations, Wikipedia: Wey and Godalming Navigations, National Trust: River Wey and Godalming Navigations
See individual section posts linked below for other links.

Walking the Wey Navigation and River Wey in 9 walks

If you’re not up for a 32 km walk in one go, you can take in the Wey Navigation and River Wey in 9 walks of between 7 and 12 km each. We chose this option, completing all 9 sections over 2 years from 2024 to 2025. Two of the walks are point-to-point with an easy rail connection from the finish back to the start. The others are circular walks from good parking spots. The final section follows the River Wey beyond the end of the Wey Navigation to Eashing, the final point where you can walk next to the river.

Each number refers to a circular walk below. Base map: Esri Topo via RideWithGPS

Part 1: Weybridge and Desborough Island

  • Start & Finish: Churchfield Car Park, Churchfield Road, Weybridge, KT13 8DB

  • Distance: 8.4 km (5.2 miles)

  • Elevation Change: +/- 34m

Part 2: Weybridge Locks and Levels Trail

  • Start & Finish: Churchfield Car Park, Churchfield Road, Weybridge, KT13 8DB

  • Distance: 7.3 km (4.5 miles)

  • Elevation Change: +/- 43m

Part 3: New Haw and Byfleet

  • Start / Finish: Weybridge Railway Station, Station Approach, Weybridge, KT13 8UD

  • Distance: 7.3 km (4.5 miles)

  • Elevation Change: +/- 28m

Part 4: Byfleet and Wisley

  • Start & Finish: High Road Parking, 10 High Road, Byfleet, West Byfleet, KT14 7QG

  • Distance: 8.1 km (5 miles)

  • Elevation Change: +/- 33m

Part 5: Canons and Cornmills

  • Start & Finish: Ripley High Street, Ripley, Woking, GU23 6AN

  • Distance: 8.6 km (5.3 miles)

  • Elevation Change: +/- 50m

Part 6: Newark Lane and Send

  • Start & Finish: Newark Lane Car Park, Ripley, Woking, GU23 7ES

  • Distance: 9.7 km (6 miles)

  • Elevation Change: +/- 39m

Part 7: Worplesdon to Guildford

  • Start: Worplesdon Station, Woking, GU22 0RN

  • Finish: Guildford Station, Guildford GU1 4UT

  • Distance: 11.9 km (7.4 miles)

  • Elevation Change: +/- 52m

Part 8: Guildford to Godalming

  • Start: Guildford Station, Guildford GU1 4UT

  • Finish: Godalming Station, Godalming GU7 1EU

  • Distance: 8.9 km (5.5 miles)

  • Elevation Change: +49m / - 42m. Net +7m

Part 9: Godalming and Eashing

  • Start and Finish: Crown Court Car Park, 41 The Burys, Godalming, GU7 1HR

  • Alternative Start and Finish: Godalming Station, Godalming GU7 1EU

  • Distance: 8.2 km (5.1 miles)

  • Elevation Change: +/- 90m

Epilogue: Medieval Waverley

  • Start and Finish: Parkin on Tilford Green, 2 Tilford Street, Tilford, Farnham, GU10 2BN

  • Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles)

  • Elevation Change: +/- 170m

Richard gowerTrek, National Trust, National Trails, Trig Pillar, Surrey Hills, Canal, Surrey, EnglandComment
Walking The North Downs Way in The Surrey Hills

View to the south from Ockley Hill

The North Downs Way is a National Trail that weaves its way for 153 miles (246 km) across the stunning landscapes of Surrey and Kent in southeast England. From its starting point in Farnham, Surrey, the trail extends eastward, culminating dramatically at the iconic White Cliffs of Dover in Kent. This well-marked route largely follows the chalk ridge of the North Downs, offering walkers a diverse range of terrain. You'll encounter ancient woodlands, chalk grasslands and panoramic views across the Weald.

Beyond its natural beauty, the North Downs Way is steeped in history. Sections of the trail closely trace the ancient Pilgrims' Way, a historic route used by pilgrims travelling to Canterbury Cathedral, famously immortalised in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. Along the way, you'll encounter remnants of Roman roads, Norman castles like Rochester and Thurnham, and even Neolithic burial chambers such as Kit's Coty House. The trail passes through two designated National Landscape – the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs – both recognised for their unique ecological importance and scenic charm. With excellent public transport links, including numerous train stations along its length, the North Downs Way is easily accessible, making it perfect for both multi-day expeditions and shorter day walks.

We completed the Surrey section of the North Downs Way in a series of 7 point-to-point walks over 2 years. This post details both the whole section through the Surrey Hills and links to the 7 individual sections. For further details there’s several books about the Trail and web resources including northdownsway.org and the National Trails’ site.

Point to Point: The full North Downs Way in The Surrey Hills

Start: Farnham Station, Farnham, GU9 8AG
Finish: The Velo Barn, Unit 1, Betsoms Farm, Pilgrims Way, Westerham TN16 2DS
Distance: 75 km (46.6 miles)
Elevation change: + 1,272m / - 1,186m. Net -86m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Maps:
- Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
- Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
- Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Guidebook: The North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Dover (Cicerone)
Links: LDWA: North Downs Way, National Trails: North Downs Way, northdownsway.org
See individual section posts linked below for other links.

Walking The North Downs Way in the Surrey Hills in 7 trips

If you’re not up for a 75km walk in one go, you can take in the North Downs in 7 point-to-point walks of between 9 and 13 km each. We chose this option, completing all 7 sections over a few years from 2021 to 2024.

Each number refers to a circular walk below. Base map: Esri Topo via RideWithGPS

Section 1: Farnham to Puttenham

  • Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles)

  • Elevation change: +118m / -100m. Net +8m

Section 2: Puttenham to Newlands Corner

  • Distance: 12.8 km (7.9 miles)

  • Elevation change: +256m / -181m. Net +75m

Section 3: Newlands Corner to Ranmore

  • Distance: 11.6 km (7.2 miles)

  • Elevation change: +128m / -107m. Net -21m

Section 4: Ranmore to Betchworth

  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

  • Elevation change: +192m / -292m. Net -100m

Section 5: Betchworth to Merstham

  • Distance: 11.1 km (6.9 miles)

  • Elevation change: +206m / -197m. Net -9m

Section 6: Merstham to Gangers Hill

  • Distance: 11.8 km (7.3 miles)

  • Elevation change: +270m / -140m. Net -130m

Section 7: Gangers Hill to Westerham Hill

  • Distance: 9.1 km (5.6 miles)

  • Elevation change: +161m / -216m. Net -55m

Richard gowerTrek, National Trust, National Trails, Trig Pillar, Surrey Hills, Surrey, EnglandComment
TP4009 - Hope Farm: The UK's Most South-Easterly Trig Pillar

Start & Finish: Parking at Dover Patrol Memorial, Granville Road, St Margarets Bay, St Margaret's at Cliffe, Dover, CT15 6DS
Distance: 5.5 km (3.5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 83m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Saxon Shore Way, England Coast Path, St Margaret’s Frontline Britain Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1
OS Trig Pillar: TP4009 - Hope Farm
Pubs / Cafes on route: None
Map: Dover, Folkestone & Hythe Map | England Coast Path | Ordnance
Links: St Margaret's at Cliffe, Dover Patrol Memorial,

This is a short walk near St Margaret's at Cliffe in Kent that visits the most south-easterly OS Trig Pillar in the UK. If you’ve searched for or stumbled across this page then you probably already know what an OS Trig Pillar is. If you don’t then this article from the Ordnance Survey is a good place to start.

The walk starts at the Dover Patrol Memorial where there’s a small free car park. Walk in a south-westerly direction away from the Memorial and look out for a brown footpath sign indicating the St Margaret’s Frontline Britain Trail just before you reach the houses. Follow this path in a north-westerly direction until you reach The Droveway (road). Take a left onto The Droveway then take the footpath on the right that takes you to Kingsdown Road. Take a right onto Kingdown Road to follow it in a north-easterly direction for 1.1 km. The road quickly becomes a track which is part of the NCN 1 cycle route.

Leave the track at the path into the Bockhill Farm National Trust property and follow the left hand edge of the field to a path junction. When you reach some open scrubland cut across the to find the Trig Pillar on the golf-course side of the boundary fence. After the Trig Pillar follow the fence to the south-east then turn left to follow the boundary path between the golf course and the edge of the farm. Look back to see a good view of the Trig Pillar across the golf course. Continue in a north-easterly direction along the field'/golf-course boundary then take the path on the right that leads down to the coastal path. Take a right onto the coastal path to follow it all the way back to the Memorial.

Richard gowerTrek, Trig Pillar, Coast, Kent, National Trails, National Trust, EnglandComment
Walking the River Wey Part 9: Godalming and Eashing

Old Eashing Bridge

Start and Finish: Crown Court Car Park, 41 The Burys, Godalming, GU7 1HR
Alternative Start and Finish: Godalming Station, Godalming GU7 1EU
Distance: 8.2 km (5.1 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 90m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): The Fox Way, Salgassens Path
Other Routes Touched (cycle): Surrey Cycleway
Cafe / pubs on route: Several at the start and end at Godalming. Plus: The Stag on the River (just off route at 4.2 km in)
Map: Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Links: Wey Navigation, River Wey, Godalming, Eashing, Eashing National Trust

This is the ninth and last of a series of short circular walks along the River Wey and the Wey Navigation canal in Surrey. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

This walk picks up where section 8 left off at Godalming Station. If you’re driving there’s large car parks either at the station or at the Crown Court in the town centre. If you’re starting from the station head north onto Westbrook Road and take the Fox Way in an easterly direction to Borough Road. If you’re starting from the Crown Court Car Park then follow the Fox way in a westerly direction from the north-western corner of the car park to reach Borough Road.

Follow the path on the left hand side of Borough Road in a northerly direction then cross under the railway bridge. You’ll soon cross a cross bridge over Hell Ditch, a series of drainage channels following the northern side of the Wey near the town. Take the first path on the left after the railway bridge to leave Borough Road and follow Salgassens Path parallel to Hell Ditch.

This westerly-heading part of the walk is a quiet, pleasant section running by or close to the Wey as it meanders away from the town. We were there on a dry day buy I could imagine it being quite boggy after rain. There were a few bits that had recently been cut back and would likely be overgrown early summer.

Around the 4km mark the path ends at the road through Lower Eashing, rejoining the Fox Way. Take a left to follow the road over the National Trust Old Eashing Bridges. Take a right after the bridge to visit The Stag on The River pub. As well as a good place to rest half-way, this is the end of the walkable route next to the River Wey.

For the return section retrace your steps back to Eashing Bridge and follow the Fox Way. You’ll keep to the southern bank of the river for 200 metres before zig-zagging in an easterly direction back towards Godalming. When you reach New Way at the 6.5 km mark you have a choice: either take a left to follow the Fox Way back to Godalming Station or, the slightly longer route taking a right onto New Way to follow the railway line to Ockford Road then following Grove Road to Godalming High Street. I recommend taking the slightly longer route via the High Street to explore the old market town.

Richard gowerTrek, Canal, National Trust, Surrey, EnglandComment
Walking The Bath Skyline

Bathwick Meadows

Start & Finish: Cleveland Walk Bus Stop on Bathwick Hill, Bath BA2 6EP
Distance: 9.4 km (5.8 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 169m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): National Trust Family Discovery Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: None
Map: Bristol & Bath Map | Keynsham & Marshfield | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 155
Links: Bath, National Trust Bath Skyline

The Bath Skyline Walk offers a captivating escape into nature, just a stone's throw from the historic city of Bath. This National Trust trail winds through a diverse tapestry of landscapes, from ancient woodlands with dappled sunlight to open meadows bursting with wildflowers. As you traverse the route, you'll be treated to ever-changing, panoramic vistas that showcase Bath's iconic Georgian architecture, the winding River Avon, and the serene rolling hills beyond, providing a unique and breathtaking perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

A good place to start is the Cleveland Walk Bus Stop on Bathwick Hill. Many people come here for the spectacular view of the city from Bathwick Meadows without actually doing the walk. If you are doing the walk then I recommend starting here and taking a clockwise direction so that you get to see the Bath city panorama as you approach the end of the walk. If you’re up for making the route a little bit longer you could also walk to the start from Bath City Centre or Bath Spa station. If you’re arriving by car and don’t want to pay the high city centre parking charges there’s free on-street parking on or near Cleveland Walk or North Road.

Richard gowerTrek, National Trust, Somerset, EnglandComment
Walking the River Wey Part 8: Guildford to Godalming

Where the North Downs Way crosses the Wey Navigation

Start: Guildford Station, Guildford GU1 4UT
Finish: Godalming Station, Godalming GU7 1EU
Distance: 8.9 km (5.5 miles)
Elevation Change: +49m / - 42m. Net +7m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Wey Navigation Footpath, Wey-South Path, North Downs Way, Scholar’s Trail, Guildford and Shalford Disused Railways Walk, The Fox Way
Other Routes Touched (cycle): Surrey Cycleway
Cafe / pubs on route: Several at the start and end at Guildford and Godalming. Plus: The Ragged Robin (6.3 km in)
Map: Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Links: Wey Navigation, River Wey, River Wey and Godalming Navigations (National Trust), Guildford, Godalming

This is the eighth of a series of short circular walks along the River Wey and the Wey Navigation canal in Surrey. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

Similar to Section 7 this is a station-to-station walk with a train connection between them. We parked near Guildford Station for the start of the walk and returned from Godalming Station at the end. There’s plenty of parking options at Guildford Station however we started 1 km away at Dapdune Wharf which has free parking for National Trust members.

Navigation is especially easy for this section as it follows the towpath on the north-western side of the canal for most of the way, crossing over to the southern side at Bridge Road Godalming. The only part to watch out for is at the start where the path across the islands at Millmead has been temporarily closed and you need to take a diversion of ~0.5km along Millbrook (A281), returning to the towpath after the Weyside pub.

Along the route you’ll pass the bridge where the North Downs Way crosses the canal with a very small beach next to it. We were there on a warm summer’s day and a lot of dogs were making the most of the beach for a dog party. Further down you’ll pass the disused section of the railway that once connected Shalford station to the mainline heading south. There’s also several WW2 Pill-boxes on the route guarding over the canal.

At Godalming you’ll reach the end of the navigable / canalised section. Beyond this the river Wey continues west towards Tilford where it splits with 2 sections leading to different sources. This is the final section of the Wey Navigation walks, but there’s one more walk that follows the river to Eashing.

Richard gowerTrek, Canal, National Trust, Surrey, EnglandComment
Walking The Shakespeare's Way: The Chilterns Section

Rotten Row

The Shakespeare’s Way is a 235 km / 146 mile mile long-distance path connecting Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon with the Shakespeare's Globe (Theatre), Southwark, London. A 34km section of the path cuts through the Chiltern Hills National Landscape in a south-easterly direction. Our walks take in short sections of the Shakespeare’s Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Shakespeare’s Way is reasonably well marked however you’ll need a map or GPX route to keep on track for the return sections of the loops. The guidance below will help but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide.

Point to Point: Britwell Salome to The Grand Union Canal at Yiewsley

Start: Britwell Salome, Watlington, OX49 5LG
Finish: Grand Union Tow Path, Yiewsley, West Drayton, UB7 7XN
Distance: 59 km (36.7 miles)
Elevation change: + 665 / - 755m. Net +90m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Maps: See individual section posts linked below.
- Chiltern Hills West Map | Henley-on-Thames & Wallingford | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 171
Links: Shakespeare’s Way (LWDA), See individual section posts linked below for other links.

Walking The Shakespeare’s Way Chilterns Section in 12 Circular Routes

If you’re not up for an 59 km walk in one go, you can take in the Shakespeare’s way in 12 circular walks of between 6 and 13 km each. We chose this option, completing all 12 sections over a few years from 2020 to 2025. The advantage of this option is exploring more of the villages and side paths close to the route. After Route 12 you can follow the Beeches Way to reach Yiewsley and the end of the Chilterns Section of the Shakespeare’s Way.

Note that these walks take you through the Chilterns Hills National Landscape. See the Walking The Beeches Way post for the continuation from Cookham to Yiewsley

Each number refers to a circular walk below. Base map: Esri Topo via RideWithGPS

Part 1: Britwell Salome and Lower Warren

  • Distance: 7.8 km (4.8 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 123m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Britwell Salome to The Ridgeway: 2.2 km

Part 2: Swyncombe and The North

  • Distance: 8.1 km (5 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 176m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: The Ridgeway to Cookley Green: 3.8 km

Part 3: Swyncombe and Park Corner

  • Distance: 9.9 km (6.2 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 199m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Cookley Green to The Chiltern Way near Maidensgrove: 2.1 km

Part 4: Nettlebed, Park Corner and Maidensgrove

  • Distance: 8.5 km (5.3 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 159m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: The Chiltern Way near Maidensgrove to Park Lane: 1.2 km

Part 5: Russell's Water, Pishill and Maidensgrove

  • Distance: 9.2 km (5.7 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 166m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Maidensgrove Common to farm at south Maidensgrove: 1.32 km

Part 6: Stonor and Turville Heath

  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 208m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Farm at south of Maidensgrove to Southend: 5.9 km

Part 7: Southend and Skirmett

  • Distance: 12.3 km (7.6 miles)
    Elevation change: +/- 216m
    Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Southend to Hambleden: 5.4 km

Part 8: North-east Hambleden Circular

  • Distance: 9.7 km (6 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 145m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Hamble Brook to Rogues Plantation: 2.9 km

Part 9: Bovingdon Green and Shillingridge Wood

  • Distance: 10.9 km (6.8 miles)
    Elevation change: +/- 152m
    Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Rogues Plantation to Pullingshill Wood: 2.5 km

Part 10: Marlow and Harleyford

  • Distance: 10.2 km (6.3 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 94m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Pullingshill Wood to The Thames Path at Marlow: 3.4 km

Part 11: Marlow Donkey

  • Distance: 11.4 km (7 miles)

  • Elevation change: + / - 65m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: The Thames Path at Marlow to Bourne End Rail Bridge: 3.4 km

Part 12: Bourne End, Cookham and Wooburn

  • Distance: 8.2 km (5.1 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 83m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Bourne End Rail Bridge to Broad Lane, Widmoor: 3.9 km

Richard gowerTrek, Chilterns, Thames, National Trust, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Colne Valley, EnglandComment
Cycling The NCN 2 from Dover to Hastings

Early morning start in Hastings

This was a 2-day cycle adventure continuing our occasional crawl around the south-coast of England, 1 weekend at a time. We picked up where we left off the previous summer at Dover Waterfront and headed towards Brighton. As well as being well-spaced for a 50(ish) mile a day trip, the towns were also good for trains to and from London. Our main consideration was that the outbound train from London Victoria to Dover Priory has to be after 19:00 to avoid Friday evening rush-hour. It got us into Dover after dark but it was only a 10 minute cycle to the Dover Premier Inn where we were staying. There were no restrictions on the return trip from Brighton to London Victoria on the Friday.

Day 1: Dover to Hastings

Start: Dover Priory Station, Priory Station Approach Road, Dover CT17 9SB
Finish: Hastings Pier, 1-10 White Rock, Hastings, TN34 1JY
Distance: 97.4 km (54 miles)
Elevation change: + 602m / -609m (Net -7)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Saxon Shore Way, North Downs Way, King Charles III England Coast Path, High Weald Landscape Trail, 1066 Country Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 2, 17, Cantii Way
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but we stopped at Pedaler on the Port, Dover (1.5 km in), The Star, St Mary in The Marsh (40 kmi in), Brew at 32, Lydd (51 km in), The Lookout, Rye (66 km in)
OS Trig Pillar: TP4139 - Jurys Gap
Maps:
- Dover, Folkestone & Hythe Map | England Coast Path | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 138
- Romney Marsh, Rye & Winchelsea Map | Tenterden & New Romney | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 125
- Hastings & Bexhill Map | Battle & Robertsbridge | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 124
Links: Dover, Folkestone, Abbots Cliff Sound Mirror, Hythe, Royal Military Canal, Romney Marsh, St Mary In The Marsh, Lydd, Camber Sands, Rye, Whichelsea, Hastings

 

Our trip started at 10:30 on the Saturday after Dover Waterfront parkrun and a slow breakfast at the Pedaler on the Port cycle cafe. The 87 km route was mostly flat but bookended by steep climbs at the start and end of the day. The early climb came right after Dover town as the NCN 2 ascends Shakespeare Cliff to Capel-le-Ferne before a steep descent into Folkestone. Watch out for the Sound Mirror next to the Millennium Milepost at 8 km which gives you a good excuse for a rest around half-way through the climb.

The first part of the flat section under Radnor Cliff in Folkestone and along the Royal Military Canal is a highlight of the route. We bypassed Hythe town but, in hindsight, we would have stopped there for some food as pubs and cafes are few and far between in the marshland west of Hythe. By the time we reached St Mary In The Marsh at 40km we more than ready for a rest in The Star pub. As it happened we were too late for lunch and too early for dinner so, after a short rest, we pressed onto Lydd to have a longer rest and some good food in the cycle-friendly Brew at 32.

After Lydd it’s only 6 km back to the coast at Jury’s Gap, although the strong wind in our face made it feel like 20 km. After another pub stop in Rye we pressed on towards Hastings via the steep climb at Fairlight. After 80 km of wind I had no interest in trying to keep in the saddle and decided to push the bike up most of the hill. The steep down into Hastings was the reward, as was the warm meal and early night ahead of day 2.

Day 2: Hastings to Brighton

Start: Hastings Pier, 1-10 White Rock, Hastings, TN34 1JY
Finish: Brighton Station, Queens Road, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1 3XP
Distance: 72 km (44.7 miles)
Elevation change: +507m / -475m (Net +32m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Motoring Heritage Trail, 1066 Country Walk, Wealdway, South Downs Way, Vanguard Way, Sussex Ouse Valley Way, Newhaven-Brighton Clifftop Path, Greenwich Meridian Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 2, 21, 90, Cuckoo Trail, Prime Meridan Cycle Route
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but we stopped at Pevensey Starbucks (17.5 km in), Arlington Tea Garden (31.5 km in), The Ark, Newhaven (54.3 km in) and a chip shop near the beach in Brighton.
Maps:
- Hastings & Bexhill Map | Battle & Robertsbridge | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 124
- Eastbourne & Beachy Head Map | Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL25
- Brighton & Hove Map | Lewes & Burgess Hill | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL11
Links: Hastings, Bexhill-on-Sea, Pevensey, Cuckoo Trail, South Downs National Park, Alfriston, Seaford, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Rottingdean, Brighton

 

With no parkrun to work around we set off early along the Hastings to Bexford seafront with the aim of finding breakfast around 15km in. After passing several sea-side places that weren’t quiet open we settled for a Starbucks next to a petrol station in Pevensey. Not the nice coastal stop like we found in Walmer on the previous trip but it did the job.

Our original plan for this second day was to come off the NCN s at Pevensey, sticking to the coast through to Eastbourne then crossing the South Downs through Jevington. In the end we decided to stick to the NCN 2 through Polegate, Arlington and Alfriston. Although it takes a wide path away from the coast, it’s an interesting route through pretty villages.

After the South Downs section the NCN 2 took us back to the coast at Seaford. We were on familiar territory having visited Peacehaven, Rottingdean and Brighton on previous cycle trips.

Our final section took us along the coast to Brighton Pier with a quick stop near the beach for chips before heading north to the station to get the train back to London. The next section will likely be in 2026 with a return to Brighton for the next section to Poole.

The Full 2-Day Route

Day 1 in red, day 2 in blue

The Millennium Mileposts

Dotting the UK's National Cycle Network are over 1,000 unique markers known as the Millennium Mileposts. Unveiled in 2000, these cast-iron sculptures are more than just waymarkers. Designed by four artists, one from each nation of the UK, they celebrate the diversity of the cycling routes. These artistic mileposts come in various shapes and can be found in both bustling towns and scenic landscapes, adding a touch of artistic charm to a cycling adventure.

Here’s the 26 Mileposts that I spotted on the 2 day cycle trip. The first 22 were on Day 1 and the final 4 were on day 2.

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Coast, Disused Railway, National Trails, National Trust, Trig Pillar, South Downs, National Park, Canal, Kent, Sussex, EnglandComment
The Lap 75k Ultra Marathon

Ascent of Latterbarrow

When: May 10th 2025
Start and Finish: Low Cunsey Farm, Cunsey, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, LA22 0LU
Organiser: The Lap
Distance: 77km (47 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 2681m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Windermere Shore Footpath, Windermere West Shore, Dales Way, West Windermere Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 6, 637. Lakes and Dales Loop
Other routes touched (run): Rothay Park parkrun
Summits: Latterbarrow, Loughrigg Fell, Wansfell Pike, Wansfell, Baystones, Orrest Head, Brant Fell, Gummer’s How
OS Trig Pillars: TP4549 - Loughrigg Fell, TP3536 - Gummers How
Map: The English Lakes: South-Eastern Area Map | Windermere, Kendal & Silverdale | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL7
Finish time: 14 hours, 51 minutes, 24 seconds
Links: Lake Windermere, Graythwaite Estate, Far Sawrey, Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, Troutbeck, Windermere (Town), Newby Bridge, Finsthwaite

This was my 14th Ultra and my 5th with my friend Mark. It was also my first big Ultra since the 100k Race To The Castle in 2021. Since then I’d had a few years of local 50k Ultras, waiting for another big one to excite me. After another friend had completed The Lap the previous year and loved it, I signed up straight away.

The Lap is a 75km circuit of Windermere, England’s largest lake. It takes a scenic, hilly route away from the lake with some tough climbs paid back by some great views. With the climbs, I found it hard to estimate what my finish time would be so I decided that finishing would be good enough and coming in before dark would be amazing.

As we arrived at the basecamp for the 06:00 start, the sun was coming up over the hills to the east of the lake. As usual at the start-line, I reminded myself not to get over excited and start too quickly. I need not have worried as the narrow country lanes and single-track through woods kept everyone at a slow, often walking, pace.

After the first feed station at Far Sawtry the pack was more spread out and we could speed up. Latterbarrow was the first climb at 11 km with a short steep climb up to the monument then an equally steep down. Shortly after the descent I saw road signs to Ambleside and decided that we were making very good time and would be there by our target of 09:30. I was wrong. I had forgotten that the route veers away from the lake at its north-west corner and climbs Loughrigg Fell before descending to Ambleside. It was at the second feed station at Skelwith that I realised we were actually an hour behind plan. It was also now getting hot and we still had the 2 big climbs to do. The new plan was “forget the plan”.

The northern section of the route has the 3 big climbs, Loughrigg Fell at 335m elevation and Wansfell at 487m. By Lake District standards, they’re both easy fells to walk but on an Ultra on a hot day they were killers. By the time we were down from Wansfell at the Troutbeck half-way feed-station, most of my running ability was gone.

Mark and I stayed mostly together until Gummers How, the final climb at 57 km. Mark is faster than I am so I generally lose him by the half way point. I often gain a bit of time at feed-stations as I don’t like to stop for long which gives me a bit of distance before Mark catches up with me again. Mark did a great job of encouraging me to run a few extra times rather than speed walk. That probably shaved up to 2 minutes off my total time.

My low-point of the route was a long stretch after Windermere of very similar-looking plantation and not many people around. Mark and I re-connected for the ascent of Gummer’s How. By the time we met Timea, our support crew for the day, we were both a bit tired and grumpy. I was still recovering from a cold and any running was now giving me a headache. Timea saved us with a pasty and some painkillers and we were back on the route.

Timea met us several times on the early evening southern section of the route greatly helping my motivation. After Newby Bridge the route turned back to the north for the final 10 km to the finish line. Although behind my “optimistic” plan, I had some new energy and felt that I could reach the finish before dark. I crossed the finish line at 20:51, well before dark and under 15 hours. Mark very kindly finished 18 minutes ahead of me so that he could be ready to video my finish.

It was in the top 3 most difficult Ultras that I’ve done but also in the top 3 most enjoyable.

Richard gowerRun, Ultramarathon, National Trust, Lake District, National Park, Westmorland, Lancashire, EnglandComment
Walking The North Downs Way Part 8 - Westerham Hill to Otford

North Downs Way near Chevening

Start: The Velo Barn, Unit 1, Betsoms Farm, Pilgrims Way, Westerham TN16 2DS
Finish: Otford Memorial Hall, 28A High St, Otford, Sevenoaks, TN14 5PQ
Distance: 12.8 km (7.9 miles)
Elevation change: +128m / -225m. Net -97m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Berry’s Green Circular Walk, Darent Valley Path
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Velo Barn at the start of the route, Rose & Crown Sevenoaks (10 km in), several in Otford High Street
OS Trig Pilllar: TP4287 - Knockholt Beeches
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Guidebook: The North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Dover (Cicerone)
Links: Chevening, Otford, LDWA: North Downs Way, National Trails: North Downs Way, northdownsway.org

This is the eighth of a series of short point-to-point walks along the North Downs Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent. Our walks took in short sections of 10 km to 13 km which we did with a friend over the course of a couple of years when our schedules coincided. The North Downs Way is well sign-posted however I highly recommend taking a map or GPX route to keep you on track. The Cicerone book on the trail is a great guide to the points of interest along the way.

Our original plan was to only walk the first seven sections covering Surrey before the driving from home started getting to long. It was only when I was completing my quest to bag all OS Trig Pillars within the M25 that I realised that I needed to do one final section and get the Knockholt Beeches Trig Pillar to complete the set.

Picking up from the Velobarn at Westerham Heights we continued east along the North Downs Way. This was a bright, sunny day in mid-April and a nice change from the gloominess of the previous section that we did nearly 18 months ago. The first 5 km of this section stays high on the ridge with great views to the south across open fields. At around 4.7 km you can take a very minor diversion to the north of the trail to find the Trig Pillar hiding in a bush along a field fence-line.

Shortly after the Trig Pillar the trail enters Cooper’s Wood. Watch out for the cutting in the trees where you can see down to Chevening House, the official country residence of the British Foreign Secretary. You can also get a good view of the estate as the trail descends out of the woods, across farmland to Sundridge Road. When we were there in April 2025 a diversion was being put in place to cut off part of the route that follows Sundridge Road. We chose not to take it, prefering to stick to the route that we had on the map. In hindsight I wish we had taken the diversion as there’s no pavement on some of the road and very fast cars wizzing by.

Shortly after crossing over the A21 on Morrants Court Road you’ll reach the Rose and Crown at the 10 km point. It’s the first pub to stop for a rest on this section. The final 3 km after the Rose and Crown also follows the Darent Valley Path into Otford. This is a pretty village with some well kept old buildings and several information boards detailing its history.

Richard gowerTrek, National Trails, National Trust, Trig Pillar, Kent, EnglandComment
Walking the River Wey Part 7: Worplesdon to Guildford

Woodbridge Crossing, Guildford

Start: Worplesdon Station, Woking, GU22 0RN
Finish: Guildford Station, Guildford GU1 4UT
Distance: 11.9 km (7.4 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 52m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Wey Navigation Footpath, The Fox Way
Other Routes Touched (cycle): Surrey Cycleway
Cafe / pubs on route: The Olive Tree (2.5 km in), The Row Barge (9.1 km in), Cafe at National Trust Dapdune Wharf (just off route at 11 km in), many in Guildford Town Centre at end
Map: Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Links: Wey Navigation, River Wey, River Wey and Godalming Navigations (National Trust), Worpledon, National Trust Dapdune Wharf, Guildford

This is the seventh of a series of short circular walks along the River Wey and the Wey Navigation canal in Surrey. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

In a change to the circular routes of previous sections, this one is a station-to-station walk with a train connection between them. We parked near Guildford Station and took the train one stop north to start the walk at Worplesdon Station. From Worplesdon Station entrance walk north to meet Prey Heath Road and take a right. You’ll now be on the Fox Way which you’ll follow in an easterly direction until you reach the Wey Navigation between Sutton Green and Fell Hill. Note that the Fox Way isn’t well sign-posted so a map or GPX route is important here.

You’ll reach the Wey Navigation at the marshy island where section 6 left the canal. Cross over to the eastern side of the canal and take a right heading south. From here the rest of the route is very simple with 8.5 km of towpath walking all the way back to Guildford Station. When you get to the Woodbridge Crossing (as featured on the banner photo above), around 11 km in, it’s worth taking a short diversion over the footbridge to the National Trust property at Dapdune Wharf. There’s exhibitions about the Wey Navigation, a cafe and and old barge.

Richard gowerTrek, Canal, National Trust, Surrey, EnglandComment
Walking The South Bucks Way

The start of the South Bucks Way at the Coombe Hill Monument

The South Bucks Way is a 37 km (23-mile) trail that promises a delightful escape for walkers and hikers. This scenic route, often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, offers a tranquil journey through charming villages, lush countryside, and the gentle murmur of the River Misbourne. This post is part of a series of circular walks featuring the South Bucks Way. The full trail stretches from Coombe Hill near Wendover to the Grand Union Canal at Denham. Our walks take in short sections of the South Bucks Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The South Bucks Way is well sign-posted however you’ll need a map or GPX route to keep on track for the return sections of the loops. The guidance below will help but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide.

Point to Point: The full South Bucks Way

Start: Coombe Hill Monument via Coombe Hill Car Park, Coombe Hill, Lodge Hill, Aylesbury, HP17 0UR
Finish: Grand Union Canal via Denham Country Park, Denham Court Drive, Denham, Uxbridge UB9 5PG
Distance: 37 km (23 miles)
Elevation change: + 251m / - 461m. Net -210m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Pubs / Cafes on route: See individual section posts linked below.
Maps:
- Chiltern Hills North Map | Aylesbury, Berkhamsted & Chesham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 181
- Chiltern Hills East Map | High Wycombe, Maidenshead & Rickmansworth | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 172
Links: South Bucks Way (LDWA), See individual section posts linked below for other links.

Walking The South Bucks Way in 10 Circular Routes

If you’re not up for an 37km walk in one go, you can take in the South Bucks Way in 10 circular walks of between 6 and 13 km each. We chose this option, completing all 10 sections over a few years from 2020 to 2024. The advantage of this option is exploring more of the villages and side paths close to the route

Each number refers to a circular walk below. Base map: Esri Topo via RideWithGPS

Part 1: Coombe Hill and Little Hampden

  • Distance: 8.6 km (5.3 miles).

  • Elevation change: +/- 139m

  • South Bucks Way Section Covered: Coombe Hill to Little Hampden: 3.71 km

Part 2: Little Hampden and Great Missenden

  • Distance: 11.2 km (7.0 miles).

  • Elevation change: +/- 200m

  • South Bucks Way Section Covered: Little Hampden to Great Missenden: 5.19 km

Part 3: Great Missenden and Little Kingshill

  • Distance: 9.2 km (5.7 miles).

  • Elevation change: +/- 114m

  • South Bucks Way Section Covered: Great Missenden to Little Kingshill: 3.3 km

Part 4: Little Kingshill and Little Missenden

  • Distance: 9.9 km (6.1 miles).

  • Elevation change: +/- 104m

  • South Bucks Way Section Covered: Little Kingshill to Little Missenden: 3.47 km

Part 5: Little Missenden and Shardeloes

  • Distance: 8.1 km (5.0 miles).

  • Elevation change: +/- 74m

  • South Bucks Way Section Covered: Little Missenden to Shardeloes: 2.84 km

Part 6: Amersham, Winchmore Hill and Penn

  • Distance: 12.5 km (7.8 miles).

  • Elevation change: +/- 119m

  • South Bucks Way Section Covered: Shardeloes to Amersham Market Square: 1.2 km

Part 7: Amersham and Coleshill

  • Distance: 11.5 km (7.1 miles).

  • Elevation change: +/- 118m

  • South Bucks Way Section Covered: Amersham Market Square to Rushcroft Wood: 4.0 km

Part 8: Chalfont St. Peter, Seer Green and Chalfont St. Giles

  • Distance: 13.1 km (8.1 miles).

  • Elevation change: +/- 124 m

  • South Bucks Way Section Covered: Rushcroft Wood to Chalfont St. Peter: 4.3 km

Part 9: Gerrards Cross to Denham

  • Distance: 10.4 km (6.4 miles).

  • Elevation change: +81 / -116. Net -35m

  • South Bucks Way Section Covered: Chalfont St Peter to Denham Station: 7.6 km

Part 10: Denham Village and The Grand Union Canal

  • Distance: 6.2 km (3.9 miles).

  • Elevation change: +/- 29m

  • South Bucks Way Section Covered: Denham Station to the Grand Union Canal: 2.3 km

Richard gowerTrek, Chilterns, National Trust, Buckinghamshire, Colne Valley, Canal, Railway, EnglandComment
Walking the River Wey Part 6: Newark Lane and Send

Reflections in the Wey

Start & Finish: Newark Lane Car Park, Ripley, Woking, GU23 7ES
Distance: 9.7 km (6 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 39m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Wey Navigation Footpath, The Fox Way
Other Routes Touched (cycle): Surrey Cycleway
Cafe / pubs on route: The New Inn, Send (3.1 km in) and The Seven Stars (9.3 km in)
Map: Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Links: Wey Navigation, River Wey, River Wey and Godalming Navigations (National Trust), Send

This is the sixth of a series of short circular walks along the River Wey and the Wey Navigation canal in Surrey. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

This section starts at Newark Lane Car Park where there’s enough (free) parking for around 10 cars. It was very rutted with large water-filled holes when we were there so be careful if you have a car with low clearance. This route is a narrow circular taking in more of the Wey Navigation than other sections. The actual River Wey and the Broadmead Cut, another channel, split off on the northern bank at ~750m into the route and rejoin at 3.5 km in.

At 3.1 km into the route you’ll cross over Send Road to the south eastern side of the navigation. Here’s a good place to stop for a rest at The New Inn, the only pub on the route until you reach The Seven Stars near the end point. After the new Inn continue south along the navigation to a bridge at 4.7 km. Here you’ll leave The Fox Way as it crosses the bridge heading west. Instead, hop over the style and follow a path across marshland to another bridge. It was extremely wet and boggy when we were there so be sure to wear waterproof boots if it has recently rained. Cross over the bridge and follow the northern bank of The Wey to St Mary The Virgin Church.

From the church follow Church Lane as it curves to the north, cross over Potter Lane and continue north up Send Hill. Shortly after the junction with Winds Ridge road take a footpath on the left to follow it onto Farm Lane. Take a right onto Sandy Lane, cross over Send Road and follow Tannery Lane onto Peppercourt Lane until the junction with Newark Lane. Take a left onto Newark Lane to follow it back to the car park.

Richard gowerTrek, Canal, National Trust, Surrey, EnglandComment
Walking the River Wey Part 5: Canons and Cornmills

The ruins of Newark Priory

Start & Finish: Ripley High Street, Ripley, Woking, GU23 6AN
Distance: 8.6 km (5.3 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 50m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Wey Navigation Footpath, The Fox Way
Other Routes Touched (cycle): Surrey Cycleway
Cafe / pubs on route: Several in Ripley High Street at the start and end. We like Nest Home and Cafe. Also, The Anchor (5.7 km in)
Map: Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Links: Wey Navigation, River Wey, River Wey and Godalming Navigations (National Trust), Pyrford, Ripley, Newark Priory

This is the fourth of a series of short circular walks along the River Wey and the Wey Navigation canal in Surrey. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

As with the Weybridge Locks and Levels Walk, this was an already established route rather than one that I created myself. The PDF is a great guide to the walk so I won’t repeat any of it here. The only thing to note is that the route does miss a short section of the Wey Navigation near Pyrford Lakes in order to include Ripley and Ockham Mill. If you prefer a shorter walk that misses Ripley and Ockham Mill but covers the full length of the Wey then the Newark Lane Car Park is a good alternative place to start and end the walk.

Richard gowerTrek, Canal, National Trust, Surrey, EnglandComment
Walking the River Wey Part 4: Byfleet and Wisley

Murray's Bridge on the Wey Navigation

Start & Finish: High Road Parking, 10 High Road, Byfleet, West Byfleet, KT14 7QG
Distance: 8.1 km (5 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 33m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Wey Navigation Footpath
Other Routes Touched (cycle): Woking Planet Network: Venus Route
Cafe / pub on route: Several in Byfleet Village Centre. The Anchor (2.7 km in)
Maps:
- Windsor, Weybridge & Bracknell Map | Thames Path | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 160
- Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Links: Wey Navigation, River Wey, River Wey and Godalming Navigations (National Trust), Byfleet, Pyrford, Wisley

This is the fourth of a series of short circular walks along the River Wey and the Wey Navigation canal in Surrey. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

This walk starts at Byfleet village centre where there’s free parking at the western end of High Road. Walk in a westerly direction along the A245 Parvis Road, cross over the canal on the road bridge. Descend on the northern side of Parvis Road to cross back over to the eastern side of the canal on the Old Parvis Road bridge.

Continue south along the Wey Navigation for just over 2 km to reach the Anchor pub at Pyrford Lock. Points of interest along the way are Murray’s Footbridge and Dodd’s Footbridge, both with information signs detailing their history.

At The Anchor pub leave the canal and take a footpath heading in an easterly direction across Wisley Golf Course toward Wisley village centre. Take a left onto an unnamed lane by the Old Village Shops then a right onto a footpath. Follow this path in an easterly direction for 1.2 km, through woods and over the M25 to a path junction. Take a left and follow the path to join the eastern bank of the River Wey. Cross over the Wey on a wooden footbridge then take a right onto the driveway that connects Byfleet Manor with Mill Lane. Cross over Mill Lane and continue along the western side of the River Wey until the A245 Parvis Road. Take a left onto Parvis Road, then a left onto High Road and follow it all the way back to the start.

Richard gowerTrek, Canal, National Trust, Surrey, EnglandComment
Walking the River Wey Part 3: New Haw and Byfleet

New Haw Lock

Start & Finish: Byfleet Road Parking, Byfleet Road, Addlestone, KT15 3JQ
Distance: 7.3 km (4.5 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 28m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Wey Navigation Footpath, Locks and Levels
Other Routes Touched (cycle): None
Cafe / pub on route: The White Hart near New Haw Lock at the start and end. Several in Byfleet village centre.
Map: Windsor, Weybridge & Bracknell Map | Thames Path | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 160
Links: Wey Navigation, River Wey, River Wey and Godalming Navigations (National Trust), New Haw, Byfleet, Brooklands

This is the third of a series of short circular walks along the River Wey and the Wey Navigation canal in Surrey. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

This walk starts at the New Haw Lock where there’s a free car park off Byfleet Road. From here pick up the Wey Navigation Towpath, heading south. After 1 km you’ll reach Woodham Junction, where the M25, Basingstoke Canal and the London to Woking railway line all cross or connect to the canal. The M25 flyover is crosses over the canal diagonally and has some impressive artistic graffiti that’s worth checking out. After the M25 there’s a small footbridge across to the Basingstoke Canal, a nice reminder of when I cycled it a few weeks before.

After Woodham Junction continue south along the Wey Navigation for another 1 km to the Old Parvis Road Bridge. Cross over to the western side of the canal then find the steps up to the new Pavis Road bridge to cross back over to the eastern side of the canal. This is where we leave the Wey Navigation for this section.

Here you have 2 options to cross through Byfleet. The shortest, simplest route is to continue east along Parvis Road then take a left to follow the A318 Sopwith Drive and find the footpath on the eastern side of the A318 that heads in an easterly direction to the River Wey. Alternatively, as we did, follow a slightly longer, but less busy route through Byfleet village centre via High Road. This re-joins Parvis Road where you can cross over and follow Green Lane and Weymede to meet the footpath that connects to the River Wey. Note that some of the gates to the footpath at the northern end of Weymede can be locked as it’s a private estate. We found one that was unlocked, but it you find all gates locked you may need to take a longer route to join the path from the A318 Sopwith Road.

Once on the River Wey path follow it in a northerly direction, keeping the river on your right and Brooklands on your left. Brooklands is the former aerodrome and racing circuit that has since been converted into several different uses including a community park and the home to Mercedes World. After the northern end of Brooklands, the River Wey and the footpath pass under the large brick railway bridge that carries the London to Woking line, previously seen at Woodham Junction. After the railway bridge take a left at the path junction to follow the Locks and Levels path back to new Haw Lock.

Richard gowerTrek, Canal, National Trust, Surrey, EnglandComment
Walking the River Wey Part 1: Weybridge and Desborough Island

The Old Wey Bridge

Start & Finish: Churchfield Car Park, Churchfield Road, Weybridge, KT13 8DB
Distance: 8.4 km (5.2 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 34m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Wey Navigation Footpath, Locks and Levels, Thames Path
Other Routes Touched (cycle): NCN 4
London Coal Duty Posts: 91, 92, 93
Cafe / pub on route: Several in Weybridge Town Centre, The Old Crown and The Minnow (2.2 km in), D'Oyly's (2.7 km in)
Map: OS Explorer Map (160) Windsor, Weybridge & Bracknell
Links: Weybridge, Wey Navigation, River Wey, River Wey and Godalming Navigations (National Trust), D'Oyly Carte Island, Desborough Island, Desborough Cut,

This is the first of a series of short circular walks along the River Wey and the Wey Navigation canal in Surrey. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

This walk starts at the Churchfields Car Park in Weybridge town centre. Walk along Church Street in a south-westerly direction then take a right onto Bridge Street. Soon you’ll cross the old Wey Bridge which the town took its name from. The bridge crosses over both the River Wey and the Wey Navigation. Once over the bridge take a right to step down to the Wey Navigation footpath to follow it in a northerly direction towards the confluence with the River Thames. You’ll pass a lot of large, expensive houses on the route. At 1.6 km into the walk you’ll reach Thames Lock, the final lock on the Wey Navigation. Cross over to the right hand side of the lock and follow the path that crosses over the River Wey onto Church Walk. Take a left onto Church Walk, cross over Jessamy Road and follow the path to Thames Street. Take a left onto Thames Street, heading north and pass the Old Crown and The Minnow pubs. Take a left into the small car park next to the Rowing Club to join the path by the River Thames.

Follow the path by the Thames in a north-easterly direction. Soon you'll pass the small ferry where you’ll pick up the Thames Path National Trail. Next you’ll pass D’Oyly Carte Island where there a good, and often busy, cafe. Just after D’Oyly Carte Island, you’ll reach the Desborough Cut, an artificial channel, completed in the 1930s, that bypasses a meandering stretch of the Thames near Shepperton. The Thames Path National Trail follows the Cut, but for this walk we crossed over the Walton Lane bridge to follow the path along the northern side of Desborough Island to stay close to the original course of The Thames.

At the eastern end of Desborough Island cross over the bridge and walk down the steps to rejoin the Thames Path. After 100m, cross over Walton Lane to pick up Broad Water Walk, a path that follows the southern edge of the Engine River and Broad Water lake. Follow this path in a westerly direction until you reach Grenside Road. Take a left to follow Grenside Road south, onto Thames Street, then High Street where you’re back at the start of the walk at Weybridge town centre.

Richard gowerTrek, Canal, Coal Duty Post, Thames, National Trust, National Trails, Surrey, EnglandComment
Cycling The Basingstoke Canal

Where the Basingstoke Canal meets the Wey Navigation at New Haw

Start: Greywell Tunnel, 134 Hook Road, Greywell, Hook, RG29 1BY
Finish: Thames Towpath parking, 91 Thames St, Weybridge, KT13 8LR
Distance: 55.6 km (34.5 miles)
Elevation change: +246m / -318m. Net -72m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Three Castles Path, Blackwater Valley Path, River Wey Navigation Path, Locks and Levels,
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 221, 223, 4,
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Fox and Goose at the start. Several just off-route but we stopped in Fleet (16 km in) and Woking (43.5 km in) and The Old Crown near the end.
Maps:
- Basingstoke, Alton & Whitchurch Map | Odiham, Overton & Hook | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 144
- Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
- Windsor, Weybridge & Bracknell Map | Thames Path | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 160
Links: Basingstoke Canal, Greywell, Greywell Tunnel, Odiham Castle, Fleet, Woking, Aldershot, Mytchett, River Wey Navigation, River Wey

The Basingstoke Canal is a navigable waterway that runs through Hampshire and Surrey. Originally built in the late 18th century to transport goods between Basingstoke and the Thames, the canal fell into disuse in the mid-20th century. The first 10 km from Basingstoke to the Greywell Tunnel is either completely lost or unnavigable. Most of the eastern side of the canal after is navigable albeit the first couple of km only suitable for canoes and paddleboards.

We completed the full length of the canal in 2 sections. The first section was a walk of the “lost” part from Basingstoke to Greywell and the section section a tow-path cycle ride from Greywell to the Thames. See my previous post for the first section and read on for part 2.

The first point of interest is only 1 km into the ride. On the left hand side of the path you’ll find the ruins of Odiham Castle, build in the early 1200s for King John. I had already visited it on a Three Castles Path walk a few years ago but it had a bit of restoration work since then.

Our trip was on a misty late-summer Sunday morning which made for a very pleasant quiet ride along the misty canal. Cycling in this direction shows the gradual increase of its use from overgrown and empty at Greywell to an active use at Woking. The canal takes it’s time to get to the Thames, meandering around the contours on a consistent level at the start before a much straighter and steeper descent at the end.

Navigation is super-simple (just stick to the tow-path) and there’s lots of options just off the path for food stops. We stopped at Fleet and Woking, both big towns, although there’s other choices if you keep an eye on the map.

The Basingstoke Canal ends at Woodham Junction near Byfleet and New Haw railway station. Here the canal joins the Wey Navigation and its where the Waterloo to Basingstoke railway line crosses under the M25. This is an obvious place to stop if you just want to complete the Basingstoke Canal and you also have the option here to return to Basingstoke by train.

We weren’t done yet though as we wanted to reach the Thames. We crossed the small bridge over the Wey Navigation and took a left to follow the towpath on the eastern side toward Weybridge. The Wey Navigation meets the River Wey 4km north of Woodham Junction. Keep to the towpath on the western edge of the Wey Navigation to the end point at the confluence of the Wey and the Thames.

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Canal, Thames, National Trust, Hampshire, Surrey, EnglandComment
Cycling The Viking Coastal Trail and NCN 1 in Kent

Margate Beach

This was a 2-day weekend cycle adventure on the NCN 1 and 15 in Kent. For Brian and I it was a continuation of the Thames Barrier to Margate trip that we did earlier in the year. This time we returned to Whitstable to pick up the NCN 15 to follow it to the end at Dover. For day 2 we followed the NCN 1 back to Whitstable. At 145 km and mostly flat it’s an easy ride giving more than enough time for coffee and cake stops along the way.

Day 1: The Viking Coastal Trail from Whitstable to Dover

Start: Premier Inn Whitstable hotel, Thanet Way, Whitstable, CT5 3DB
Finish: Premier Inn Dover Central (Eastern Ferry Terminal) hotel, Marine Court, Marine Parade, Dover, CT16 1LW
Distance: 79.5 km (49 miles)
Elevation change: + 554m / -602m (Net -48)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): England Coast Path, Saxon Shore Way, Oyster Bay Trail, Wantsum Walk, Augustine Camino, Stonelees Trail, Miner’s Way Trail, Via Francigena
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 15: Viking Coastal Trail, NCN 16, EV5,
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but we stopped at Westgate-on-Sea, Whitfield and Sandwich.
Maps:
- Canterbury & Isle of Thanet Map | Herne Bay, Deal & Whitstable | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 150
- Dover, Folkestone & Hythe Map | England Coast Path | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 138
Links: Whitstable, Herne Bay, Reculver, Westgate-on-Sea, Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Sandwich, Whitfield, Dover

 

Our trip started at the Premier Inn on the southern edge of the town. From there it’s a 2.5 km cycle to the coast where, as it was Saturday, we stopped for Whitstable parkrun. The NCN 15 (not to be confused with the same numbered route in Leicestershire) runs from Whitstable to Dover, with the Reculver to Pegwell Bay section called the Viking Coastal Trail.

As it passes through several sea-side towns there’s lots of options to stop for food and drink along the way. We planned to stop for breakfast in Margate but hunger got the better of us so we stopped early at Westgate-on-Sea. At Pegwell Bay there’s an option to return to Whitstable via the inland section of the Viking Coastal Trail. That would make a great half-day trip, effectively a circuit of the Isle of Thanet, but we carried on south along the route 15.

After Pegwell Bay the route leaves the coast and heads in-land to Sandwich. We planned to have lunch there, mostly for the childish amusement of having a sandwich in Sandwich. We timed it badly though and arrived just as cafes were closing for the afternoon and the pubs were packed. As we were retuning there the next day we grabbed some quick food and moved on.

After Sandwich the route continues south, gradually climbing in elevation to the highest point of the day at Dover Castle. After this there’s a steep descent to Dover town centre where we stayed the night at the Marina.

Day 2: Dover to Whitstable via the NCN 1

Start: Premier Inn Dover Central (Eastern Ferry Terminal) hotel, Marine Court, Marine Parade, Dover, CT16 1LW
Finish: Premier Inn Whitstable hotel, Thanet Way, Whitstable, CT5 3DB
Distance: 64.7 km (40 miles)
Elevation change: - 554m / +602m (Net +48)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): England Coast Path, Saxon Shore Way, Stour Valley Walk, Augustine Camino, Canterbury Middle Ring Walk, Canterbury Outer Ring Walk, Crab & Winkle Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, NCN 15: Viking Coastal Trail
OS Trig Pillar: TP5672 - Richborough Hill
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but we stopped at Walmer, Sandwich, Fordwich and Canterbury
Maps:
- Canterbury & Isle of Thanet Map | Herne Bay, Deal & Whitstable | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 150
- Dover, Folkestone & Hythe Map | England Coast Path | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 138
Links: Dover, White Cliffs of Dover National Trust, Walmer Sandwich, Fordwich, Canterbury, Canterbury and Whitstable Railway, Whitstable

 

For our return leg to Whitstable we followed the NCN 1, completing the London to Dover section that we started in our trip earlier in the year. The first section is very steep and follows a narrow path up to the top of the White Cliffs of Dover. We were an hour away from fully waking up so made the easy choice to slowly walk the bikes up the cliffs. From the top there were great views over the Channel and back to Dover Castle while we recovered from the climb.

From the top the route has an 8 km steady downhill section to the coast at Kingsdown to make up for the earlier climb. This coastal section was one of my favourite parts of the 2-dy trip with its mix of quiet country lanes and easy riding along the sea-front. We were not in a rush so decided to maximise the coffee and cake stops with the first one at Walmer. Stop #2 was in Sandwich where we had a lot more success than the previous day with cafes actually being open and wanting to sell us food.

The middle section from Sandwich to Canterbury was flat and pleasant but not particularly memorable. We pushed on to Canterbury for a long lunch near the Cathedral. The final section from Canterbury was far more interesting as it mostly follows a disused railway nicknamed the Crab and Winkle line.

This was a very easy weekend, both from a logistics and a cycling perspective. If you don’t have a hole weekend then it can be split into 2 shorter circles with Sandwich as the split.

The Full 2-Day Route

Day 1 in blue, Day 2 in red

The Millennium Mileposts

Dotting the UK's National Cycle Network are over 1,000 unique markers known as the Millennium Mileposts. Unveiled in 2000, these cast-iron sculptures are more than just waymarkers. Designed by four artists, one from each nation of the UK, they celebrate the diversity of the cycling routes. These artistic mileposts come in various shapes and can be found in both bustling towns and scenic landscapes, adding a touch of artistic charm to a cycling adventure.

Here’s the 21 Mileposts that I spotted on the 2 day cycle trip. The first 2 were on the Viking Coastal Trail on Day 1 and the rest were on the NCN 1 on Day 2.

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Coast, Disused Railway, Kent, National Trails, England, National Trust, Trig Pillar Comments