Posts tagged Surrey Hills
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 Wey Navigation and River Wey in 9 walks

If you’re not up for a 32m 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 a few 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

Richard gowerTrek, National Trust, National Trails, Trig Pillar, Surrey Hills, 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 22023.

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
Walking The Guildford and Shalford Disused Railways

Broadford Road bridge over the disused railway path

Start: Shalford Station, Guildford, GU4 8JD
Finish: Guildford Station, Guildford, GU1 4UT
Distance: 9.1 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 52m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Wey-South Path, National Trust Railway Walk, Scholar’s Trail, North Downs Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 22, Downs Link
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Snooty Fox cafe near Shalford Station, The Weyside (7.9 km in), many others in Guildford
Map: OS Explorer Map (145) Guildford and Farnham
Links: Shalford, Guildford, Wey and Arun Canal, National Trust River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf, The Cranleigh Line

This is part of a series of short walks in and around the Surrey Hills. 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.

I’d had this walk in mind for a few years after I completed the Downs Link with my friend Mark in 2021. The Downs Link connects the North Downs Way and South Downs Way, mostly following disused railways. It starts at St Martha’s Hill following footpaths and joins the old rail line near Chinthurst Hill. However, there’s a section of this old line from Guildford that the Downs Link doesn’t follow so we needed to return to complete the rest.

This is a point-to-point walk with Guildford and Shalford Stations at either end. We originally planned to start at Guildford and return back on the train from Shalford. Although the train ride between them is only 8 minutes, the trains are fairly infrequent at weekends. As there was a Guildford-Shalford train leaving shortly after we parked at Guildford we took that one and did the route in reverse.

From Shalford Station cross over the A281 Horsham Road and follow the path across the common in a south-westerly direction to Broadford Road. Take a right and cross the bridge over the River Wey. Follow the path on the western side of the Wey north for approximately 1 km until you see the path on the left to the National Trust River Wey Navigations Railway Line Walk. Climb the old embankment to the WW2 Pillbox at the top and follow the route of the old rail line. This is the old section of line where trains from Shalford would have crossed over the River Wey to turn south onto the line to Petersfield. After ~400m the path reaches the fence where you can see the current Guildford to Petersfield line.

Continue a bit further and you’ll see where the Cranleigh Line used to split off from the Guildford to Petersfield line. Look closely near the A3100 Old Portsmouth Road bridge and you can see some remains of the old track with a tree growing out of them. This is the start of the old Cranleigh Line which becomes the route of the Downs Link further to the south.

Follow the route of the old rail line for another 2km, crossing under Broadford Road, across Horsham Road and back onto the Wey-South Path. Our walk reaches its southernmost point at the Tannery Lane bridge where the Downs Link joins from the north-east. Having already done the rest of the Cranleigh Line on the Downs Link, this now completes the full stretch of the disused railway.

To complete the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to Horsham Road. Instead of following the old rail line again take a right onto Horsham Road and follow the Wey-South Path. Stay on the Wey-South Path, along the banks of the Wey all the way back to Guildford. On this final stretch you’ll retrace the 1 km of the route between the Broadford Road Bridge and the start of the old railway line. You’ll also cross over the route of the North Downs Way. For me this would have been a more logical place to start the Downs Link as it would have run closer to the route of the rail lines. I guess whoever designed the trail wasn’t as much of a completist as I am and thought St Martha’s Hill was a more impressive place to start.

Annoyingly, the end-point of the Wey-South Path at Millmead Lock was blocked off when we got there. The footbridge onto the island was destroyed after heavy rain in 2019 and is still out of action. There’s an easy diversion along the A281 past The Weyside pub and then over the footbridge behind the theatre. The final 1 km of the walk follows the west bank of the Wey back to Guildford Station.

More Disused Railway Posts

Richard gowerTrek, Railway, Disused Railway, Canal, National Trust, Surrey Hills, Surrey, EnglandComment
Botley Hill

Significance: Parent Peak of Betsom’s Hill (Kent County Top) and Westerham Heights (Greater London High Point), Highest Point of the North Downs
Member of: Marylins
Parent Peak: Leith Hill
Nearest Higher Neighbour: Leith Hill
Historic County: Surrey
Elevation: 270m
Date “climbed”: December 3rd 2023
Coordinates: 51° 16' 44'' N, 0° 0' 45'' W
OS Trig Pillar: TP1536 - Botley Hill
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Links:
- Wikipedia (Botley Hill, North Downs)
- Peakbagger (at Water Tower, at Trig Pillar)
- Hillbagging (at Water Tower, at Trig Pillar)

I had only discovered Botley Hill recently when researching County Tops and routes in the area. It’s the high point of the North Downs, but doesn’t make it into any lists as the North Downs isn’t an AONB, National Park or similar. It’s taller than the nearby high points of Kent and Greater London, but is in Surrey so misses out to the 5m higher Leith Hill for the County Top. It’s a must-do though for high-point completists and more more interesting than both Betsom’s Hill and Westerham Heights, the high points of Kent and Greater London.

The Botley Hill summit is next to a water tower and transmitter and easily accessible by road. It’s also on the Vanguard Way, 1km north of its junction with the North Downs Way so can be bagged on a diversion from both. We bagged it on the same day as walking a section of the North Downs Way but drove to the Botley Hill summit after completing the walk.

The water tower summit isn’t the only significant point on the hill. There’s an OS Trig Pillar approximately 1 km to the east which was once considered to be the hill summit but is actually ~1m lower. We also visited this one as a drive-by after our North Downs Way walk.

Source: Legislation.gov.uk

For the absolute completists there’s also Botley Hill Northeast Slope. Peter Stone’s Peakbagger entry from March 2012 describes it as: “A 255 m slope feature inside a Reptile Zoo or behind adjacent Waylands House. Got as close as I could for a bona fide claim. However, perhaps a bit pointless and of historic interest only as this place is no longer the highpoint of Greater London since a boundary change ceded it to Surrey in 1993. Greater London's high point is now Westerham Heights, 245 m, a few km to the E and very close to Kent's top” .

The transfer between Bromley in Greater London and Surrey was actually on April 1st 1994, although the legislation had 1993 in the name. More information can be found in this article on legislation.gov.uk. The map to the right shows the southern tip of Bromley, previously the Greater London High Point, which moved to Surrey with this legislation.

The Botley Hill Family

Botley Hill is the Parent Peak to:
- Botley Hill Trig Pillar and Botley Hill Northeast Slope
- Betsom’s Hill, the County Top of Kent
- Toy's Hill, the High Point of the Kent Downs AONB
- Westerham Heights, the High Point of Greater London and the London Borough of Bromley
- All Greater London Borough High Points south of the Thames plus Heston The Vale (Hounslow)

Richard gowerTrek, Trig Pillar, UK County Tops, Surrey, England, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The North Downs Way Part 7 - Gangers Hill to Westerham Hill

Coccolith, an artwork by INSTAR, near the Titsey Brewery on the eastern edge of the Surrey Hills AONB

Start: Gangers Hill Car Park, Gangers Hill, Woldingham, Godstone, CR3 7AD
Finish: The Velo Barn, Unit 1, Betsoms Farm, Pilgrims Way, Westerham TN16 2DS
Distance: 9.1 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation change: +161m / -216m. Net -55m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Tandridge Border Path, Woldringham Countryside Walk, Vanguard Way, Greenwich Meridian Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): Prime Meridian Cycle Route
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Velo Barn at the end of the route
OS Trig Pilllar: TP1536 - Botley Hill
Maps:
- 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: Marden Park, Oxted Downs, Titsey Place, LDWA: North Downs Way, National Trails: North Downs Way, northdownsway.org

This is the seventh 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.

For this section we left one car at the end of the walk near the Velo Barn on Westerham Hill and another at the start at Gangers Hill Car Park. It may be possible to use the car park at the Velo Barn but ask for permission first as the gates are locked when the cafe is closed. There’s a layby next to the barn on Pilgrims Way with space for 3 cars.

From the start at Gangers Hill Car Park, cross over The Ridge to pick up the North Downs Way heading east. This first section is a steep descent down into fields where the route runs parallel and close to the M25. After ~1.5km you’ll meet a path junction with the Vanguard Way and Greenwich Meridian Trail. If you want to visit Botley Hill, the high point of the North Downs, this is where you can take a diversion from the path for 1 km, returning back the same way. We kept on the North Downs Way but visited Botley Hill by car after the walk.

Continuing east along the North Downs Way you’ll soon pass a plaque marking the point where the North Downs Way and Vanguard Way crosses the Greenwich Meridian Line. Further along, at ~3km into the walk you’ll reach a T junction where the Vanguard Way splits off from the North Downs Way to the right. Take a left at this junction to follow Pitchfont Lane, a wide path heading uphill through land managed by the Titsey Foundation.

At the end of Pitchfont Lane you’ll reach a roundabout connecting Croydon Lane, Clarks Lane and Titsey Hill (road). Here you can take a 300m (and back) diversion to visit the Botley Hill Trig Pillar, just off The Ridge (road). Alternatively, there’s a free car park at the roundabout where you can return to bag the trig later.

Continuing east along the North Downs Way, the trail runs parallel to Titsey Hill (road) for ~800m then crosses through Crossharbour Beeches to meet Clarks Lane opposite the Titsey Brewery. Here you’ll pass the Coccolith artwork (see banner photo at the top of this post) and a great view to the south. You’ll also see one of the 12 wooden Surrey Hills boundary markers.

For the final part of this section continue east, crossing over Clarks Lane and onto Chestnut Avenue, then onto The Avenue. Look out for boundary stone near the western end of The Avenue which marks the Surrey/Kent border. When The Avenue meets Westerham Hill (road) take a right to follow Westerham Hill back to The Velo Barn.

This was the end of our first Chapter of walking The North Downs Way with our friend Mark. We had completed original objective was to complete the Surrey section. With our busy schedules it took us 2.5 years to cover the 7 sections. We’ll do the Kent sections one day but for now there’s other parts of Surrey to explore.

Richard gowerTrek, National Trails, National Trust, Trig Pillar, Surrey, Kent, England, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The North Downs Way Part 6 - Merstham to Gangers Hill

Ockley Hill

Start: Merstham Station, Station Rd, Merstham, Redhill, RH1 3ED
Finish: Gangers Hill Car Park, Gangers Hill, Woldingham, Godstone, CR3 7AD
Distance: 11.8 km (7.3 miles)
Elevation change: +270m / -140m. Net -130m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Tandridge Border Path, Downlands Circular Walk, Woldringham Countryside Walk, Over The Downs To Oxted Mill Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 20, 21
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Feathers is at the start of the route before you get to Merstham Station
OS Trig Pilllar: TP5210 - Ockley Hill
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Guidebook: The North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Dover (Cicerone)
Links: Merstham, Chaldon, Marden Park, LDWA: North Downs Way, National Trails: North Downs Way, northdownsway.org

This is the sixth 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.

For this section we left one car at the end of the walk at Gangers Hill Car Park and another at the start at Merstham Station. From the station walk along Station Road North and take a left onto a footpath next to the Village Hall. This will take you onto the Hight Street to the left of the Feathers Pub and back onto the North Downs Way. Cross over the High Street and follow Quality Street to the end where you can take a left at the North Downs Way sign. The next 1 km takes you over the M25, A23 and M25 before you’re back in pleasant countryside.

The first point of interest on the walk is the Ockley Hill Trig Pillar at 3.2 km from the start. Here you’ll get a great view to the south including Redhill Common and the Greensand Ridge. There’s also several spots on the northern side of the North Downs Way to get a view across to London.

After the Trig Pillar the route gently undulates and sticks to quiet wooded areas. There’s not as many points of interest as Section 5 offered but it’s a great walk nonetheless. This section ends at Gangers Hill Car Park on the edge of Marden Park. At this finish point you’re right on top of the tunnel carrying the Oxted to Woldringham rail line under the North Downs Ridge.

Richard gowerTrek, National Trails, Surrey, England, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The Greensand Way Part 20 - Oxted and Limpsfield

At the half-way point of the Greensand way on the Surrey/Kent border

Start & Finish: Oxted Station, Oxted, RH8 9EU
Distance: 11.2 km (7 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 142m
Greensand Way section covered: Rockfield Road to Kent Border: 4.5 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Vanguard Way, Tandridge Border Path, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Greensand Way Oxted Spur
Other routes touched (cycle): Prime Meridian Cycle Route
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Carpenters Arms, Limpsfield Chart (4.5 km in), several in Oxted Town Centre at end.
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: Oxted, Limpsfield, Limpsfield Common National Trust

This is the twentieth of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand 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.

For this section we parked in the multistory car-park that serves both Oxted Railway Station and Morrisons supermarket. From the carpark, walk down to East Hill, take a left to go under the railway bridge then a right onto Old Lane. Walk up Old Lane to Rockfield Road to rejoin the Greensand Way at the junction with Icehouse Wood (road). Take a left onto the Greensand Way and follow it for 4.5 km.

This is a pleasant section of the Greensand Way, albeit without the long views to the south of previous sections. It takes you through Limpsfield Common, Limpsfield Chart Golf Club, Limpsfield Chart Village and into the High Chart woods. The easternmost point of this walk meets the Surrey/Kent border and a stone to mark the half way point on the Greensand Way.

From the border, leave the Greensand Way and follow the Tandridge Border Path in a north-westerly direction. When you reach Moorhouse Road leave the Tandridge Border path and continue through the woods on the opposite side of the road to Westerham Road. Take a left onto Westerham Road, then carefully cross over to into the grounds of the Royal British Legion club. At the back of the club you’ll find a footpath in the woods that you can follow in a westerly direction to Limpsfield then paths and quiet roads back to Oxted.

Richard gowerTrek, Surrey, England, National Trust, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The Greensand Way Part 19 - Tandridge and Oxted

Tandridge Golf Course

Start & Finish: Oxted Station, Oxted, RH8 9EU
Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 165m
Greensand Way section covered: Leigh Mill Fly Fishing Lane to Rockfield Road: 4.6 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Over The Downs to Oxted Mill Walk, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Greensand Way Oxted Spur
Other routes touched (cycle): Prime Meridian Cycle Route
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several in Oxted and Old Oxted, plus The Barley Mow Tandridge (5.3km in) and The Haycutter (7.4 km in)
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: Oxted, Tandridge

This is the nineteenth of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand 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.

For this section we parked in the multistory car-park that serves both Oxted Railway Station and Morrisons supermarket. This is at the end of this section of the Greensand Way, so the first half of this route is a westerly return to where section 18 left the trail at the A22. From Oxted Station follow Station Road West then Church Lane in a south-westerly direction to the A25. Cross over the A25 and follow Old Oxted High Street then Godstone Road until the pavement rejoins the A25. Continue along the A25 to Tandridge Golf Club and take a left to follow the footpath through the gold course. Watch out for golf balls!

At the far end of the golf course take a left onto Tandridge Road then a right onto Jackass Lane. After ~300m take a left onto a footpath that will lead you through fields, then woods to the A22. Here you’ll cross back over the same section of A22 from section 18 before recrossing it slightly further south back on the Greensand Way. It’s a tricky, dangerous road crossing but realistically hard to avoid on this section. The alternative is to stay on Tandridge Road after the golf course and follow it to Tandridge although this misses 1 km of the Greensand Way. It depends on how much of a completer-finisher you are.

Once back on the Greensand Way after the A22 continue through to Tandridge where the Barley Mow pub is a good place to stop for a rest at this roughly half way point of the walk. Continue on the Greensand Way as it passes round the back of the pub and follow it to Rockfield Road south of Oxtend Town Centre. At this point you’ll take a left onto Rockfield Road (leaving the Greensand Way) then a left onto Old Lane walking parallel to the railway line to East Hill Road. Cross over East Hill Road and take the footpath through Johnsdale to Station Road East and back to Oxted Station.

Richard gowerTrek, Surrey, England, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The Greensand Way Part 18 - Bletchingley and Godstone

View to the North Downs ridge near Godstone

Start & Finish: High Street, Bletchingley, Redhill, RH1 4PA
Distance: 10.4 km (6.5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 143m
Greensand Way section covered: St Catherine’s Open Space to Leigh Mill Fly Fishing Lane: 5.5 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): None
Other routes touched (cycle): Surrey Cycleway
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Bletchingley Arms (at end)
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: Bletchlingley, Godstone

This is the eighteenth of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand 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.

For this section we returned to Bletchingley High Street to park in the same place as in section 17. From here we retraced our steps back to St Catherine’s Open Space to rejoin the Greensand Way. This 5 km section of the trail stays high on the ridge on the edge of woodland then descends to lower ground, crossing a field to Eastbourne Road. You’ll leave the Greensand Way on the section by taking a left hand footpath just before the A22 Godstone bypass. Follow this path north until it reaches the A22 and cross over VERY CAREFULLY. The A22 is a very busy road so you’ll need to wait for a good gap between cars in both directions. If you don’t want to cross this road there an alternative path 200m to the east at Leigh Place that avoids this crossing.

If you have crossed the A22 you’ll soon be crossing it again on the return section, however this is through a safe underpass to the north. Once back on the western side of the A22, follow Leigh Place Lane to Church Lane then continue west through paths and small roads to Pinewood Autos on the south side of Ivy Lane. Take the footpath to the left of Pinewood autos, following it south for 400m to a path junction. Take a right to follow paths along the edge of farmland to Rabies Heath Road. Follow Rabies Heath Road in a westerly direction to Godstone Road where you can take a left onto it back to Bletchley High Street.

Richard gowerTrek, Surrey, England, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The North Downs Way Part 5 - Betchworth to Merstham

Reigate Hill Viewpoint at National Trust Gatton Park

Start: Betchworth Station, Betchworth RH3 7BZ
Finish: Merstham Station, Station Rd, Merstham, Redhill, RH1 3ED
Distance: 11.1 km (6.9 miles)
Elevation change: +206m / -197m. Net -9m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): N/A
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
London Coal Duty Posts: 151, 152
Pubs / Cafes on route: Junction 8 Café in the car park for National Trust Gatton Hill (7.4 km in). The Feathers is at the end of the route before you get to Merstham Station
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Guidebook: The North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Dover (Cicerone)
Links: Betchworth, Colley Hill, National Trust Reigate Hill and Gatton Park, B17 Crash Memorial, Reigate Fort, Gatton Park, Millennium Stones at Gatton Park, The Royal Alexandra and Albert School, Merstham, LDWA: North Downs Way, National Trails: North Downs Way, northdownsway.org

This is the fifth 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.

For this section we left one car at the end of the walk at Merstham Station and another at the start near Betchworth Station. From Betchworth it was a short walk north up Station Road to rejoin the North Downs Way from where we left it on Section 4. The first 5km is along a tree-lined path gently ascending to the base of Buckland Hill. This is followed by a steep ascent up Buckland Hill to the southern end of Mogador Road. Here you’ll find the first of 2 London Coal Duty Posts, the most southerly in London. Although these posts marked a boundary of London at the time, the North Downs Way never crosses the current boundary of Greater London.

Having ascended back up to the North Downs ridge, the trail stays high for another 2 km. This is an especially interesting part of the trail with several things to see along the way. First up is Colley Hill, a great place to stop for a picnic and look out over the stunning panorama to the south. There’s also the Colley Hill Water Tower, the Inglis Memorial, the Wing Tips Crash Memorial and Reigate Fort.

At 7.4 km into the walk you’ll cross over the A217 on the Reigate hill footbridge and into National Trust Gatton Park. There’s a café, toilets and another great viewpoint here. The trail descents for ~2 km through Gatton Park to the Millennium Stones at the south-western edge of the Royal Alexandra and Albert School. Follow the North Downs Way through the school, through Reigate Hill Golf Club, Merstham Cricket Club and into Merstham Town. This is the end of Section 5.

The National Trust Sections

The Millennium Stones at Gatton Park

Richard gowerTrek, National Trust, National Trails, Surrey, Coal Duty Post, Surrey Hills, EnglandComment
Walking The Greensand Way Part 17 - Nutfield and Bletchingley

View to the south from the Greensand Way near Bletchingly

Start & Finish: High Street, Bletchingley, Redhill, RH1 4PA
Distance: 9.9 km (6.1 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 164m
Greensand Way section covered: Sandy Lane to St Catherine’s Open Space: 4.8 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Tandridge Border Path
Other routes touched (cycle): Surrey Cycleway
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Red Lion Bletchingley (0.5 km in), Cafe at Priory Farm Garden Centre (3.7 km in), The Bletchingley Arms (at end)
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: Bletchlingley, Nutfield

This is the seventeenth of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand 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.

For this section we parked at Bletchingley High Street where there’s ample free parking. From here we followed the A25 (High Street then Castle Street) in a westerly direction until it crossed over the M23. From here the shortest option is to continue along the A25 to Nutfield Memorial Hall, however we opted for a quieter route taking a footpath to the right just after the M23 bridge. This follows paths through woods and farmland, St Peter and St Paul’s Church, then back to the A25 at the Memorial Hall.

Leave the A25 by heading south down Mid Street, then first right onto Sandy Lane. Follow Sandy Lane for 900m until your reconnect with the Greensand Way where you left it on the previous section. Follow the Greensand Way heading east back to St. Catherine’s Open Space south of Bletchingley. This will be at the 9km mark in the walk. Leave the Greensand Way here and follow paths for 1 km back to Bletchingley High Street.

Richard gowerTrek, Surrey, England, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The Greensand Way Part 16 - Earlswood and Nutfield Priory

View St. John the Evangelist Church, Earlswood and Redhill Common

Start & Finish: St John the Evangelist Church, Redhill, Church Rd, Redhill, RH1 6QA
Distance: 8.8 km (5.5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 165m
Greensand Way section covered: Mountview Drive to Sandy Lane: 5.0 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Reigate and Banstead Millennium Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 21
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Plough, 11 Church Rd, Redhill (near start and end)
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: Redhill Common, Earlswood, Nutfield Priory

This is the sixteenth of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand 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.

For this section we parked near St John the Evangelist Church, Redhill and took the footpath up the hill to the top of Redhill Common. This meets the viewpoint from Section 15 where you can see Earlswood, Gatwick Airport and the South Downs in the distance. From the viewpoint, descend the hill retracing your route up the hill from Section 15 until you rejoin the Greensand Way at Mountview Drive.

From Mountview Drive follow the Greensand Way for 5.0 km to Sandy Lane. When you reach Kingsmill Lane, 5 km into the walk, the Greensand Way takes a left turn towards the north following the road. Be careful here as there’s no pavement and some tight corners on the road. Keep an eye out for traffic coming either way. Continue north from Kingsmill Lane onto Bower Lane then take a right onto Sandy Lane at the top of the hill. Follow Sandy Lane towards the east for just 120m until you meet the point where the Greensand Way leaves the road on a footpath to the right. This is the end of the Greensand Way part of this section. Retrace your steps to the junction with Bower Lane and Sandy Lane and continue onto Hogtrough Lane.

Walk in a westerly direction along Hogtrough Lane then onto Philanthrophic Road. There’s also no pavement here and, although it’s quiet, be aware of cars from either direction. Philanthropic Road will take you back into Earlwood and to the start via St John’s Road and a short footpath back to Church Road.

Richard gowerTrek, Surrey, England, Surrey HillsComment
Cycling The Semaphore Line: Portsmouth to London

HMS Warrior at the Portmouth Historic Dockyard

The idea for this trip came from a short walk that I did a few years ago in Surrey called Discover Downside. Half way through the walk we came across the Chatley Heath Semphore Tower, the best preserved of a series of towers that formed a line between London and Portsmouth in the 1800s. As I was reading the information board a new adventure started forming. I didn’t have to say anything I could almost hear my wife’s eyes rolling and wondering “what’s he up to now?”.

As described on the Chatley Heath information board: “In 1792, Frenchman Claude Chappe invented the Semaphore using moveable arms on a T-shaped mast. The British Initially stuck with their existing shutter or ball signalling systems even though they were less effective. In 1814 the Admiralty prematurely decommissioned their existing signalling stations. After Napoleon’s escape from Elba and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the governament decided to reinstate a signal line from London to Portsmouth Dockyard. They chose to use the semaphore system invested by Sir Home Riggs Popham, as the most advanced of the day.”

“The Chatley Heath Tower was the fifth station in the 75 mile long line, which started on the roof of the Admiraly in Whitehall. It was to have been the junction for a further line to Plymouth, but this was never completed. […] The invention of the electric telegraph in 1839 meant the end for the mechanical semaphore. New telegraph lines were laid alongside the railways and messages travelled instantly down the wires. In 1847 the semaphore line was decommissioned and the mast dismantled.”

Over the next year the back-of-my-mind potential trip became a fully-planned weekend cycle trip for spring 2023. It turned out to be a weekend adventure with a Friday evening drive down to Portsmouth, a long Saturday ride to Godalming and a shorter section on the Sunday before heading back home. The original plan was to take the bikes down to Portsmouth by train but some organizational faffing meant that we left it too late to book and there we no bike spaces available. Instead we did a one-way van rental which was slightly more expensive than the trains would have been but got us there more quickly with less hassle.

The choice of doing the trip from Portsmouth to London rather than the other way around was mostly based on getting in a new (for me) parkrun at Southsea on the Saturday morning. Arriving in London on Sunday afternoon also gave us a shorter journey home.

I need to credit the excellent account of walking the Semaphore Line in the Jont.org.uk blog. This blog was invaluable in the planning process and provides more detail on the stations and route between them than I have covered here. In my post below I’ve covered some key details of the semaphore stations it’s not intended to be a turn-by-turn route guide. I’ll be happy to share my GPX files for the 2 days in return for a virtual coffee.

Day 1: Portsmouth to Godalming

Start: Semaphore Building, HMNB Portsmouth, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3LJ
Finish: A3100 Meadrow (road), Godalming, GU7 3HS
Distance: 88 km (55 miles)
Elevation change: + 1,301m / -1265m (Net +36m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Solent Way, The Shipwright’s Way, Langstone Harbour Waterfront Route, Wayfarers Way, Sussex Border Path, Monarch’s Way, Octagon Way, South Downs Way, The Serpent Trail, New Lipchis Way, Grayswood Walk, Greensand Way, The Fox Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 2, 22, 222, Surrey Cycleway

 

Semaphore Station 1: Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Condition: The Semaphore Building was destroyed by fire in 1913, but it was rebuilt in 1930.
Distance into route: 0 km
Address: Semaphore Building, HMNB Portsmouth, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, PO1 3LJ
Coordinates: 50°47'60"N 1°6'36"W
Grid Reference: SU 62826 00415
Elevation: 1m
Map: Meon Valley Map | Portsmouth, Gosport & Fareham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL3
Links: Jont Blog Post, Portsmouth, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

To get close to the Semaphore Building you need to pay to enter the Historic Dockyard. It’s well worth visiting but I had been before a few years ago and didn’t need to go back. The tower is tall though and can be easily seen from outside of the Historic Dockyard.

 

Semaphore Station 2: The Square Tower

Condition: Well maintained and now used for hosting functions such as weddings, christenings and funerals.
Distance into route: 1.7 km
Address: Broad St, Old Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2ND
Coordinates: 50°47'22.0"N 1°06'23.0"W
Grid Reference: SZ 63076 99244
Elevation: 2m
Map: Meon Valley Map | Portsmouth, Gosport & Fareham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL3
Links: Jont Blog Post, The Square Tower, Old Portsmouth

There seems to be some ambiguity about whether this was the first/last semaphore tower in the chain vs the one at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. For the purposes of this trip there was no need to decide as it’s easy to visit both.

 

Semaphore Station 3: Lumps Fort

Condition: Demolished after World War 1, now a Japanese Rose Garden and a Model Village
Distance into route: 5.0 km
Address: Japanse Garden, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 9RU
Coordinates: 50°46'52.0"N 1°04'04.6"W
Grid Reference: SZ 65807 98359
Elevation: 5m
Map: Meon Valley Map | Portsmouth, Gosport & Fareham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL3
Links: Jont Blog Post, Lumps Fort, Southsea

 

Semaphore Station 4: Camp Down

Condition: Demolished, now a waste transfer facility.
Distance into route: 18.1 km
Address: L&S Waste Management Limited, Portsdown Hill Road, Farlington, Redoubt PO6 1BW
Coordinates: 50°51'13.0"N 1°01'34.0"W
Grid Reference: SU 68648 06449
Elevation: 60m
Map: Meon Valley Map | Portsmouth, Gosport & Fareham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL3
Links: Jont Blog Post, Camp Down, Portsdown Hill


 

Semaphore Station 5: Compton Down

Condition: Building now a private house without a tower.
Distance into route: 33.9 km
Address: Telegraph House, Telegraph Hill, Compton, Chichester, PO18 9QL
Coordinates: 50°55'40.0"N 0°53'12.0"W
Grid Reference: SU 78332 14861
Elevation: 161m
Map: Chichester Map | South Harting & Selsey | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL08
Links: Jont Blog Post, Compton Down, Compton



 

Semaphore Station 6: Beacon Hill

Condition: Intact, now a private house visible from the lane.
Distance into route: 43.4 km
Address: Telegraph House, North Marden, Chichester, PO18 9JX
Coordinates: 50°57'03.0"N 0°50'55.0"W
Grid Reference: SU 80980 17445
Elevation: 190m
Map: Chichester Map | South Harting & Selsey | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL08
Links: Jont Blog Post, Beacon Hill, West Sussex







 

Semaphore Station 7: Older Hill (Holder Hill)

Condition: Building possibly still remains but within private property.
Distance into route: 57.5 km
Address: Pine Hill House, Telegraph Hill, Midhurst, GU29 0BN
Coordinates: 51°01'50.0"N 0°45'34.0"W
Grid Reference: SU 87081 26429
Elevation: 203m
Map: Haslemere & Petersfield Map | Midhurst & Selborne | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL33
Links: Jont Blog Post, Woolbedding





 

Semaphore Station 8: Haste Hill

Condition: Demolished. Property became the Royal Naval Signals School then Whitwell Hatch Hotel and now private apartments.
Distance into route: 69.1 km
Address: Whitwell Hatch, Scotland Lane, Haslemere, GU27 3AW
Coordinates: 51°04'51.0"N 0°42'17.0"W
Grid Reference: SU 90828 32065
Elevation: 206m
Map: Haslemere & Petersfield Map | Midhurst & Selborne | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL33
Links: Jont Blog Post, Haste Hill

 

Semaphore Station 9: Bannicle Hill

Condition: Demolished, likely replaced by Hill House.
Distance into route: 77 km
Address: The Hill House, Church Lane, Witley, Godalming
Coordinates: 51°08'12.0"N 0°39'36.0"W
Grid Reference: SU 93847 38347
Elevation: 147m
Map: Haslemere & Petersfield Map | Midhurst & Selborne | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL33
Links: Jont Blog Post, Witley

Day 2: Godalming to The Admiralty, London

Start: A3100 Meadrow (road), Godalming, GU7 3HS
Finish: Admiralty House, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AY
Distance: 62.3 km (38.7 miles)
Elevation change: + 435m / -458m (Net -23m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Wey-South Path, The Scholar’s Trail, North Downs Way, The Fox Way, Hogsmill Valley Walk, Thames Down Link, Beverley Brook Walk, Thames Path, Jubilee Walkway
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 2, 223, 4, Surrey Cycleway, C30, C3




 

Semaphore Station 10: Pewley Hill

Condition: Restored and now a listed building and a private house.
Distance into route (Day 2): 7 km / Full Route: 95 km
Address: Semaphore House, Pewley Hill, Guildford, GU1 3SN
Coordinates: 51°13'59.0"N 0°33'57.0"W
Grid Reference: TQ 00231 49197
Elevation: 112m
Map: Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Links: Jont Blog Post, Pewley Hill, Semaphore House (Historic England), Semaphore House (British Listed Buildings)

 

Semaphore Station 11: Chatley Heath

Condition: Restored and now managed by the Landmark Trust.
Distance into route (Day 2): 22.6 km / Full Route: 110.6 km
Address: Pointers Road, Cobham, KT11 1PQ
Coordinates: 51°18'55.0"N 0°26'18.0"W
Grid Reference: TQ 08941 58501
Elevation: 55m
Map: Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Links: Jont Blog Post, Chatley Heath, The Semaphore Tower (Landmark Trust),

 

Semaphore Station 12: Coopers Hill

Condition: Restored, now a private house.
Distance into route (Day 2): 35.5 km / Full Route: 124.3 km
Address: Semaphore House, Esher, KT10 0DX
Coordinates: 51°22'11.0"N 0°20'17.0"W
Grid Reference: TQ 15793 64726
Elevation: 49m
Map: London South Map | Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 161
Links: Jont Blog Post, Claygate, Esher

 

Semaphore Station 13: Coombe Warren

Condition: Demolished, replaced by a large private house called Telegraph Cottage.
Distance into route (Day 2): 45 km / Full Route: 133.8 km
Address: Telegraph Cottage, Warren Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7LF
Coordinates: 51°25'15.0"N 0°16'05.0"W
Grid Reference: TQ 20523 70523
Elevation: 53m
Map: London South Map | Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 161
Links: Jont Blog Post, Coombe, Kingston upon Thames

 

Semaphore Station 14: Putney Heath

Condition: Demolished, presumably replaced by the Telegraph Pub
Distance into route (Day 2): 50 km / Full Route: 138.8 km
Address: The Telegraph, Putney Heath, London SW15 3TU
Coordinates: 51°26'55.0"N 0°13'34.0"W
Grid Reference: TQ 23359 73661
Elevation: 53m
Map: London South Map | Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 161
Links: Jont Blog Post, The Telegrpaph Pub,

 

Semaphore Station 15: Chelsea

Condition: Tower no longer there / presumed site of this tower.
Distance into route (Day 2): 57.8 km / Full Route: 146.6 km
Address: Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4SR
Coordinates: 51°29'16.0"N 0°09'31.0"W
Grid Reference: TQ 27938 78142
Elevation: 6m
Map: London South Map | Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 161
Links: Jont Blog Post, Royal Hospital Chelsea,

An alternative location of this telegraph station is the Duke of York's Headquarters, now the Saatchi Gallery. We dodged traffic on a very busy Sunday to visit both.

 

Semaphore Station 16: The Admiralty

Condition: Admiralty buildings still intact and in use by various government departments.
Distance into route (Day 2): 62.3 km / Full Route: 151.1 km
Address: Old Admiralty Building, London, SW1A 2AY
Coordinates: 51°30'22.0"N 0°07'43.0"W
Grid Reference: TQ 29979 80241
Elevation: 5m
Map: London South Map | Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 161
Links: Jont Blog Post, Admiralty buildings, Horseguards Parade, Whitehall

A good learning from us if you’re planning to end your ride at The Admiralty is to not do it just as the London Marathon is finishing. It was only a few days before our trip that I discovered the dates clashed. The London Marathon uses Horseguards Parade as a post-race meeting spot for family and friends so it’s really busy. We still managed to get to our finish spot though after a bit of navigation around blocked off streets.

The Full 2-Day Route

Elevations of each Semaphore Station in metres

Day 2 cycling route elevation map

Day 2 cycling route elevation map

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Coast, South Downs, National Park, London, Hampshire, Surrey, England, Surrey Hills Comments
Walking The Greensand Way Part 15 - Reigate and Redhill Common

View from Redhill Common across to St. John the Evangelist Church and Earlswood

Start & Finish: Bell St Car Park, 83 Bell Street, Reigate, RH2 7AN
Distance: 9.1 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 136m
Greensand Way section covered: Littleton Lane to Mountview Drive: 3.8 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Mills and Pillboxes Trail, Reigate and Banstead Millennium Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
OS Trig Pillar: TP5634 - Reigate Park
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several in Reigate Centre, Skimmington Castle (2.1 km in)
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: Reigate, Reigate Priory Park, Redhill Common

This is the fifteenth of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand 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.

For this section we parked in Reigate town centre and followed High Street then West Street in a westerly direction until the Black Horse pub. Take a left here onto Flanchard Road and continue in a south-westerly direction. You’ll now be on a spur of the Greensand Way that connects to the main section on the Greensand Way at the Skimmington Castle pub. You’ll also follow the middle of section 14 of this series for 400m after Skimmington Castle.

Follow the Greensand Way signs as the route curves to the east, following Littleton Lane to Park Lane. Cross over Park Lane and ascend the hill into the wooded area of Reigate Park. Continue heading east to the OS Trig Pillar and the Vogan Memorial obelisk. After this, the route decends out of the woods to Cockshot Hill and winds its way through some pleasant residential areas of eastern Reigate.

When you reach the junction of Ridgemount Way and Mountview Drive you’ll be at the end of this section of the Greensand Way. Rather than following the Greensand Way south, turn left here, following a footpath up a hill with houses on your left and woods on the right. At the top of the hill you’ll reach Redhill Common where you can find a bench with a great view over to Earlswood and the south (see banner photo at the top of this post).

Exit Redhill Common by heading west onto Hightrees Road, descending to Chart Lane. Take a right onto Chart Lane, following it in a north-westerly direction onto Churchfield Road then West Road, Lesbourne Road to the A217 Bell Street. Cross over the A217 into Priory Park, cutting across it back to Reigate Town Centre. The main feature of the park is Reigate Priory, an historic site that has been used for a variety of purposes over the centuries. The priory was originally founded in the early 13th century by the Augustinian order. It was dissolved by Henry VIII in the 16th century, and the buildings were subsequently used as a private residence, a school, and a museum.

Richard gowerTrek, Trig Pillar, Surrey, England, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The Greensand Way Part 14 - Betchworth and Reigate Heath

View across the River Mole to the North Downs

Start & Finish: St Michael's Church, The Street, Betchworth, RH3 7DN
Distance: 9.6 km (5.9 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 98m
Greensand Way section covered: St Michael’s Church, Betchworth to Littleton Lane: 4.1 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Mills and Pillboxes Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): Surrey Cycleway
OS Trig Pillar: TP5633 - Reigate Heath
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Dolphin, Betchworth (at start and end), Skimmington Castle (3.8 km in),
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: Betchworth, River Mole, Reigate Heath

This is the fourteenth of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand 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.

For this section we parked at St Michael’s Church in Betchworth. This was our parking space for Section 13 where we took an anti-clockwise route back to pick up the Greensand Way at Dorking. This time we were on a clockwise route, starting with the Greensand Way section before looping back.

From the church the Greensand Way crosses over The Street and down Wonkam Lane. As with previous sections the Greensand Way signage is good so navigation is straightforward as long as you keep track of the signs. After 2km you’ll join the Mills and Pillboxes Trail up to Reigate Heath. You’ll pass through the golf course and up to the club house house where there’s a place to rest, an OS Trig Pillar, a great view to the North Downs and an old Windmill.

After the windmill the Greensand Way splits from the Mills and Pillboxes walk and heads south then east to the Skimmington Castle pub. The Mills and Pillboxes Trail re-connects with the Greensand Way here. Take a right after the pub to continue south again at Littleton Lane. Here you’ll be 4.1 km into the route and the end of this section of the Greensand Way.

For the return section to Betchworth follow the Mills and Pillboxes route as it curves to the south-west. At 6 km into the route leave the Mills and Pillboxes Trail and continue south, crossing the River Mole and following a path towards the south and west and across Snowerhill Road. Cross the field and, after 600m, take a path heading north. This will take you to Wellhouse Lane where you’ll take a right, following the road for ~30m before taking a left-hand path into another field. Following this path in a north/north-easterly direction into Dendy’s Wood to the east of the River Mole. When you meet Snowerhill Road gain take a left to the cross the River Mole over a narrow bridge. The road will curve to the north after the bridge and will become The Street, returning you to the start at Betchworth.

Richard gowerTrek, Trig Pillar, Surrey, England, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The Greensand Way Part 13 - Brockham and Betchworth

St Michael’s Church, Betchworth

Start & Finish: St Michael's Church, The Street, Betchworth, RH3 7DN
Distance: 10.4 km (6.5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 149m
Greensand Way section covered: Punchbowl Lane to St Michael’s Church, Betchworth: 3.9 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): The Box Hill Hike
Other routes touched (cycle): Surrey Cycleway
Pubs / Cafes on route: Cafe at Hillier Garden Centre (4.9 km in), The Royal Oak Brockham or The Grumpy Mole, Brockham (both 9.1 km in)
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: National Trust Box Hill, Betchworth Quarry and Lime Kilns, Betchworth, Brockham, Dorking, River Mole

This is the thirteenth of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand 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.

For this section we parked at St Michael’s Church in Betchworth and followed the path that heads north out of the village. Initially the path runs parallel to The Street, the road that runs through the village, then curves away to the north-west. Cross over the Old Reigate Road and keep to the path that runs to the left (west) of the Post Office. Keeping on the path you’ll (carefully) cross over the busy A25 Reigate Road, over a bridge crossing the railway line, then a steady ascent up to Brockham Quarry Woods. As soon as you enter the woods take a sharp left onto a path that runs in a westerly direction along the base of the woods. This takes you through the remains of the old Lime Works with some interesting information signs telling the history of them.

Continue heading west for just over 2km until you reach Boxhill Road. Take a left onto the road, now heading south for 1 km to Hillier Garden Centre and the A25. Carefully cross over the A25 following the small road towards the Golf Club. Before the Golf Club Car park take a right onto a footpath that runs along the north side of the Golf Club buildings and into woodland. After approximately 1 km you’ll reach Punchbowl Lane where you’ll take a left onto the lane heading south.

Shortly down Punchbowl Lane you’ll pick up again on the route of the Greensand Way and you can follow the GSW signs all the way back to St Michael’s Church in Betchworth. At around 9 km into the walk you’ll pass through the pretty village of Brockham where there’s pubs on route for a rest before the final 1.5 km back to the start.

Richard gowerTrek, Surrey, Railway, England, National Trust, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The North Downs Way Part 4 - Ranmore Common to Betchworth

View over Denbies Vinyard and across to Dorking

Start: Ranmore Common East Car Park, Wotton, Dorking, RH5 6SR
Finish: Betchworth Station, Betchworth RH3 7BZ
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation change: +192m / -292m. Net -100m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Ranmore SCC Circular, Mole Gap Trail, Leith Hill Greenway, NT Stepping Stone Path, The Box Hill Hike
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 2, 22, Surrey Cycleway
Pubs / Cafes on route: None directly on route, but just off are: Denbies Vinyard (3.5 km in), National Trust Boxhill (6 km in), Smith & Western (6.7 km in)
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Guidebook: The North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Dover (Cicerone)
Links: Ranmore Common, Denbies Vinyard, National Trust Stepping Stones, National Trust Box Hill, Betchworth Quarry and Lime Kilns, Betchworth, , LDWA: North Downs Way, National Trails: North Downs Way, northdownsway.org

This is the fourth 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.

For this section we left one car at the National Trust Car Park at Ranmore Common and another at the end near Betchworth Station. Although there’s no parking at the station itself there’s room for several cars at the start of The Quarry (road) to the north of the station.

From the Ranmore Common Car Park return to the North Downs Way at the viewpoint and take a left heading east then a left to follow the path that crosses over the Ranmore Road and onto the road called North Downs Way. Continue in a north easterly direction, passing St Barnabas Church. Shortly after the junction with Ranmore Common Road, take a right off the road and onto an unnamed farm road. Continue following the North Downs Way as it snakes around Denbies Vinyard, descending to the A24.

The A24 is a very busy dual carriageway connecting Dorking to Leatherhead and the M25. The safest route is to follow the path along the A24 north for 500m, cross under the subway at Westhumble and return south on the other side. We skipped this additional 1km by crossing straight over the road, pausing on the central grass verge. Be VERY careful if you do this though as cars and motorcycles pass by very quickly.

Once over the A24 the trail passes into the National Trust areas of Box Hill. The trail passes straight over the Stepping Stones that cross the River Mole. This is great in dry summer months but we were there in March after heavy rain and the stones were completely submerged. When the stones are inpassable you can cross over a bridge to the north of the stones. Once on the north side of the River Mole continue along the North Downs Way in an easterly direction along the south side of Box Hill. Some sections here are pretty steep so take it slow. If you need a break here you can divert from the trail at the top of Box Hill to the National Trust Visitors’ Centre and café.

The final 2 km is a more gentle descent from Box Hill Village. Here you can see the remains of Betchworth Quarry and Lime Kilns to the south of the path. When you reach Station Road you’ll be at the end of this section of the North Downs Way. Betchworth Station is 350m to the south of trail.

Richard gowerTrek, National Trust, National Trails, Surrey, England, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The North Downs Way Part 3 - Newlands Corner to Ranmore Common

Along the ridge between Sheer and Ranmore

Start: Newlands Corner Car Park, A25 Shere Road, Newland's Corner, Albury, GU4 8S
Finish: Ranmore Common East Car Park, Wotton, Dorking, RH5 6SR
Distance: 11.6 km (7.2 miles)
Elevation change: +128m / -107m. Net -21m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): The Fox Way, Prospects of Polesden, Ranmore SCC Circular
Other routes touched (cycle): Surrey Cycleway
Trig Pillar: TP2924 - Dunley Wood (just off the NDW route)
Pubs / Cafes on route: Newlands Corner Cafe at the end, plus Cafe CARB UP AND GO (mobile cafe) at Shere Woodlands Staple Lane Car Park (3 km in)
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Guidebook: The North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Dover (Cicerone)
Links: Newlands Corner, The Optohedron, National Trust Abinger Roughs and Netley Park, Outer London Defence Ring, National Trust Denbies Hillside, Ranmore Common, LDWA: North Downs Way, National Trails: North Downs Way, northdownsway.org

This is the third 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.

For this section we left one car at Newlands Corner and the other at the National Trust Car Park at Ranmore Common. Heading east from Newlands Corner, this section follows a relatively flat and straight route to Ranmore.

The first point of interest is a wood-and-metal sculpture called The Optohedron by Will Nash, part of a series of outdoor works of art in the Surrey Hills. Several more examples of these works can be found on our Greensand Way walks. Moving east there’s several large circular stone tanks that obviously had a use in the past but have now been abandoned. Comment below if you know what they are.

The main features of this part of the walk are the WW2 Pillboxes that formed part of the Outer London Defence Ring. This was one of the Stop Lines built to defend against German invasion and, thankfully, never used. Of the 8 that we counted along the walk, one is well maintained by the National Trust and you can easily get inside. The final one to the east of the walk is a great place to stand on the roof and get a view over the valley to Dorking.

For OS Trig Pillar collectors the Dunley Wood Trig is a short diversion from the route at 8 km in. Alternatively you can bag it on a 1 km circular walk from White Down Car Park which is on the short drive between the start and end points of this section.

If you fancy a longer walk for this section an alternative stopping place is Denbies Vinyard, 2km further along. For today we were happy with stopping at Ranmore and taking in the view before heading back.

The National Trust Sections

The Pillboxes

Richard gowerTrek, National Trust, National Trails, Surrey, England, Surrey HillsComment
Hurtwood 50k Ultra Marathon

In The Hurtwood between Checkpoints 2 and 3

When: December 4th 2022
Start and Finish: Dorking Sports Centre, Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SN
Distance: 50 km (31 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 1,084m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Leith Hill Greenway
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 22, Surrey Cycleway
OS Trig Pillar:
- TP6411 - The Nower (2 km from start)
- TP2379 - Coneyhurst Hill (19 km from start)
Maps:
- Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
- Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Finish time: 7 hours 13 minutes
Links:
- Dorking, Milton Heath and The Nower, Wescott, The Hurtwood, Holmbury Camp, Holmbury St Mary, Winterfold Forest
- Leith Hill: Wikipedia, Peakbagger, Hillbagging, National Trust

My 10th Ultra was on familiar ground. Timea and I had been walking the Greensand Way in the Surrey Hills in small sections this year. As the Autumn finished we made it as far as Dorking and decided to pause until the Spring. I had signed up the the Hurtwood 50k in the Summer but hadn’t realised that the start and finish would be in the exact place as we finished our walks.

The course starts at Dorking Sports Centre and follows the high street for ~1km before reaching the Greensand Way. From here it follows the Greensand Way for 20km then takes an 8km circle around Winterfold Woods. After the circle the route retraces the Greensand Way back to Dorking. Along the way there’s >1000m metres of elevation, Leith Hill (Surrey’s County Top), Holmbury Hill, Pitch Hill, the Nower and 2 OS Trig Pillars. It felt like a Greatest Hits of the Surrey Hills walks that we had done over the Summer.

It was also the first winter Ultra that I attempted since my DNF on the Thames Path back in 2016. Wind and mud meant a very slow pace on that one and I had to pull out half way. That was a flat course too and I wasn’t confident in the weather or ground conditions for the Hurtwood after a wet autumn. As it turned out the ground was mostly dry, the air was nice and chilly and there was very little wind. These were perfect Ultra conditions for me.

This was my first out-and-back Ultra route. I wasn’t too excited about that as I normally prefer point-to-points. However, I found it to be a huge motivational advantage on the return stretch. It was still a long way but just seemed much easier as I was heading home. I found that I could run for longer stretches later in the race and the hills didn’t seem so tough. On the long descent from the summit of Leith Hill there was a moment when I thought I might beat my 50K PB of 6 hours 59 minutes.

The PB didn’t happen but I wasn’t bothered. I had forgotten about the return to The Nower, a steep hill on the approach to Dorking. In the end I finished in 7 hours 13 minutes, not far off my PB and not bad at all considering the more the double elevation of previous 50ks.

I’ll be doing some more distance events at this time of year. My mood dips from mid-November to mid-December due to a combination of a busy time at work and winter gloom. The focus on rest and nutrition leading up to this event kept me on track and the win of completing a very hilly winter Ultra will see me through till Christmas.

Thanks to Freedom Racing for hosting a well-managed, very rewarding event.

Richard gowerRun, Ultramarathon, Trig Pillar, National Trust, UK County Tops, Surrey, England, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The Greensand Way Part 12 - The Nower and Dorking

Denbies Hillside. View towards railway and Westcott

Start & Finish: Reigate Road Car Park, 9 Reigate Rd, Dorking RH4 1SN
Distance: 10.8 km (6.7 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 222m
Greensand Way section covered: Bury Hill to Punchbowl Lane: 5 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): None
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 22, Surrey Cycleway
OS Trig Pillar: TP6411 - The Nower
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Queen’s Head (6.5 km in) and several on Station Road at the start/finish
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: Dorking, Milton Heath and The Nower, National Trust Denbies Hillside, Deepdene Estate

This is the twelfth of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand 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.

For this section we parked at Dorking Sports Centre at the northern end of the town. From here cross over Reigate Road and follow London Road until a footpath on the left that takes you onto a bridge over the Pipp Brook. Take a left onto the path that follows the brook. Pass the mill pond on your left, and cross the park to reach a footpath that cuts into a residential area called the Parkway. Continue in an westerly direction to Chalkpit Lane and take a right. Walk up Chalkpit Lane and take a footpath on the left after the railway bridge. Take a right onto Ranmore Road then a left onto a footpath immediately after the school.

You’ll now be in the Denbies Hillside National Trust property. Continue in a westerly direction for ~1.5 km until the path curves down to the south to meet the railway line. Carefully cross the level crossing and continue south for 1.2 km until you meet the A5 Guildford Road at Westcott. Shortly after the railway line you’ll reach a path junction in Clay Copse. Take the right hand path up through the woods to keep on track.

Cross over the A25 Guildford Road and continue south onto Milton Street. After 200m you’ll rejoin the Greensand Way at the point where you left it on section 11. Follow the Greensand Way for 5 km to Punchbowl Lane at Deepdene. Along the way you’ll pass up and over The Nower (with an OS Trig Pillar on top), the southern end of Dorking Town and what’s left of the Deepdene Estate. The Queen’s Head pub at 6.5km is a good place to stop for a rest.

At Punchbowl Lane you’ll leave the Greensand Way which heads in a southerly direction. Instead, take a left, heading north, then a right onto Ladyegate Road. After 200m take a right onto a footpath leading to Deepdene Park Road. Take a left, following Deepdene Park Road to Deepdene Drive. Take a right and continue to the end of the estate at the A24 Deepdene Avenue. Cross over and take the footpath leading to Moores Road. Take a right, a right again and you’ll be back in front of Dorking Sports Centre.

Richard gowerTrek, Surrey, Trig Pillar, National Trust, Railway, England, Surrey HillsComment