3 Walks in Guildford
We are so lucky to have so many beautiful walks right on our doorstep — no car journey required. Here are 3 of my favourites…
- Walk this Wey! Guildford to Godalming….
River Wey from the centre of Guildford to the pretty town of Godalming. It is around 5miles for the direct route. Great walk with children (not the full way!) — lots to keep them interested and no big climbs unless you want them.
It starts from the bottom of the High Street and you follow the river round to the left.
You can watch the narrow boats navigate the locks or the rowers slice through the water as you leave the town behind. The walk is relatively flat if you stick to the direct route, sandy in some parts. If you want to add in a climb — you can go up to the tower on Chinthurst Hill for great views of the Downs. Alternatively, you can deviate off the path after the first bridge and climb the road up to St Catherines Hill and ruined chapel.
More info at http://www.walkthiswey.co.uk/wey_guildford_godalming.html
2. It’s all in the view — St Martha’s Hill
An old favorite — especially when we had visitors to give them a great view of the area.
Fantastic views of the Surrey Hills and Newlands corner — this is a circular walk starting at Guildford Lane Car Park, you steadily climb up to the 19th century church of St Martha’s as you follow part of the North Downs Way. Great place for a picnic at the top with a few benches dotted around the boundaries of the churchyard. Footpaths leading south from the hill will take you to Blackheath Common (beware — this is quite steep!) where there are nice footpaths and cycle trails to follow through the attractive heathland and woodland.
More info at http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/routeslinkswalks/st-marthas-hill-walking-route
3. Short of time — The Mount
I used to do this walk all the time when I lived that side of Guildford, its was a great Sunday early evening activity to get some fresh air and clear my head before the Monday morning commute.
Walk starts at Wodeland Avenue (near back of train station), there is an easy to miss footpath off this with steps leading up to the top. Once you have your breath back, you can follow the path to the right across the hill. It’s a favourite with dog walkers. You can carry on up the hill at the end of the path towards the trees where there is a gap to lead you to a track, follow this along and back down the hill.
More info
http://www.bbc.co.uk/southerncounties/content/articles/2008/01/11/walking_the_dog_at_the_mount.shtml
