for the best in nordic walking, guided walks and weekends away

Each of the following walks will consist of two groups led by two leaders, one being led with commentary on the landscape, countryside, etc. The other group for nordic walkers only is without commentary but with nordic walking technique checks and reminders.

September 2008

Saturday 27 September        Ham House            6 miles

(Meet 1015 outside Richmond rail station; parking nearby; frequent rail services to and from London Waterloo, times not currently available) From historic Richmond on Thames to celebrated hilltop views over the River Thames from Richmond Hill; on through the royal deer park via the beautiful gardens of Pembroke Lodge to Ham House (National Trust: £9.90 house and gardens or £3.30 gardens only, National Trust members free), finest Stuart house in Britain. Optional visit to the house and period gardens which are a rare example of 17th-century design and are currently being restored, lunch in the Orangery. We return via the towpath to Richmond for optional tea.  (Grade A)  (Finish approx. 1600)

October 2008

Sunday 26 October               Chantries              4 miles

(Meet 1030 for Chantries 4.5-mile morning walk or 1400 for Shalford 5-mile afternoon walk, or combine the two for 9.5 miles, both walks meeting at The Seahorse, Shalford on A281. We have been given permission to park in the top overflow car park furthest from the road. Please park carefully and if you are using the pub’s facilities, it would be appreciated if you would at least buy a drink.

Rail travellers: depart London Waterloo 0830, arrive Guildford 0912 or depart Victoria 0822, arrive Clapham Junction 0827, depart Clapham Junction 0839, arrive Guildford 0912; walk 15 minutes to Friary Bus Station and depart from Bus Stop 7 on the No 53 Bus at 0935, arriving Shalford Seahorse at 0945; we will ourselves be taking this option and will wait outside Guildford Station - look out for the two of us with our rucksacs - and will lead the way to the bus station. Alternatively there is a taxi rank outside Guildford Station; the journey takes about 10 minutes and the cost on a Sunday is approximately £7; for this option, take the 0930 from London Waterloo, arrive Guildford  1012 or take the 0922 from Victoria, arrive Clapham 0927, depart Clapham 0939, arrive Guildford 1012.)

A walk of contrasting landscapes, from waterside paths and water meadows of the Wey and Godalming Navigation with its picturesque locks and narrow boats to the superb mixed woodlands of The Chantries, now beginning to display autumnal colours. Stunning views from the high rolling downland of Pewley Down and a slice of old Guildford with its splendid castle keep and beautiful gardens.  Lunch at The Seahorse.  (Grade B)  (Finish approx. 1245) 

and/or

Sunday 26 October           Shalford Mill             5 miles

(Meet 1400 at The Seahorse Inn, Shalford, 1.5 miles south of Guildford on A281)   More waterside walking along the Wey & Arun Canal and John Bunyan’s Shalford marshes.Then a stretch along the disused railway, now the Downs Link to Chinthurst Hill with wonderful views towards Guildford, stopping at Elizabethan Tangley Manor and historic Chilworth. Precede or finish the walk with a visit to Shalford Mill, an 18th-C watermill with well-preserved machinery, opposite the Seahorse. (Open Sunday 11-5, free to National Trust members).  (Grade A/B) (Finish approx. 1645)

or combine Chantries and Shalford Mill Walks for 9 miles

DETAILS OF NEW WALKS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN JANUARY

Gomshall Walk

Broomy Down

Surrey heathland

Ham House

The Chantries

Loseley House

Buttercup field

The Wey Navigation (Chantries Walk)

Download a PDF leaflet with full details of all guided walks.

North Downs Way