Guildford circular, 3 May

Train: Waterloo dep 09.30, arrive Guildford 10.02 (NB: this is a Portsmouth train and does not stop at Clapham J, first stop is Woking @ 09.55).  

The Walk, approx 8/9 miles: we’ll make our way towards Chantry Woods uphill to Martha’s Hill Chapel before dropping down to Chilworth (on the recce last week we were treated to a splendid display of bluebells – no guarantee that they’ll still be in their full glory).

The morning is longer and involves quite a bit of uphill and some steep downhill on uneven ground – walking pole useful. The paths around St Martha’s are very sandy, deep in parts, firm footwear essential. The afternoon takes us past the remains of a Mine Factory before joining open fields at the lower level of the Chantries, mainly on the flat with some undulating sections. Final stretch is along the River Wey. NB: alas, a stretch of the footpath by the Weir was closed off due to repair work, which requires a small diversion along a road before re-joining original path.

Lunch in Chilworth: Picnic eaters – a few minutes before getting to the pub there are several picnic tables away from the road. Pub eaters – I’ve reserved 10 places in the bar area at the Percy Arms pub – there’s also outdoor seating but it’s not very large. Menu: https://www.thepercyarms.net/assets/pdf/Full%20A%20la%20Carte%20April%202025.pdf#view=fit

Drop out option: Not far from the pub there’s Chilworth railway station with a two-hourly train service to Guildford, departing at 13.07 (this wouldn’t allow much time for lunch) or at 15.07 (NB: additional single ticket to Guildford required if using this route). Alternatively, there’s an hourly bus service No. 32 departing for Guildford at 31 minutes past the hour (bus stop across the road from the pub). The bus does not stop by the Guildford railway station but terminates at the Guildford Friary Bus station, about 10/15 mins walk to the railway station. 

The weather forecast looks promising, happy walking.

Sigrid