Chilworth, Surrey to Guildford, 8 Aug

Train: Waterloo 9.30 (Portsmouth train), arr Guildford 10.02. Walk to bus station. Number 32 departs 10.30, arrives Chilworth 10.45. Freedom passes accepted. Loos at Guildford station can be very busy so use facilities on train.

The Walk: 10 miles. Mike says: ‘I did a walkover yesterday and the train and walking times are confirmed. It was very dry as you can imagine but there’s quite a bit of shade. Make sure you have plenty of water and your floppy hats. I will be setting a moderate pace, and plan to stop for lunch at Shere for at least an hour, so that we can eat something and digest it. The afternoon is much tougher than the morning but there are some cracking views.

Morning is undulating, about 2 hours. Afternoon more challenging, about 3 hours, with some quite steep bits. Could be slippery if wet, skiddy if dry. Poles might be useful.We start by taking in part of Blackheath then turn north to Shere. We then proceed west, up and along a ridge via St Martha’s Church, and Pewley Down, ending at Guildford. Varied heath, wood and farmland and classic views to south from St Martha’s and Pewley Down. Just under 10 miles with 400 metres ascent and descent. Maps: Landranger 186 & 187. and Explorer 145.

Lunch: Shere. Bring a picnic or pub lunch at Shere.  Distance: 10 miles.

Dropout point: For those wanting to do the morning only, there are buses number 32 back from Shere to Guildford at 22 past the hour, journey time about 25 minutes.

Those wanting to do the afternoon only, take the 32 bus from Guildford Priory bus station at 11.30 or 12.30, journey time 25 minutes. If you want to eat in the pub, the earlier bus is desirable. If you are picnicking, the later will be fine.

NB: If you miss the 9.30 train, you will probably miss the 32 bus. It’s an hourly service so we can’t wait. If you can get a cab, you need to be dropped off at Lockner’s Farm, Chilworth, about half a mile past the station . If not you will have to amuse yourselves and we’ll see you at Shere. It’s  a 10 minute brisk walk from Guildford train station to Priory bus station.

Here’s the route from Guildford Train Station to Priory Bus Station:

Exit station, and turn left, parallel to Costa coffee.

After a few metres, turn right, following pedestrian route across the car park.
Descend ramp to road and cross.

Pass between two buildings  onto pedestrian bridge across Wey.

At far end, cross paved area, heading for white staircase enclosure to multistorey car park.

Ascend stairs to top level, exit and cross paved area to entrance to Shopping centre.

Enter and continue ahead till it opens out into central area.

Turn left and head for exit. This is the bus station, and bay 4 , from where the 32  departs.

[If you do the morning only, you can do the above in reverse to get to the train station.]

Leader: Mike