Good Spirits
The rain had been pretty heavy on Thursday and it was just as well to complete this leg of the North Downs and walk on higher and sandier Surrey soils. I say 'complete' but know that I only mean this in the virtual sense. I had previously begun a walk in Dorking and finished at Gomshall but be aware that the job of wandering is never done, there being being diverse and innumerable ways to skin a cat.
The day was fine, the climbs fairly gentle and the landscape variable. The little settlements are attractively set within the wealthy country estates, vineyards, distilleries and mixed woodland. I had a carefree, relaxed and shorter walk before an intense but seasonally jolly work do in Brighton. I marred it only slightly by a Guildford goose chase for a tasty lunch that was not too fancy and of good value, something that the town struggled to provide.
A Guildford return gets you out to Gomshall via Gatwick, from Burgess Hill. The same line takes you back home.
A secluded downhill path lies beyond the gate from the platform. You travel south and backtrack Dorking Road on the edge of Gomshall Marsh. Whilst you a free to access it, there was no obvious path on the interior and the potential watery depths deterred me. Instead go south on the footpath and tarmac of Wonham Way. Where you meet the bridlway turn right and leave the road. There were some attractive horned sheep in the field, a rabbit dashed over the road and a kite (bird) flew overhead in an improbable vertebrate display. Hit Towerhill and pass under the railway arch to turn left on High View. Continue over the junction and join the bridleway on Gravel Pits Lane.
Ultimately we will get to Shere but not before visiting the Heath. A bridge takes you over the railway. Continue with the bridleway to Hook Lane. Shimmy right and join the footpath through to Sandy Lane. Cross directly and take the path through the sandy middle. You'll pass the Albury Borehole and go over the railway footbridge. The path then rejoins the bridleway after Park Road and descends to a junction with Dark Lane. Avoid this lane on the left and choose the Fox Way into Shere. You can take the footpath on left of Pathfields and it will join Pilgrim's Way, avoiding a short stretch on Shere Lane. There are a number of potential stops for a break. I tried Hilly's along with a number of the school-run mums. I rather regret not getting breakfast somewhere here. It felt a bit premature.
Lower Street runs alongside the Tillingbourne that flows picturesquely through the village. This river has a busy history, being employed variously for milling, watercress and trout fishing. Throwbacks to last week's walk had me hearing parakeets but also redwings, long-tailed tits, treecreepers and mistlethrushes. A heron and an egyptian goose fought for the prominence in a tree by the river. Leave the road and cross the other end of Dark Lane. Lime Walk takes a very straight line in Albury Park with some grizzled senior chestnuts. Switch back abruptly at the road and walk through the woodland and down towards the driveway. The saxon church is very old but with later medieval alterations. You get a glimpse of the mansion from here. Turn left to the main road.
Turn right and keep in this direction on the avenue of trees to the cross the Shere Road at the junction. Turn right and follow the signs towards Silent Pool. Take a look at the Sherbourne Pond. Somehow I found myself buying a bottle of gin at the distillery. I was asked whether I wanted to try anything but at this hour and on an empty stomach, I thought better of it. There is also a tempting Indian cafe here. If you move away from the pond, you find yourself going north next to the Albury Organic Vineyard.
You are back on the Fox Way, going up hill to the North Downs. At the crossroads, turn left onto the Drove Road, bridleway and the North Downs Way. Naturally, the views are to the south of these wooded hills.
Immediately over the Shere Road, you are at Newlands Corner. Take time to explore the woods on the various trails and you'll find ancient yew trees on the Dormouse Trail. There is a cafe, toilets and expansive views. From the bridleway known as Walnut Tree Bottom, you will return via the public footpath to cross another bridleway and rejoin the North Downs Way. Now descend, paralleling the Guildford Lane, crossing it and ascending Martha's Hill. Go to the top on the Church Trail, Pilgrims Way and North Downs Way. St Martha's on the Hill is the North Downs' penultimate Flourish on this walk. A clutch of happy dogs received strokes and pats on their excellent pine tree walks. Leave the churchyard via the clipped yews and walk down to Halfpenny Lane. Go left and rejoin the North Downs Way. Leave the Chantry Woods for another day and, soon after, the North Downs Way for the hedge-lined bridleway known as the Mile Path.
At the far end, climb Pewley Down, Here I admired southward views and watched a kestrel hunting before descending on Pewley Hill. Continue on this line and you'll see Guildford Cathedral in the distance and you'll end up at the Castle. I can't really recommend my route in Guildford but essentially involved following the Wey north to the New Guildford Line and then south to Dapdune Wharf. This historic area is owned by the National Trust.
I returned as far as the castle and the Weyside Pub for lunch and back to Guildford Station. This was too much of a loop and I'll await better any recommendations.
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