Surrey

Winkworth to Oakhurst wonder walk

This walk connects three special National Trust places in the pretty West Weald. Starting at Winkworth Arboretum, it meanders through woodland towards Hydon's Ball with its views over the Surrey countryside. The trail finishes in the charming village of Hambledon, where you'll discover Oakhurst Cottage, a 16th-century former labourer's home that's remained largely unchanged for the past 100 years.

Near to

Winkworth Arboretum

Start point

Winkworth Arboretum car park. Grid ref: SU990412

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)

Duration1 hour 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*This trail comprises a variety of surfaces and gradients. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**This trail may be challenging for people with reduced mobility. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome, with conditions. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Address
Winkworth Arboretum, Hascombe Road, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4AD
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Godalming station is 2 miles (3.2km) away. From there, you can either walk or take a bus to the start of this trail.
By bus
The no. 42 and 44 Arriva buses from Guildford to Cranleigh both pass close to Godalming train station. From there, you can either walk or take a bus to the start of this trail.
By road
Winkworth Arboretum is near Hascombe, 2 miles (3.2km) south-east of Godalming on the east side of the B2130.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control. Please note that there are no dog bins, so you'll need to take dog litter home with you.
Car park
There is parking at both Winkworth Arboretum (closes at dusk) and Hydon's Ball.
Toilet
There are toilet facilities at the Arbor Tea-room, Winkworth Arboretum.
Tea-room
The Arbor Tea-room at Winkworth Arboretum serves a range of meals, snacks and drinks. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Total stages: 11
Total stages: 11
Start point
Winkworth Arboretum car park. Grid ref: SU990412
Stage 1
Leave Winkworth Arboretum car park and cross Hascombe Road into South Munstead Lane, following the bridleway sign. After you pass South Munstead Farm Cottage, bear left, following the bridleway onto the gravel track at the end of the tarmac drive. You'll then descend into a sunken lane.
Stage 2
As you emerge from the sunken lane, bear right to climb the gentle hill into Busbridge Woods. Like Winkworth, this woodland is carpeted with bluebells in season. Keep to the main track as it curves to the left, then descend towards a junction at the bottom of a gentle slope.
Stage 3
Stay on the main track as it curves right, ignoring the bridleway and footpath on the left as you climb gently towards Marks Lane.
Stage 4
Just before the track reaches Marks Lane, turn left at the yellow footpath waymark. Cross the road and continue into Hydon's Ball car park. Walk through the car park and exit past the large stump on the opposite side, turning left through the metal barrier.
Stage 5
Continue up the track, past the stone cairn, until you reach the top of the slope. Then, before the track starts to descend, turn right and head towards the rail barrier.
Stage 6
After passing through the barrier, ascend the uneven path that leads up Hydon's Ball. At the top, take a seat on the stone memorial bench and enjoy the superb views to the south and south-east.
Stage 7
Once you've taken in the views, follow the westerly path with Octavia Hill's bench behind you. The path soon sweeps left, passing several green inspection covers for the reservoir below. Continue straight ahead, descending past the Robertson Memorial on your right, then cross the path next to the pumping station.
Stage 8
Turning right, follow the footpath through the chestnut coppice until you reach a metal kissing gate on your left. Pass through it into the arable field, then bear right towards the solitary oak tree near the next metal kissing gate. After heading through the gate, turn in the direction of the church and cross a second field towards another metal kissing gate.
Stage 9
Pass through the gate with the lime kiln on the left, and continue on to Church Lane, passing St Peter's Church on your right. Descend a short distance, then turn left up a bank. Go through the wooden kissing gate into a grass field, then join the Greensands Way opposite the entrance to Court Farm.
Stage 10
Descend into the field, then ascend to the far right-hand corner. Pass through the timber kissing gate. Keeping on the same line, gently climb to another kissing gate and go down the steps on the other side. At the road by 'Matterves', head left for 110yd (100m) towards Woodlands Lane.
Stage 11
Turn left into the lane, then turn immediately right, following the bridleway down past Dora Cottage. Continue ahead as the lane narrows to a path, and descend towards the road. Cross over the road and bear right along a single drive, past Goodbrook Stables. Cross the stream, turn left, then head through the bollards and turn immediately right. Oakhurst Cottage is approximately 110yd (100m) on the right-hand side.
End point
Oakhurst Cottage, Hambledon. Grid ref: SU965380
Trail map
Map of the Winkworth to Oakhurst wonder walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Hiking group on a guided hike led by rangers at Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire

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