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Milford to Godalming walk

The Greensand Way, Winkworth(a NT Arboretum), a canal, and historic Godalming.

Garden Haslemere Surrey

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Date Option Post # Weather
Wed, 24-Jan-24 Wednesday walk - Milford to Godalming 21 mainly sunny
Sat, 04-Feb-23 Milford to Godalming, with possible moonlight extension up the Wey to Guildford 32 cloudy but mild
Sun, 16-Oct-22 Sunday Walk: Milford to Godalming 8 partly sunny then cloudy
Sat, 11-Jun-22 Milford to Godalming 21 Sunny
Sun, 22-Aug-21 Sunday Walk: Milford to Godalming 5 dry warm largely sunny
Sat, 08-Aug-20 Saturday walk - Milford to Godalming - TRAIN TIMES AMENDED - Far from the Madding Crowds (hopefully...) 26 Very hot and sultry
Sat, 20-Jul-19 Saturday Walk - Milford to Godalming - Stress-free Surrey 11 Mostly sunny no rain
Sun, 07-Apr-19 Sunday Walk: Milford to Godalming 10 mild and cloudy
Sat, 08-Dec-18 a Saturday Walk - Milford to Godalming 8 sunny periods in the morning yielding to grey but no actual rain
Sun, 17-Jun-18 Sunday Walk: Milford to Godalming 9 overcast but cool and humid
Wed, 28-Mar-18 Wednesday Walk - Milford to Godalming 7 mostly wet
Sat, 22-Apr-17 Saturday Walk - Milford to Godalming
Sat, 06-Aug-16 Saturday First Walk Milford to Godalming 40 Blazing hot sunshine
Sat, 06-Jun-15 Saturday First Walk 31 sunny and cloudy
Sat, 08-Nov-14 Milford to Godalming 16
Wed, 16-Jul-14 Milford to Godalming
Sat, 02-Nov-13 Milford to Godalming 28
Sun, 29-Sep-13 Milford to Godalming 12
Sun, 14-Apr-13 Milford to Godalming 22
Sat, 11-Feb-12 Milford to Godalming
Sat, 14-May-11 Milford to Godalming
Sun, 14-Nov-10 Milford to Godalming
Thu, 30-Sep-10 Milford to Godalming
Sun, 11-Oct-09 Milford to Godalming
Sat, 16-May-09 Milford to Godalming
Sun, 19-Oct-08 Milford to Godalming
Sun, 22-Jun-08 Milford to Godalming
Sat, 03-May-08 Milford to Godalming
Sat, 19-May-07 Milford to Godalming
Sun, 28-Jan-07 Milford to Godalming
Wanderer
Wanderer

T=1.20

The Greensand Way & Winkworth Arboretum

Length: 17.9km (11.1 miles)

Toughness: 6 out of 10

Trains: 9.45 from London Waterloo (9.52 Clapham Junction, 10.13 Woking) arriving Milford 10.38.

Return trains: 15.10/25/45, 16.12/25/40/51, 17.12/25/42/51

Buy a return to Milford.

Lunch: The main, suggested lunchtime stop is the White Horse pub (tel 01483 208 258) in Hascombe, some 8.1 km into the walk, which serves good food from midday to 9.30pm,

For a non-pub lunch, the cafe by the entrance to Winkworth Arboretum , some 10.9 km into the walk, serves a limited selection of hot dishes and a range of sandwiches.

Tea: various options in Godalming.

for more information click L=1.40




  • 24-Jan-24

    21 off the train at Milford in mainly sunny weather we had an early baptism of mud on a fenced-in bridleway, deeply waterlogged and problematic for anyone without gaitors.There were a few other churned up bridleways along the way but in between, paths were firm and it was very pleasant walking through sunlit woods. The group spread out along the way but most appeared on benches picnicking around the pond and outside the church in Hascombe. Some visited the church there and others sped on to Godalming with at least 1 catching the 3.13 train. A couple of people went for tea and twelve went to the Star for refreshments. Most of those caught the 16.40 train.

    A strenuous walk which for me felt a bit rushed and could be better enjoyed at a leisurely pace on a longer day. A walker with extensive local knowledge recommended doing it when the rhododendrons are in bloom.

  • 25-Jan-24

    Forgot to mention snowdrops next to the ancient yew outside St Peter's church in Hambledon and daffodils at Winkworth arboretum.

Walker
Length: 17.9km (11.1 miles) T=1.20
Catch the 9.45 train from Waterloo (9.52 Clapham Junction) to Milford, arriving 10.38
Buy a day return to Milford (Surrey)
For walk directions click here, for GPX click here, for a map of the route click here.

South Western Railway reckon their services will be largely unaffected by yesterday's Aslef strike, and so operating mostly normally today. So cross fingers. Since this is only an hourly train, in the event of its cancellation, get the next fast train to Guildford and meet in the station foyer there. There are lots of possible walks from Guildford.
This favourite SWC walk probably needs no introduction. Surrey woods and fields and a walk through Winkworth Arboretum on a right of way. I have no idea if it has good displays of snowdrops, but I am hoping the Arboretum will have some at least.
There are two lunch pubs, one a bit early, the other more to the middle of the walk. The latter usually lets us in, but in extremis there is a tea kiosk by the entrance to Winkworth Arboretum.
Hectors on the Wey, charmingly situated at Farncombe Lock, is a possible tea option. Otherwise Godalming town centre has various options. The Star Inn in Church Street is (mysteriously to me) a walkers' favourite.
Trains back from Godalming are at 12, 25 and 40 past the hour
As it is the day before the full moon, if the skies are clear, there is the possibility of a moonlight extension up the Wey Navigation from Farncombe to Guildford. This is an easy to follow riverside path with a nice range of scenery, pubs at the end, and more or less pointing into the moonlight (which will be east north east), so producing the best visual effects. Note this would be a moonlight walk, not a torchlight walk....Let your eyes adapt....
  • 04-Feb-23

    We have got to stop meeting like this… 32 on this walk, who made a large crowd on the platform and were only outdone by an even larger group from some other walking outfit in the car park. But thankfully we never saw them again.

    It was cloudy but mild . Paths were weirdly dry. OK, there were a few gloopy bits where the path was confined by fences near subterranean springs, but mainly it was July underfoot. Something ain’t right with our climate…

    An uneventful morning apart from two llamas being taken for a walk (they were excitedly nibbling the nettles and shrubs by the path, while their fellows in a nearby field sported “Hey, it ain’t fair!” expressions) and a nice snowdrop display in the churchyard at Hambledon. Birdsong included great tits, a dunnock and a mistle thrush.

    Two separate tables had been booked for lunch in the White Horse. We tried to add a third and were told we would have to wait till 1.15pm. But when we arrived at 12.40, the pub was empty. Lots ordered at and sat in the bar. On our reserved third table in the restaurant we eventually decided it would be quicker to do the same. The staff were happy with this and the food came quickly.

    Approaching Winkworth Arboretum in the afternoon we saw lots of daffodils in flower - a bit weird for 4 February. We got a bit strung out on the next section, but regrouped at Farncombe Lock, where Hectors-by-the-Wey having shut at 3pm caused a whole gaggle of walkers to stand around bewildered.

    Half the gaggle went to Godalming. Seven of us swiped right to go up the Wey to the Manor Inn in Farncombe for tea, drinks and sticky toffee pudding. We then set off at 5pm to walk to Guildford in the gloaming. Sadly, persistent cloud meant no moonlight but a compensation was a Hitchcockian-sized flock of rooks and jackdaws wheeling to roost in some nearby trees, and seven or eight song thrushes all competing in song as the light faded.

    There was some attempt to persuade us to finish in Shalford, but this was scotched and we all went on to Guildford, where on our third attempt we found a rugby-free pub (the White House) for end of walk refreshies. We then got a train home. Not sure at what time: I always forget to take note.

Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger

11.5 miles, 18.5 km. Difficulty: 6/10.
The Greensand Way, a fishy-friezed church, an autumn arboretum, a historic waterway, and, finally, Godalming's ancient High Street.
Trains: Get the 10:00 Haslemere train from Waterloo (Clapham Junction 10:09) arriving 10:55
Return from Godalming at xx:56.and 27. Get a return to Milford.
Lunch: The White Horse, Hascombe (01483 208258). Large groups should phone to book. The Merry Harriers in Hambledon (01483 682883) is an earlier possibility. (Don’t leave Hascombe without admiring the lavishly decorated interior of St Peter's church. Just don't, OK?).
Tea: Hector's on the Wey, at Farncombe Boat House.
In Godalming itself, Caffè Nero is open till 5:30 and Costa Coffee open to 5, both on the High Street. (Café Mila closes at 3). The Star on Church Street has been personally recommended to Mr Tiger as an establishment purveying real ale.
Directions: here.You can cut 1 km off the end of the walk by diverting to Farncombe Station from the Boat House. You’d need a map or app to find it, its not in the directions. Trains leave Farncombe at xx:59.
We go through Winkworth Arboretum on a public footpath. To stray from the path you’d need to buy a ticket or have NT membership. (You may also be able to blag free access under the National Trust’s “Autumn Free Visit” offer. Passes are limited and you need to register in advance). T=1.20

St Peters Church

  • 17-Oct-22

    With no connecting trains available to him the SWC Walks Inspector decided on a car-based walk around Hydon's Ball and Winkworth Arboretum, plotting to intercept the Sunday walkers at Hambledon on a partly sunny then cloudy day. Of the 8 starters the main group were a few minutes ahead of schedule but he was able to join the back marker for the rest of the morning leg. However, there was no chance of us catching the others as we were distracted by masses of interesting (and mostly unidentifiable) fungi, so this walk clearly merits some more autumn outings.

    At the White Horse we discovered that the main group had already polished off the pub's supply of Shere Drop but fortunately we were able to refresh ourselves with Aspall's cider before they turned their attention to that. Apart from this interruption to the beer supply we were fed and watered pretty efficiently. After lunch all of us visited the local church as instructed and admired its splendid wall decoration. A little further on the inspector and two or three others broke off to wander around the (rather crowded) Arboretum; there was plenty of autumn colour but it looked a bit subdued in the overcast conditions.

    The directions have been tweaked to reflect a few changes on the ground since its last walk check.

Sat, 11-Jun-22 : Milford to Godalming 21
Walker
Walker
Length: 17.9km (11.1 miles) - with possible three mile extension

9.45 train from Waterloo (9.52 Clapham Junction) to Milford, arriving 10.38
Buy a day return to Milford (Surrey).
For walk directions click here. For GPX click here. For a map of the route click here.
This is an old favourite, but always full of interest, with some hilly bits and a pretty village or two, and in the afternoon a public footpath route across the National Trust Winkworth Arboretum

There are two possible lunch pubs: the Merry Harriers quite early in the walk and the White Horse in Hascombe ....more towards its middle (why don't book 1 walks give distances to lunch pubs??), which serves food all afternoon.
There is a cafe at the entrance to the Arboretum, but the nice tea place, if you can get there before it closes at 5pm is Hectors on the Wey at Farncombe Lock. Godalming also has lots of options
If you want to extend the walk, the Walk Options some suggestions for climbing hills to views (or in one case, quixotically, no views). I add a suggestion of my own: going north along the Wey from Farncombe Boat House (rather than south to Godalming) brings you to Guildford in about three miles: a very pretty walk. Early on this route there is a riverside pub garden at Farncombe.
Trains back from Godalming are at 12, 28 and 40 past. All These trains also call at Guildford. T=1.20
  • 11-Jun-22

    # 21 , # Sunny , This walk starts with a rather overgrown path along side the railway but soon opens out to more interesting countryside. We met a group walking with full grown llamas that can look even the tallest of us straight in the eye. About 12 stopped for lunch at the White Horse which served us in the garden. We had to disentangle ourselves from a waitress who would have liked us to eat more formally on the terrace but were able to order and pay individually at the bar. Food was generally good and delivered efficiently, the goats cheese ravioli was excellent. Some stopped for ice cream at the Arboretum and most for tea and cake at Hectors. Godalming looked a picture in the afternoon sun with a brass band playing as we walked along the river to the station. An excellent day out.

Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger

11.5 miles, 18.5 km. Difficulty: 6/10.
The Greensand Way, an ornate church, an arboretum, a historic waterway, and finally, Godalming's ancient High Street.
Don’t leave Hascombe without admiring the lavishly decorated interior of St Peter's church. Just don’t, OK?.
Trains: Get the 10:00 Haslemere train from Waterloo (Clapham Junction 10:09)
Return from Godalming at xx:56 and xx:26 Get a return to Milford.

Lunch: The White Horse, Hascombe (01483 208258). Large groups should phone to book. The Merry Harriers in Hambledon (01483 682883) is an earlier possibility.
Tea: Hector's on the Wey, at Farncombe Boat House. There are also places in Godalming.

We go through Winkworth Arboretum on a public footpath. A proper visit costs £12.10 (free to NT members).

Directions: here.
Using a map, it is possible to cut 1 km off the end of the walk by diverting to Farncombe Station from the Boat House. Trains leave Farncombe at xx:59.
T=1.20

  • 23-Aug-21

    Officially 5 (I was tempted to include the groups of 5 and 2 walking independently and the 1 who missed the train) but you know me, honest as the day is long. The day was dry warm largely sunny A very pretty walk with trees, views, a miraculous draught of fishes, and a large expanse of flowering heather. So well done to the walk poster for choosing it. It’s also one that feels a lot longer than its 11 miles. And it has plenty of ups and downs. Plenty of opportunities for a bit of light-hearted whingeing (readily exploited by yours truly).

    The group divided into 3 sprinters and 2 dawdlers. The dawdlers stopped at both the Harriers and the White Horse - to replenish liquid levels. We know the sprinters stopped at the White Horse because we got there in time to wave them off. After liquid levels were adequate, we too were off again, but not before we dropped in the church to see the fish.

    We bypassed Hector's and dawdled slightly faster along the canal, (where the boathouse seems have a new source of income- hiring out paddleboards) and caught the 17:55 by a whisker.

Walker
Length: 17.9km (11 miles) - with extensions possible
Toughness: 6 out of 10

*** TRAIN TIMES AMENDED ****
9.45 train from Waterloo (9.52 Clapham Junction) to Milford, arriving 10.38

Buy a day return to Milford.

For walk directions click here. For GPX click here. For a map of the route click here. T=1.20

Since it is forecast to be HOT today. I have picked a walk a) which avoids train lines that might be used by hordes heading to the coast and b) which has a reasonable amount of shady bits to keep us cool. Otherwise, this popular walk has varied scenery, some hilly bits and a pretty village or two. Towards its end, tea by a canal may be possible...

There are two potential lunch pubs - one early one - the Merry Harriers - and one mid walk - the White Horse in Hascombe. But one just never knows with pubs in these strange times. Sometimes it is quite easy to turn up and get served, and sometimes there is a list of rules as long as your arm and you have to book in advance.

In the afternoon the walk crosses the National Trust Winkworth Arboretum on a public footpath. I have agonised a bit about this, since the NT website says it is only letting in a limited number of visitors on pre-booked tickets yadda yadda. But a public footpath is a public footpath, right? They can't control access to that. Can they? (Any advice on this welcome...) It might be an idea not to arrive at the entrance in a great big group, however. There is a cafe at the entrance to the Arboretum which will be open for takeaways, apparently.

Towards the end of the walk, there is Hectors on the Wey, a delightful little cafe with outside tables at Farncombe Lock. I have no reason to think they won't be open, but if they are not, Godalming has lots of tea options.

If you want to extend the walk, the Walk Options for this walk give some suggestions for climbing hills to views (or in one case, quixotically, no views: a hill climb just for the sake of it?). I add a suggestion of my own: going north along the Wey from Farncombe Boat House (rather than south to Godalming) brings you to Guildford in about three miles. This section of the Wey is festooned with interesting wildflowers at this time of year and there is a riverside pub garden at Farncombe fairly early on, which may be open.

Trains back from Godalming are at 24/25 and 41 past to 19.24, then 20.29 and 21.29. All These trains also call at Guildford.
  • Anonymous
    06-Aug-20

    I think the train times are wrong there is a9.45 from Waterloo but not a 10.15

  • 06-Aug-20

    Amended. SWT have a tiresome habit at present of changing their mind about weekend train times midweek.

  • 08-Aug-20

    Very hot and sultry sums up the weather. Sunny? Not exactly. A white sky through which the sun shone with varying intensity in the afternoon. Generally it felt like walking through a sauna with an overcoat on. Probably 26 of us, maybe more. I counted at the start and then forgot to write it down. The long narrow path by the railway line at the beginning of the walk ensured we soon spread out into smaller groups.

    The landscape was very dry and end-of-summer-y. The regular wooded sections were as much a relief for their greenery as for their shade. Around twelve of us sojourned at two tables in the garden of the White Horse, where some ate and some had drinks, the table service proving very efficient (not to mention well-informed about the benefits of bi-mode trains).

    Six or seven of us stopped at the National Trust refreshment kiosk at Winkworth Arboretum - ice cream mysteriously proving more popular than tea (I had both). There was no problem using the right of way through the Arboretum, the former ticket kiosk having disappeared (I think the NT assume everyone arrives by car these days.) My party did get lost in the grounds, but not intentionally, I assure you.

    Arriving at Hectors on the Wey at 4.30pm, I was surprised to find the place deserted - apart from another pod of SWC walkers already in residence. So we enjoyed a second tea (for some of us) by the canal in tranquility (or rather we could make as much noise as we liked without disturbing anyone else.)

    I think most then got a train about 5.30 from Godalming. I dawdled longer on the riverside seeing water chickweed and comma butterflies, and got the 6.25, on which I met one of our number who had spent the afternoon seeing friends. And so back to the hair dryer heat of London....

Walker
Length: 17.9km (11 miles) - with extensions possible
Toughness: 6 out of 10
10.15 train from Waterloo (10.22 Clapham Junction) to Milford, arriving 11.05.
Buy a day return to Milford.
For walk directions click here. For GPX click here. For map click here. T=1.20

This popular walk has varied scenery, some hilly bits and a pretty village or two. In short it is a classic English summer walk. There is a choice of an early or mid-walk lunch pub, and the latter - the White Horse in Hascombe - now does food all afternoon at weekends according to its website, so no need to stress about getting there in time.

In the afternoon you pass through the National Trust-run Winkworth Arboretum, which you cross on a public footpath, defying all requests from NT staff to pay or provide your name, address and shoe size. Don’t misuse this by wandering off the right of way into the gardens, however - unless you are a National Trust member or have paid the admissions charge. There is a cafe at the start of the gardens (just before the ticket gate) if you want to sneak an early tea.

Otherwise the best tea stop is Hector’s on the Wey at Farncombe Boat House, an idyllic spot, which as far as I can ascertain is open to 5pm. The last bit of the walk is a very pleasant riverside walk into Godalming, which has more tea options (including a Costa Coffee open to 7.30pm)

If you wanted to extend the walk, the Walk Options for this walk give some suggestions for climbing hills to views (or in one case, quixotically, no views: a hill climb just for the sake of it?). I add a suggestion of my own: going north along the Wey from Farncombe Boat House (rather than south to Godalming) brings you to Guildford in about three miles. This section of the Wey is festooned with interesting wildflowers at this time of year and there is a riverside pub garden at Farncombe fairly early in the route. I have also seen people swimming in the river, but I am not sure I recommend it (slow moving river water can carry Weil’s Disease: aka I was tempted to join them but chickened out...)

Trains back from Godalming are at 11, 25, 41 and 54 past: turn up and go, basically. All
These trains also call at Guildford.
  • 20-Jul-19

    Hi what time at Milford station to join the walk please?

  • 20-Jul-19

    To quote from the walk post “...to Milton, arriving....”

  • 20-Jul-19

    Thanks for confirming 11.05 am

  • Anonymous
    20-Jul-19

    Never trust the weather man - gloomy forecast turned out to be Mostly sunny no rain . Nine met on the platform, another showed up at the lunch pub, we met one more in the afternoon at the National Trust cafe, so 11 . The walk was so lovely that has exceeded the blurb ‘advertised’ on the website. It was a hot and humid day but we had a lot of shades in the woods. Cool! All stopped at the Hascombe for lunch, 4 ate at White Horse, gourmet menu with the price to match and small portions. Best to stick to the pub classics for a more hearty affair. In the afternoon, six decided to stop at the NT outdoor cafe for tea/ice cream. Lucky we did as the last lost soul (the 11th walker) finally reunited with the group at the cafe. Winkworth Arboretum was especially beautiful. The lakeside wooden cabin is now equipped with a large table and chairs and even a pair of sofas overlooking the lake. I would have been a couch potato for the rest of the afternoon if it was not for the peer pressure..... We got to Farncombe Boat House just after 5pm but the cafe was closed. Pity but not despair. At Godalming, the group disintegrated, some went to the pub, some to catch the train, two decided to try Godalming Delights - a local cafe/ice cream/candy shop with outdoor seating for refreshment. They close at 7pm so could be a tea place in the summer months in future. It is a nice day out in good company. A top mark for this hard to beat book 1 classics. NB - the walk appeared to be longer than the stated 11 miles, my GPS registered more than 13 miles - it certainly felt that way as well.

Sun, 07-Apr-19 : Sunday Walk: Milford to Godalming 10
Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger
Book 1 walk 20 t=1.20
11.5 miles, 18.5 km. Difficulty: 6/10.
The Greensand Way, a church with fishy flourishes, Winkworth Arboretum, a historic waterway, and, finally, Godalming's ancient High Street. Don't leave Hascombe, the recommended lunch stop, without admiring the interior of St Peter's church. Honestly, you have to look inside.
Trains: Get the 10:00 Portsmouth Harbour train from Waterloo (Clapham Junction 10:09), arriving Milford 10:55. Return from Godalming at xx:56. Get a return to Milford.
Lunch:The White Horse, Hascombe (01483 208258). Large groups should phone to book. The Merry Harriers in Hambledon (01483 682883) is an earlier possibility.
Tea: Hector's on the Wey, at Farncombe Boat House. There are also places in Godalming.
If you have a map, it is possible to cut 1 km off the end of the walk by diverting to Farncombe Station from the Boat House. Trains leave Farncombe at xx:59.
Directions: here.

  • Anonymous
    06-Apr-19

    HI guys anyone attending this walk tomorrow?

    Monica

  • Fi
    06-Apr-19

    Yes I am

  • Anonymous
    06-Apr-19

    Hi Fi glad you are attending. See you on the train or at Milford station. Taking the 10.00 train from Waterloo. Weather should be fine till 16.00.

    Monica

  • 09-Apr-19

    After disentangling ourselves from a ‘private’ group of walkers there were ten of us on the platform at Milford. 10 The rain held off until 4pm and even then it was more of a drizzle so we walked in pleasant mild mainly overcast conditions.

    mild and cloudy

    I must have been walking too quickly (surely not) to realise that one person failed to rejoin the group after disappearing behind a bush in the morning. We hope that was by choice. Another stopped at the Merry Harriers for an early lunch.

    St Peter’s church in Hambledon was open, as has been the custom for the last three years apparently. Having admired it we then inspected the two ancient yew trees in its grounds before four of us climbed to the top of Hydon’s Ball where the view was atmospheric.

    No imagination was required to appreciate the cherry blossom in The Hurtwood and then on we went to Hascombe where seven of us picnicked around the very handsome church and village pond.

    The next highlight were the camelias in Winkworth Arboretum, although now past their best. Arriving in Godalming we found Hector’s On the Wey cafe open and serving tea and cake. A fine end to a very pleasant day.

Thomas G
Thomas G
Length: from 18.6 km (11.6 mi) to 21.9 km (13.6 mi)
Ascent/Descent: from 273/288m to 415/430m; Net Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Toughness: 5/10 to 6/10
Take the 09.15 Haslemere train from Waterloo (09.22 Clapham J, 09.43 Woking), arrives Milford 10.05.
Return trains are on xx.25 and xx.53, journey time 48 mins. Buy a Milford return.
This walk is that rare beast, a Book 1 walk that is extendable!
From Milford Station, you come to the lakes and the magnificent timber-framed Enton Mill – one of the many houses on this walk that have 17th or 18th-century galleting – black pebbles lining the mortar of the walls, a method much used in those days in Kent and the South. Near a pub and church in Hambledon, you join the Greensand Way, a sandy bridleway through The Hurtwood.
Lunch is at the White Horse pub in Hascombe, a village with a remarkable church, described by Betjeman as "a Tractarian work of art", and covered in wall decoration, so that it looks almost Moorish.
In the afternoon, the walk follows public rights of way through the National Trust's Winkworth Arboretum and its lakes. You leave along the fringes of its woods to a horse training course and the rich outskirts of Godalming, with its many imposing buildings.
The final approach to the town is along the River Wey and Godalming Navigation‘s path, to the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul and the ancient High Street.
Optional Extensions:
Hydon's Ball (hill), a map-led diversion to the summit; adds 1.3 km and 64m ascent.
Hascombe Hill, map-led out-and-back from the lunch pub in Hascombe to the summit; adds 2.0 km and 78m ascent.
Lunch: The White Horse in Hascombe (8.4 or 9.7 or 10.4 or 11.7 km, depending on if and when you walk any of the two optional diversions; food to 14.30 [last orders]).
Tea: Hector’s on the Wey on the River Wey, plus lots of options on and just off the High Street, good ratings are getting: Café Mila, Changing Perceptions, The Branch Café and Arbor Tea Room. There are also some pubs…
For summary, walk directions, route map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here. T=1.20.a
  • David Colver
    09-Dec-18

    The Brighton-bound walkers would have been better off pursuing Milford to Godalming, at least as far as weather was concerned: sunny periods in the morning yielding to grey but no actual rain .

    There gathered 8 on the station platform. The disappointment that flowed from the realisation that our fearless walk poster had not himself appeared was enough to cause one of the number to feel unwell and elect to head straight back home.

    The weather may have been good, but luck was not on our side so far as concerned lunch. The White Horse at Hascombe was grappling with both a group about to attend a wedding in the nearby church, and a smaller group celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary, and was completely full as early as noon. Only one of our number was quick thinking and assertive enough to grab a tiny corner table and order any food. Sandwiches or nothing for the rest of us.

    Two stopped by Hector's on the Wey, which has the advantage of avoiding the need to seek tea in the depressing high street of Godalming and greatly improves the end of the walk. Those two and one other made the 1525 train.

Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger
Book 1 walk 20
11.5 miles, 18.5 km. Difficulty: 6/10.
The Greensand Way, a church with a fishy finish, an arboretum, a historic waterway, and, finally, Godalming's ancient High Street.
Look out for galleting (decorative black stones in the mortar) on older houses - and don't leave Hascombe without admiring the lavish interior of St Peter's church. Honestly, you have to look inside.
You go through Winkworth Arboretum on a public footpath. If you want to explore further, admission is £8.10, unless you're an NT member.
Trains: Get the 10:00 Haslemere train from Waterloo (Clapham Junction 10:09) arrives 10:55.
Return from Godalming at xx:56 and xx:27. Get a return to Milford.
Lunch:The White Horse, Hascombe (01483 208258). The Merry Harriers in Hambledon (01483 682883) is an earlier possibility.
Tea: Hector's on the Wey, at Farncombe Boat House. There are also places in Godalming - e.g. Costas, open till 5, Nero open till 5:30, both on the High Street.
If you have a map, it is possible to cut 1 km off the end of the walk by diverting to Farncombe Station from the Boat House. Trains leave Farncombe at xx:59.
Walk Directions: here.
T=1.20
  • Anonymous
    14-Jun-18

    I did this one last weekend. There is a particularly muddy stretch near the beginning that went over my boots.

    ~Karen

  • Anonymous
    14-Jun-18

    Hopefully it will be dried by now as it's been a very hot week.

  • 18-Jun-18

    9 on this Book 1 favourite including one newcomer who enjoyed her day out. Weather overcast but cool and humid . Also a few flecks of rain were felt on the wind. An excellent day out with even a bit of mud which underlined the point that doing this walk before April would be a major test of how waterproof your boots were.

    The walk was done at a reasonable pace and we reached the White Horse quite early. Justb 2 had a pub lunch.I was pleased to note the path to the pub had been "engineered"; in the past in any sort of wet weather it was a bit of a trial. We visited Hascombe Church which is quite "high" church" with its decorative interior. The group kept together and 5 of us had tea, cake (1) and a "magnum" (4) at Hectors on the Wey. The others continued on to catch the 3.56 train whilst we caught 4.27 which was pretty crowded. Good to go back to the "SWC roots" for this attractive predominantly woodland outing

Thomas G
Thomas G
Length: 18.6 km (11.6 mi) [extensions possible, see route map]
Ascent/Descent: 327/344m
Net Walking Time: ca. 4 hours
Toughness: 5 out of 10
Take the 10.15 Haslemere train from Waterloo (10.22 CJ), arriving Milford 11.05.
Return trains: between 15.51 and 17.51 trains are on xx.25, xx.38 and xx.51, then 18.25, 18.46, 19.11… Buy a Milford (Surrey) return.
This walk had no confirmed attendance last year on a weekend and has not had a mid-week outing for 4 years…
It is a rewarding walk full of interest - the Greensand Way, a pretty village pub, an NT Arboretum (that’s free to walk through), a tea room by a canal, and historic Godalming's pubs to end.
From Milford Station, you come to the lakes and the magnificent timber-framed Enton Mill – one of the many houses on this walk that have 17th or 18th century galleting – black pebbles lining the mortar of the walls, a method much used in those days in Kent and the south. In Hambledon you join the Greensand Way, a sandy bridleway through The Hurtwood. Lunch is at the White Horse pub in Hascombe, a village with a remarkable church covered in wall decoration, so that it looks almost Moorish.
In the afternoon, the walk goes through the National Trust's Winkworth Arboretum and its lakes. The final approach to Godalming is along the River Wey and Godalming Navigation, to the Church of St Peter and St Paul and the ancient High Street.
For summary, walk directions, map, height profile, photos and gpx/kml files click here.
Lunch: The White Horse in Hascombe (8.5 km/5.3 mi, food to 14.30).
Tea: see webpage and pdf. T=1.20
  • 12-Mar-18

    Could be a good to great lunch. New chef. Untested by SWC. Large table in bar reserved for 1 pm. Can’t wait. Lunch Monitor.

  • Anonymous
    12-Mar-18

    am intending to walk this lovely walk and bringing dog

  • 22-Mar-18

    I'm hoping to join you. Sounds a really nice walk! Felicity

  • Anonymous
    27-Mar-18

    Heavy rain predicted all day. may give this walk a miss. Melanie

  • 27-Mar-18

    To avoid the worst of the rain, a couple of us are doing this walk on Thursday. Feel free to join us. Same timings.

  • Anonymous
    28-Mar-18

    Just for the record I have made other arrangements for today as i do not approve of walkers bringing dogs. The media is campaigning against dogs in the more remote areas of countryside as their natural instinct is to go hunting for sheep and other livestock. Nor do I appreciate owners interacting all the time with their dog when these walks are for humans to interact with each other!! Please find a dog friendly group away from livestock.

  • Anonymous
    28-Mar-18

    Haha haha! I know who you are anon.stop whingeing.

  • 28-Mar-18

    Just to advise mid-week colleagues I am NOT the author of comment 6 below. Whilst most of you know that I dislike dogs, I always post comments under my own name - I disapprove of, and have no time for, those hiding behind "anonymous" labels. I have long cursed Andrew, our web-master, for providing the "anonymous" posting option. As it happens I have an amicable arrangement with Melanie (comment 7), the dog walker who occasionally brings a small pooch on Wednesday walks - she doesn't bring her dog on any of my posted walks - although she - sans dog - is always most welcome to come along.

  • 28-Mar-18

    Not the author, surprised that someone got an anti-dog comment posted, as my past comments on the dog issues, under my blogger ID, were removed by pro-dog Webmaster in about 3 seconds, least any floating voters might be influence by fake dog news.

  • Anonymous
    28-Mar-18

    For guidance on bringing 4 legged friends along, please see this website's New Members page:

    https://www.walkingclub.org.uk/swc/index.shtml

    Can I bring a dog?

    Yes. It doesn't often happen, but dogs are welcome, and assistance dogs are very welcome. Please be aware that not all people are 'dog people' though, and wouldn't appreciate a dog running between their feet while walking. Please read the The Rambler's advice for taking dogs on a country walk beforehand, paying particular attention to 'sheep' and 'cows'.

  • Gabriella
    28-Mar-18

    May I just check please that Pete G’s splinter group are still doing this tomorrow instead ?

  • Anonymous
    28-Mar-18

    Yes going tomorrow

  • 28-Mar-18

    Frankie

    2

    Just two cheerful souls, indifferent to rain and dogs, met on the quiet platform in Milford at 11.05. There was no dog and after 90 minutes or so there was little or no rain. Indeed most of the walk was in warm spring sunshine. But there was plenty of mud and plenty of puddles to wash it away.

    In the morning we climbed up to the Hydon’s Ball and were treated to fine views from the top. The White Horse pub in Hascombe did not disappoint either. The food, beer, service and cosy fire were all of a very high standard. The church nearby was also worth visiting.

    In the afternoon sunshine the daffodils and camellias in the Winkworth Arboretum were a delight. Sadly the tea room in Hector’s on the Wey cafe was closed when we got there sometime after 4pm although it was not clear when it had last been open. We decided to press on to Godalming station along the banks of the river Wey and arrived just in time to see the 16.51 train leave the platform. On asking a member of the platform staff where we might get a cup of tea he offered to make us one himself. Is this a first ? So we sat in the station beside a vase of tulips drinking an excellent cup of tea much to the incredulity of other passengers. Then on the 17.25 train back to London by which time it had started to rain again.

    A great day out.

  • 29-Mar-18

    I would hope Pete G is not leading a "splinter" group. Wednesday walks suffered from such a group eighteen months ago, which resulted in the resignation of our then walk poster, through frustration over alternative walks being posted behind his back. Let's hope today's walk is a one-off due to the weather, and extra curriculum walks will not be resurrected.

  • 30-Mar-18

    5 on the weather avoiding Thursday walk. A dry morning, but rain during and after a delightful lunch left just 2 to carry on encouraged by the rain stopping just before the bus arrived, only to get caught by heavy rain in the last 30 minutes when we abandoned the finish, just caught a bus to Farncombe and straight onto the train home.

  • 30-Mar-18

    7 mostly wet

Dirk
Dirk
t=1.20
Length: 18km (12m)
Toughness: 6 / 10
Transport: Take the 9:15 from London Waterloo to Milford arriving at 10:05. Return from Godalming at xx:25 and xx:53.
From the description:
The Greensand Way, a pretty village pub, a NT Arboretum (thats free to walk through), a tea room by a canal, and historic Godalming's pubs to end. From Milford Station, you come to the lakes and the magnificent timber-framed Enton Mill – one of the many houses on this walk that have seventeenth or eighteenth-century galleting – black pebbles lining the mortar of the walls, a method much used in those days in Kent and the south. Near a pub and church in Hambledon, you join the Greensand Way, a sandy bridleway through The Hurtwood, offering hazelnuts and blackberries in season. Lunch is at the White Horse pub in Hascombe, a village with a remarkable church covered in wall decoration, so that it looks almost Moorish. In the afternoon, the walk goes on legitimate public rights of way that give free access to the National Trust's Winkworth Arboretum and its lakes – the azaleas and bluebells make it particularly lovely to visit in springtime. The final approach to the town is along the National Trust's River Wey and Godalming Navigation’s path along the canal, to the Church of St Peter and St Paul and the ancient High Street.
I recommend the climb up Hascombe Hill before lunch. There is a nice circular walk from the lunch pub to the iron age fort and a view at the top and then along the edge of the steep slope of the hill.
  • Catriona
    20-Apr-17

    I'm hoping to join you

  • 21-Apr-17

    Me too.

  • Anonymous
    21-Apr-17

    This is my favourite walk. Definitely going

  • Anonymous
    21-Apr-17

    This part of countryside never fails to amaze, intend going

PeteG
PeteG
Book 1 walk 20 Milford to Godalming T=1.20

 Length: 11.1 miles (18km)
Difficulty: 6 out of 10

This is a mildly strenuous walk, and includes a section through Winkworth Arboretum (National Trust, but free if you stick to the public footpath). It can be muddy.

Travel: Catch the 1015 Haslemere train from London Waterloo, arriving Milford 1105. Day return ticket to Milford. Return trains are xx25 and xx53 up to 1953. If staying later check the times.

Lunch: is the White Horse Hascombe 01483 208 258 (last orders 2.30pm), approx 5 miles into the walk. From the website, they seem to have a bar eating area, a dining room (no children under 10) and some outside seating. For picnickers, the church is 75m from the pub.

Tea: The Hector's On the Wey café (tel 01483 418 769) at the Farncombe Boat House is recommended (approx 30 minutes from the station). I haven't been there, but the Star Inn in Church Street, Godalming seems to be a community real ale pub and in June "received our CAMRA Surrey and North Hants Cider pub of the year certificate".

  • Anonymous
    03-Aug-16

    Are there any Sunday walks this week?

  • Anonymous
    04-Aug-16

    Intend going. This is a book one classic, my favourite. Late start, lunch close to mid point of the walk, with uphill mostly before the lunch. What more can I ask?!

  • Anonymous
    05-Aug-16

    There's also www.cafemila.co.uk/ in Godalming High Street

  • 06-Aug-16

    38 on this walk. Impossible to keep up with what they all did. Blazing hot sunshine meant the copious shade was very welcome. Perhaps less welcome was a big hill climb after lunch, only to descend through the Winkworth Arboretum, then climb back up again afterwards - all on the same valley side. Hot work, though in nice scenery.

    As far as I know no one ate in the lunch pub. Is this a record - 38 walkers and no lunchers? The reason was that the kitchen busy with 60 wedding guests wolfing ham, egg and chips before a 2pm church service. But candidly the burger and steak menu did not inspire me anyway. Instead many went on to the National Trust cafe at Winkworth and then for a second tea at Farncombe boat house. (Quote of the day: "Are you still open?" "Yes, unfortunately."). Three walkers were so sugar-rushed by all this that they hired a rowing boat along the Wey for an hour. Two of us walked on to Shalford, a serene evening river walk.

  • Anonymous
    07-Aug-16

    Just to add to Walker's comments below, 3 at the rear were lucky to get a table and ate in the White Horse at Hascombe and 1 walker extended the walk from Godalming on to Guildford.

  • Anonymous
    07-Aug-16

    Make that 40 . 2 on later trains.

Sat, 06-Jun-15 : Saturday First Walk 31
Bridie
Bridie

Book 1 Walk 20 : Milford to Godalming
17.9km (11.1 miles)
6 out 10.
Explorers 145, 133 & 134, or Landranger 186.

Take the 10.15am from Waterloo Station to Milford (Surrey) arriving 11.05.
Buy a day return to Milford (Surrey).
There are two trains an hour back from Godalming XX.25 and XX.53


This is a mildly strenuous walk but it is rewarding and full of interest. From Milford Station, you come to the lakes and the magnificent timber-framed Enton Mill – one of the many houses on this walk that have seventeenth or eighteenth-century galleting – black pebbles lining the mortar of the walls, a method much used in those days in Kent and the south.
Lunch is at the White Horse pub in Hascombe, a village with a remarkable church covered in wall decoration, so that it looks almost Moorish.

In the afternoon, the walk goes on legitimate rights of way that give free access to the National Trust's Winkworth Arboretum and its lakes – the azaleas and bluebells make it particularly lovely to visit in springtime – and then along the fringes of its woods to a horse training course and the rich outskirts of Godalming, with its many imposing buildings. The final approach to the town is along the National Trust's River Wey and Godalming Navigation’s path along the canal, to the Church of St Peter and St Paul and the ancient High Street.


The suggested lunchtime stop is the White Horse pub (tel 01483 208 258) in Hascombe, which serves good food from midday to 2.30pm. You should phone to book.

An earlier lunch is possible at the recently refurbished Merry Harriers pub (tel 01428 682 883) near Hambledon, which serves lunch midday to 2pm daily. You should phone to book.


The suggested tea place is Hector's On the Wey café (tel 01483 418 769) at the Farncombe Boat House, Catteshall Lock, just outside Godalming. This serves strong tea and a good selection of cakes. Groups should phone ahead. This is open until 5pm or 6pm Allow 30 minutes to reach Godalming station.

If the Farncombe Boat House café is closed, there are several places in the centre of Godalming, such as Caffè Nero at 69 High Street and Costa Coffee 74 High Street.

Earlier in the walk, there is a National Trust tearoom at Winkworth. This would make a convenient mid-afternoon stop if you have an early lunch at the Merry Harriers, or spend some time visiting the arboretum.

More info here
https://www.walkingclub.org.uk/book_1/walk_20/index.shtml
  • bmr_nebula
    05-Jun-15

    Anyone joining this walk tomorrow?

  • Anonymous
    05-Jun-15

    Am planning to go.

  • Ian T
    07-Jun-15

    31 on this walk. sunny and cloudy Pretty flowers along the way including buttercup, foxglove, red campion and, along the Wey, pretty little purple flowers (presumably the small-flowered cranesbill). As far as I’m concerned, the only good rhododendron is a dead rhododendron but even I have to admit they were resplendent today. The White Horse was friendly and accommodating. Someone said the fishcakes had plenty of fish in them (which, strangely enough, can also be said of the nearby church). Tea taken at the boatyard. Some (although not me) were too late. Mostly dry underfoot but we managed to find some mud.