After all the indulgences leading up to Christmas and over the festive break, many of us will be in need of some fresh air and exercise. Surrey is lucky to have some fantastic walking spots, with routes in woodlands, parks, heathlands and gardens.
One particularly lovely stroll perfect for a winter jaunt is Horsell Common. Located just outside Woking, the peaceful woodland route has free parking and is suitable for dogs, horses and children.
In fact, there is a choice of four free car parks across the site with various circular walks available. The common is made up of heathland, woodland and meadows and is home to a rich and diverse habitat for hundreds of species of flora and fauna.
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These include the nightjar, Dartford warbler, woodlark and silver-studded blue butterfly. Visitors can also spot dragon flies darting across the still waters of the ponds. There is a sandpit through the woods and at some angles it looks like a hidden beach in the middle of a forest.
To reach the sandy spot, walk from the car park in Shores Road (GU21 4XB). Impressive pines overlook the sandy bank on this 1.5km walk, and this is the site where the Martians landed in H. G. Wells’ science fiction novel The War of the Worlds.
In recognition of H.G. Wells, who lived in Maybury for one year, the footpath from the Shores Road car park, built in 2019, was named after him. The other popular routes across the beautiful common are The Wetlands Path, Mimbridge Meadow and Bourne Fields, The Bedser Trail, Woodham Common, McLaren Park, Grasslands, Pyrford Common and the Waymarked Walk.
Owned and managed by Horsell Common Preservation Society, a careful programme of work is carried out throughout the year for both recreation and conservation. For rumbling tummies, there is a gorgeous café called Heather Farm on the common.
Dog and baby friendly with high chairs and a toilet, there is both indoor and outdoor seating available plus a huge range of hot and cold food and drink. From sandwiches and cakes, to full breakfasts and hearty lunches, there is also a brilliant selection of coffees and milkshakes.
Alternatively, just down the road is The Green House Café at Longacres Garden Centre, which also serves delicious breakfasts and homemade cakes.
A map of Horsell Common with various walking routes
(Image: Laura Nightingale)
Walks at Horsell Common:
- The Sandpit
- The Wetlands Path
- Mimbridge Meadow and Bourne Fields
- The Bedser Trail
- Woodham Common
- McLaren Park
- Grasslands
- Pyrford Common
- Waymarked Walk