My 5 Favourite Pub Walks In Surrey
To plan a successful walk in the English countryside there are a few prerequisites. A quaint village that has houses named things like 'The Old Post Office' and 'The Old Blacksmith's Forge' is a given. Running across a field as you try to escape a stampede of cows that are following you for no particular reason is another! These, among ancient ruins, rolling green hills and quiet country lanes are the essential features of a ramble in England. Something that MUST be included however, for a certified country walk, is a visit to the country pub.
We are lucky in Surrey to have so many pubs that have survived the last 10 years, which has seen many small villages lose this most precious amenity. Okay, so many of them have had an identity crisis- not knowing whether they are restaurants, cafés, delicatessens or indeed just a pub. Nevertheless, they are still in the same characterful buildings, perched in front of the same beautiful beer gardens.
I've comprised a few walks and their corresponding pubs that I've particularly enjoyed over my time in the county. These are walks that have great walking AND drinking. Routes that have an interesting and varied landscape, that finish at a relaxing and atmospheric public house.
These routes are purely suggestions and you may wish to adjust their lengths accordingly.
These routes are purely suggestions and you may wish to adjust their lengths accordingly.
This pub walk will take you through some of the finest examples of lowland heath in the South-East and along boardwalks with ample opportunities to spot rare wildlife. If you're interested in birdlife then be sure to take you're binoculars as you'll see Hobbies, Dartford Warblers and Nightjars among many other rare birds. The nature reserve has a fantastic network of self guided tracks and boardwalks. In the summer months the ponds and boggy areas across the reserve are a hive of activity. Lizards, beetles and a colourful array of dragonflies and damselflies make for an exciting place to spend a days walk.
Once you've trodden the sandy tracks of Thursley Common, head to the Three Horseshoes pub in Thursley village. The brilliant views across the Surrey countryside in the beer garden make it one of the best around. To really make the most of this walk, and the beautiful pub garden, its really one to do in the summer months. Cool off with a cool beer after spending the afternoon spotting the diverse wildlife across the reserve.
Hackhurst Down sits on the chalk ridge of the North Downs. After climbing from the village of Gomshall and up the face of the ridge, you are treated to an interesting mix of wood and chalk grassland that the Downs are famed for. Make sure you take a picnic, as the grassy slopes of Hackhurst Down are the perfect place to stop for lunch and admire the expansive views south over the Greensand ridge and the Low Weald.
Following the gentle descent back to Gomshall, you're rewarded for your efforts with, not just one, but two pubs! The Gomshall Mill and the Compasses Inn stand side by side on the edge of the village. Both pubs have beautiful beer gardens that make the most of being situated right next to the river Tiillingbourne. In fact, the river actually flows through the interior of the 17th century building of the Gomshall Mill, hence the name.
This walk also benefits from starting and finishing at the train station in Gomshall, so you can really make the most of these two great pubs.
This walk also benefits from starting and finishing at the train station in Gomshall, so you can really make the most of these two great pubs.
The highest point in Surrey, and arguably the South-East, Leith Hill is a must do walk in these parts. Parking at the Broadmoor car park, north of Leith Hill, you'll be immersed in woodland as you head towards the spectacular lookout at the Leith Hill's peak. On route to the hill's summit you'll pass the tiered Tillingbourne waterfall. Although its a modest falls by national standards, its a very pretty spot in a peaceful setting. After admiring Leith Hill tower and the amazing views south, enjoy the gradual amble towards the quiet and picturesque hamlet of Friday Street. This quiet row of houses sits surrounded by woodland and the millpond at the edge of Friday Street make it an idyllic scene.
You'll meet the Stephen Langton pub just before you come into Friday Street. Its a small public house with a quiet and tidy area to drink out front. Quite appropriately, the nearby local Tillingbourne Brewery beers can be found on tap here.
Getting off the train at Wanborough station, you're at the trailhead of a fantastic pub walk. The route takes you from Wanborough station, through the villages of Puttenham and Compton, then ending at the town of Godalming. This walk starts and ends at a railway station, making it easily accessible and great news if you wanted a few drinks along the route. After climbing over the Hogs Back, you'll follow the North Downs Way for a large section of the journey. Care needs to be taken when crossing the busy A31 (Hog's Back). However, much of the walk is through small copses and on quiet country lanes.
The first pub you reach, the Good Intent in Puttenham, is very traditional and a good place to sample beer from the nearby Hogs Back Brewery. By the time you reach the Withies Inn at Compton its probably a good place to stop for food. Its a popular place, especially at the weekend, so booking is probably a good idea if you intend to eat. The 16th century inn has amble outdoor seating in a beautiful setting. Finish the days walking at the multiple award winning Star Inn in Godalming. Only a stones throw from the station, it has one of the best still cider and beer selections around. This no-frills pub is often winning CAMRA awards for their cider.
5. The River Wey from Guildford to Shalford- The Weyside and the Parrot Inn
Route Suggestion- OS Maps
Route Suggestion- OS Maps
The route starts at the bottom of Guildford High Street on Guildford Town Bridge. From there, you will follow the River Wey to the village of Shalford. In minutes you'll be away from the shoppers and into the quiet countryside that makes up most of the walk. Hugging the water along the tow path, you'll pass picturesque locks and wildlife rich wetlands. Once you reach Broadford Bridge on the edge of Shalford, cross the river and stop at the nearby Parrot Inn for refuelling. The remainder of the walk will take you on quiet public footpaths past the historic Shalford Mill and back into Guildford via the castle.
Begin this pub walk with a visit to the Weyside pub. Although the Weyside is a slight diversion off the intended walking route, there is a splendid beer garden with the perfect spot to watch barges and rowers make their way along the river you'll be following to Shalford. There are a few options for watering holes in Shalford too. You can stop at The Parrot Inn which should be around the halfway mark on the route. Here you'll find a seated outdoor area in which to rest your legs. Alternatively, there is the Seahorse pub/restaurant in Shalford village if you want to stop for some food.
On Foot Note
On Foot Note
Enjoy folks! Remember, don't drink and drive! Drink and walk instead!
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