GO50 ALL WALKS: MAR-JUN 2014
The GO50 programme aims to introduce people in the 50+ age group to a healthier lifestyle and the benefits of regular exercise. Walking or cycling with others - socialising as you exercise - adds significantly to the beneficial effects.
Regular exercise can: improve balance and flexibility; lower blood pressure; defend against heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes; help maintain cognitive function; reduce depression and anxiety. GO50 activities are free, but a donation is very welcome. We suggest a donation of £2 per person. If you are a taxpayer, we can reclaim the tax on your donations at no extra cost to you, as long as we have your signature and permission to claim Gift Aid. Ask the leader for details. No advanced booking required - just turn up at the start and join in. GO50 activities are led by experienced volunteers who will meet you at the start and lead the way. Please wear walking boots or other suitable footwear. All walks cross stiles unless otherwise noted. Bring water & a snack. No children or dogs, please. Use pub car parks only if you intend to use the pub afterwards. Please be aware of your own fitness levels and, if in doubt, consult your doctor before starting a new exercise programme. Postcodes given are nearest available to the start and may not correspond to the exact starting point. (T) indicates accessible by public transport. Travel information available from Traveline on 08712002233. In the event of extreme weather, phone the GO50 office before setting off. Leaders reserve the right to cancel an activity if they feel that it is unsafe to proceed. We recommend that all participants carry contact details with them in case of emergency.
WEEKLY WALKS
Our weekly walks are ideal for people who would like to improve their health by increasing their physical activity levels. Participants are encouraged to walk at a pace that suits them. The walks last for 1-1¼ hours and are free. No booking is required.
WEDNESDAYS: Park Barn Centre, Park Barn Drive, Guildford GU2 8EN
10:30am – 11:30am
THURSDAYS: St John’s Centre, 222 Epsom Road, Merrow, Guildford GU4 7AA
10am – 11am
THURSDAYS: Leatherhead Leisure Centre, Hawk’s Hill, Fetcham KT22 9BL
10:30am – 11.45am
GO50 / GO FURTHER WALKS: MAR-JUN 2014
GO50 walks are between 2½ - 5½ miles in length. To estimate the duration allow ½ hour per mile.
For walkers who want more of a challenge, GO FURTHER walks range from 6 - 11 miles in length, are likely to be steep in places and will be taken at a faster pace than GO50 walks - so you will need to be fit! If you are in any doubt about your fitness, we strongly suggest that you try a GO50 walk first.
Don’t forget to bring water & food.
GO FURTHER:Thu 20 MAR: West Horsley (Guildford), 7½m Having risen gently through The Sheepleas, pass through three of the Lovelace bridges, and on to join the North Downs Way. Descend through farmland with good views northwards. Bring snack. Meet Clive for 10.30 start in the free main car park to the rear of St Mary’s church off A246 (Epsom Rd). TQ088525 / KT24 6AP
GO FURTHER:Fri 21 MAR: Westerham (Kent), 8m Walk across Limpsfield Chart to outskirts of the village. Over fields towards Hosey Common, circle round to Crockham Hill House and return via Chart. Meet Irene at 10am for 10:15 start at Moorhouse CP, opposite Grasshopper pub, Westerham Rd. Down a narrow lane for ¼m - CP on right. TQ430534 / TN16 2EU (T) Bus 774
Tue 25 MAR: Tilford, 4m Meet Andrew at 10am for 10.15 start at Tilford village green. Easy walk with 1 hill, partly by the River Wey. Pub lunch afterwards. SU874434
GO FURTHER:Tue 25 MAR: Chipstead & Banstead, 7m Meet Graham at 10am for 10:15am start at Elmore Pond car park. From A23, turn left at Hooley traffic lights, keep right and CP is on right at a T-junction. A fairly hilly walk with a pub lunch at The Mint, Banstead. Good views. TQ278568 / CR5 3SB
Wed 26 MAR: Norbury Park, 4½m Meet Rosemary & Barbara at 10:15am for 10:30 start at Rykas CP opposite Burford Bridge Hotel. Off A24
at Mickleham. Enjoy this undulating walk under the road and up to Norbury Park House. May be muddy. Pub lunch. Toilets in CP. TQ171521 / RH5 6BX
GO FURTHER:Wed 26 MAR: Shere (Guildford), 7¼m Leaving Shere, walk beside River Tillingbourne, then proceed across heath and through varied woodland to Peaslake. Return with grand views of the North Downs. Bring snack. Meet Clive for 10.30 start in free public Recreation Ground CP off Upper Street. TQ073479 / GU5 9JA (T) Bus 32 Redhill-Dorking-Guildford
Thu 27 MAR: Virginia Water, 5m Easy walk around the lake, through 18th cent landscaped gardens, Roman ruins and Polo fields. Lunch in Savill Gardens restaurant. Meet Lynette at 10:15am for 10:30 start at Savill Gdns CP. From A30 take Wick Rd/Lane signed Savill Gdns. SU977705 / TW20 0UJ (T) Bus 71
Thu 27 MAR:Godstone & Marden Park, 5mMeet Graham at 10am for 10:15 start at Godstone Vineyard CP. From M25 near Godstone turn north up A22 but go immediately right across carriageway into Quarry Rd. Turn right into car park.A hilly walk along North Downs Way, into Marden Park and up to Tillingdown. A very good lunch available on return. TQ354533 / RH9 8DQ
GO FURTHER:Fri 28 MAR: Banstead Heath, Headley & Colley Hill, 8m Walk across Banstead Heath to Walton on the Hill and Headley – pub lunch - return via Colley Hill. Good views. Meet Keith at 10am for 10:15 start at Margery Wood NT car park (NT card or £3.50 payable by credit/debit card via mobile phone). From J8/M25 (Reigate Hill) take A217 towards Sutton then first left Margery Lane to car park at end. TQ246527 / KT20 7BG
Mon 31 MAR: Earlswood, 4m Unusual walk around the Whitebushes area and ‘the hospitals’. One gradual hill, otherwise fairly flat, but can be muddy. Meet Graham at 10am for 10:15 start at small CP at Petridge Wood Common, a little way down A2044 Woodhatch Rd from Salfords. TQ276474 / RH1 5JH
Mon 31 MAR: Ripley Green & Ockham Mill, 2½m Across the green, along canal and back. Pub lunch afterwards. Meet Norma at 11am for 11:15 start at Ripley Village green. Off B2215 Ripley High St. TQ054570 / GU23 6AN
GO FURTHER: Tue 1 APR: Chevening (nr Westerham, Kent), 8m Meet Graham at 10am (10:15am start) opposite the church. At the crossroads on A25 at Sundridge turn left. After a mile, at a small crossroads turn left for the church. A very scenic walk up the downs towards Knockholt with lovely views; much easier on return. Pub lunch half way.
Wed 2 APR: Denbies, 4½m Meet Rosemary & Barbaraat 10:15am (10:30am start) at Denbies Wine Estate off A24 north of Dorking. Varied walk through the vineyard, onto Ranmore and back along North Downs Way. One steep climb, one stile & gentle descent. Lovely views! TQ166511 / RH5 6AA (T) Dorking station
Thu 3 APR: Bletchingley, 4m Meet Irene at 10am (10:15am start) at Bletchingley Playing fields opposite the Plough pub. Walk from the car park through to Greensand Way - South Park – Rabies Heath – and return to Bletchingley. Undulating walk with stiles. Bring a snack. Explorer 146, TQ329505 / RH1 4PE
Thu 3 APR:Epsom Common, 4m Explore Epsom & Ashtead Commons. Visit Roman brick works. Mainly flat, reasonably easy, but can be muddy. Meet Anthony at 9:45am (10am start) at Epsom Common Stew Ponds car park. B280 between Epsom & Malden Rushett. TQ184612 / KT18 7TR
GO FURTHER:Thu 3 APR:Abinger Common (Mole Valley), 7½m Via Holmbury St Mary to Holmbury Hill, then past the Duke of Kent school to Peaslake, returning through Sutton Abinger. Bring snack. Meet Clive for 10.30am start outside St James church opposite the Abinger Hatch pub. On-street parking. TQ115459 / RH5 6HZ
Fri 4 APR: Lingfield, 4m Pleasant, varied, flat walk via St Piers Hospital School. Meet Graham at 10am (10:15am start) at The Star Inn, Church Road. Through Lingfield village, down hill & take first left. TQ389437 / RH7 6AH
GO FURTHER:Fri 4 APR: Hever (Kent), 9m A circular walk using the Eden Valley Trail. Meet Irene at 10am (10.15am start) in Hever. Park in the car park opposite the church and behind Henry VIII pub. TQ476448 / TN8 7NH
Tue 8 APR:Bishopsgate, Windsor Pk, 4m Views of WindsorCastle & ThamesValley. Undulating walk through Deer Park and the Village. Coffee stop at Olde World Post Office. Pub lunch afterwards. Meet Lynette at 10:15am (10:30am start) at the Bishopsgate entrance. From A30 Egham Hill take A328 through Englefield Green. Left at 3rd mini-r’about down Bishopsgate Rd to end of park. SU978721 / TW20 0XY
GO FURTHER:Tue 8 APR: Chipstead/Shabden Park (Reigate & Banstead), 8m Longer, but easy walk to Mogador, over Kingswood golf course and return by Shabden woods. Bring snack. Pub lunch available. MeetIrene at 10am (10:15am start) at Elmore Pond car park, Chipstead – turn into Star Lane from the A23 Hooley. TQ278568 / CR5 3SB
GO FURTHER:Wed 9 APR: Ockley (Mole Valley), 7½m Charming yet undemanding clockwise circuit, passing through Vann Lake nature reserve, and going on to discover the secluded church of St John the Baptist, Okewood. Bring snack. Meet Clive for 10.30am start outside the cricket pavilion in School Lane off A29, at the south end of the playing fields. Free parking. TQ145398 / RH5 5TS
Thu 10 APR: Copthorne, 6m Meet Irene at 10am (10.15am start) near Haskins Garden Centre, Snowhill Lane, Copthorne. Park in adjacent road. Circular walk round Copthorne. TQ339400 / RH10 3EL
Thu 10 APR: Visit Sir Christopher Wren churches in City of London, 5m Meet Andrew at 10:15am (10:30am start) under clock at London Waterloo station. Buy off-peak day return to Waterloo, arriving after 10am. Bring bus pass. We catch the bus to Aldwych, then an easy walk taking in Fleet St, Cheapside, London Bridge, Borough Market and return by bus. Pub lunch in Fleet St.
GO FURTHER:Tue 15 APR: Crawley Down & Gravetye, 8m Meet Graham at 10am (10:15am start) at Royal Oak pub in Crawley Down village centre, parking nearby. Very scenic, quite tough walk with a visit to GravetyeGardens for picnic lunch, daffodils exploring the lake.
Tue 15 APR: Fairmile Common (Woking), 3½m Meet Pamela & Martin at 10:15am (10:30am start) in the Fairmile car park on A307 (TQ121618 / KT11 1BG). From Cobham, travel toward Esher and the car park is on the right just past the Fairmile traffic lights. Undulating woodland walk with one hill and no stiles. Optional pub lunch afterwards.
GO FURTHER:Wed 16 APR: Hydon Heath (Waverley), 8m Ascend to the top of Hydon’s Ball, then continue through The Hurtwood. Ascend Hascombe Hill to the viewpoint, and return via Juniper Valley. Bring snack. Meet Clive for 10.30am start in the free car park at junction of Clock Barn Lane and Salt Lane. SU978402 / GU8 4BB
Thu 17 APR: Dorking & Ranmore, 5½m Meet Graham at 10am (10:15am start) at Pilgrim pub very near Dorking West station, adjacent to Chalkpit Lane. Hilly walk to Ranmore & Polesden Lacey, returning via Denbies. TQ159498
Fri 18 APR: Epsom Downs Afternoon Walk, 5m Good Friday afternoon tea walk around Epsom Downs with Mole Valley Ramblers. Meet George & Tricia(020 8393 2388/07726 724046) for a 2pm start at The Hill CP, Epsom Downs. Café for tea, or bring your own. TQ222578
GO FURTHER:Tue 22 APR: Scearn Bank plus, 8m Enjoy a circular walk around Limpsfield Chart. Meet Irene at 10am (10:15am start) in Scearn Bank car park on Limpsfield Chart, off B269. Go past the church and the first car park on the left to the Scearn Bank car park on the right. TQ426518 / RH8 0TB
Wed 23 APR: Polesden Lacey, 4m Meet Barbara & Rosemaryat 10:15am (10:30am start) in Polesden Lacey NT car park. Walking through the Polesden Lacey estate and beyond with good views and hopefully some bluebells. Refreshments in NT café. TQ136522 / RH5 6BD
Wed 23 APR: Guildford Lane, 3½m Walk through bluebell woods and ruined gunpowder works. One stile. Optional pub lunch. Meet Jill at 10am (10.15am start) at Guildford Lane CP. From A248 west of Albury turn north west onto Guildford Lane. CP on left after ¾m. TQ036484 / GU5 9BQ
Thu 24 APR: Penshurst (Kent), 5½m Meet Graham at 10am (10:15am start) in layby on north side of the village on B2176. Very scenic, undulating route with several interesting properties.
Thu 24 APR: WindsorParkValleyGardens, 4m Meet Lynette at 10:15am (10:30am start) at SavillGarden car park or park outside. From A30 take Wick Road/Wick Lane, signposted Savill Garden. Enjoy a walk through the Valley Gardens to view the spring flowers in the Punch Bowl. SU977705 / TW20 0UJ (T) Bus 71
GO FURTHER:Thu 24 Apr:Frensham (Waverley), 7¼m Visit both Little and Great Ponds, and in between, ascend one of The Devil’s Jumps. Bring snack. Meet Clivefor 10.30am start outside St Mary’s church, Frensham. On-street parking. SU842414 / GU10 3EA
Fri 25 APR:Farley Heath (Guildford), 4m Mainly level walk with some inclines via Farley Green. Meet Colin at 10:15am (10:30am start) in Farley Heath Rd car park. Take A248 opposite Silent Pool, then first left into New Rd. After 2m bear right towards Farley Heath. Large CP on right with gates either end. TQ052446
GO FURTHER:Fri 25 APR: Godstone plus, 8-9m Enjoy an easy walk from the village to Garston-Green Sand Way, Tilburstow Hill to return by Ivy Mill and Godstone Church. A few stiles. Meet Irene at 10am (10:15am start) at Godstone Green by the pond, parking where convenient. TQ349516 / RH9 8DP
Tue 29 APR: Buckland, 5m Meet Irene at 10am (10:15am start) in Buckland, parking near the shops/Post Office. Walk through fields, crossing the lower part of the North Downs Way. Bring a snack. TQ221507 / RH3 7BB
Tue 29 APR: Pitch Hill,3½m Meet Ruth & Robert (07798 762383) at 10.15am (10.30am start) at Hurtwood Control CP2, Walking Bottom, Peaslake.Go up Queen Street opposite the Murco Garage on A25 at Gomshall; follow signs to Peaslake and Hurtwood Inn Hotel.At village turn right past Hurtwood Inn; the car park is 350 metres further on left. Undulating walk, no steep hills. Optional pub refreshments. TQ083445 / GU5 9RP
GO FURTHER:Tue 29 APR: Ockley, 8m Meet Graham at 10am (10:15am start) just off A29 in the village, adjacent to the school (a right turn after the cricket pitch). A very memorable, scenic walk with wonderful properties and no particular hills. Pub or picnic lunch at Kingsfold.
GO FURTHER:Wed 30 APR: Fourwents Pond, 9m Meet Mike at 10am (10:15am start) at Fourwents Pond CP, Mill Road/Henfold Lane. Gently undulating walk with good views across countryside. May be muddy. Picnic or pub lunch at Dawes Green. Explorer 146, TQ183453
Thu 1 MAY: Ide Hill (near Westerham),5½m Meet Graham at 10am (10:15am start) from the Village Green at Ide Hill, near the church. From A25, ½m before Sundridge, turn right. A hilly walk with beautiful views. A short break can be taken at “Emmett’s” for refreshments before the last mile back. Optional viewing of Emmett’s Garden (NT), then pub lunch. TQ486518 (T)
GO FURTHER:Fri 2 MAY: Box Hill, 9m Meet Irene at 10am (10.15am start) at Box Hill main NT car park. KT20 7LB
FIGURE OF 8:Mon 5 MAY: Ripley, 6m +4½m Figure of 8 walk centred on Ripley with Mole Valley Ramblers. Meet George & Tricia(020 8393 2388/07726 724046) at Ripley Green, off north side of High St. Morning walk starts at 10am (6m, Pyrford Grn, Wisley, Ockham Mill). Afternoon walk starts at 1.45pm (4½m,Papercourt Lake, Newark Bridge).TQ053571 / GU23 6AR
Tue 6 MAY: Epsom Common, 4m Explore Epsom & Ashtead Commons. Visit Roman brick works. Mainly flat, reasonably easy, but can be muddy. Meet Anthony at 9:45am for 10am start at Epsom Common Stew Ponds car park. B280 between Epsom & Malden Rushett. TQ184612 / KT18 7TR
Tue 6 MAY: WindsorGreatPark, 4m Superb views of WindsorCastle & ThamesValley. Undulating walk through Deer Park and the Village. Coffee stop at Olde World Post Office. Pub lunch afterwards. Meet Lynette at 10:15am for 10:30am start at the Bishopsgate entrance. From A30 Egham Hill take A328 through Englefield Green. Left at 3rd mini-roundabout down Bishopsgate Rd to end of park. SU978721 / TW20 0XY (T) Bus 71
GO FURTHER: Tue 6 MAY: Leith Hill, 8m Fairly hilly, wooded walk starting with a circular bluebell trail, then on to Holmbury St Mary for pub or picnic lunch. Meet Grahamat 10am (10:15am start) at The Landslip car park, ½ ml south of Coldharbour village. TQ146432 / RH5 6HG
Wed 7 MAY: Chantries,2½m Meet Jill at 10:30am for 10:45am start at Chantries car park, Pilgrims Way, Guildford, turning east off A281 (Shalford Rd), 1 mile south of Guildford. An undulating walk with stiles, sandy tracks and good views. Optional pub refreshments. TQ003483 / GU4 8AW (T) Bus 32
Wed 7 MAY: Henfold Lakes, Newdigate,4½m Level walk through woods & fields to Newdigate Nature Reserve with some stiles. Meet Rosemary & Barbara at 10.15am for 10.30am start. From A24 turn left into Churt Lane South off Dorking by-pass, continue past Fourwents Pond into Henfold Lane. Sign to Lakes on left. Approx 3m south of Dorking. TQ187438 / RH5 4RW
Thu 8 MAY: Staffhurst Wood, 4½m Meet Graham at 10am for 10.15am start at Grant’s Lane CP near Staffhurst Wood. From A25 at Limpsfield turn down B269. Take second right Brick Kiln Lane, which becomes Grant’s Lane. Park on right after passing Monk’s Lane. TQ416485 / TN8 6QR
GO FURTHER:Thu 8 MAY:Gomshall (Guildford), 7½m Walk east following the River Tillingbourne and along the foot of the North Downs via Abinger Hammer to Wotton church, then ascend to return along the North Downs Way. Bring snack. Meet Clive for 10.30am start outside Gomshall Mill on A25, Station Rd. Bus 32 Guildford-Dorking-Redhill.On-street parking beside recreation field 150 yds along adjacent road, Goose Green. TQ085478 / GU5 9LB
Fri 9 MAY: Albury, 3m Meet Norma at 10:15am for 10:30am start at the Drummond Arms, Albury. Take A25 Guildford/Dorking Road, turn off at Silent Pool, A248. Panoramic views and vistas of woods and hills. Pub refreshments. TQ049478 / GU5 9AG
GO FURTHER:Fri 9 MAY: Westerham, 8½m Walk across Limpsfield Chart to outskirts of the village. Over fields towards Hosey Common, circle round to Crockham Hill House and return via Chart. MeetIrene at 10am for 10:15am start at Moorhouse car park, opposite the Grasshopper pub, Westerham Rd. Down a narrow lane for ¼m - CP on right. TQ430534 / TN16 2EU (T) Bus 774
Mon 12 MAY: Charlwood, 3½m Meet Sue & Liz at 10am for 10:15am start at Half Moon pub, Charlwood, near St Nicholas Church. A walk through farmland and woodland. Pub refreshments. TQ242411 / RH6 0DS
Tue 13 MAY: Moorhouse, Limpsfield Chart, 5½m Meet Ireneat 10am for 10:15am start. For parking, turn opposite Grasshopper pub, Westerham Rd, Moorhouse and continue on narrow lane for approx ¼ mile. CP on right-hand side. Walk through the Chart, continue into open fields overlooking the Kent Weald and return by the woodlands. A few stiles. TQ430534 / TN16 2EU
GO FURTHER:Tue 13 MAY: Slaugham & Bolney (W Sussex), 9m Meet Graham at 10am for 10:15am start at the church in Slaugham (TQ257281). From the M23, A23 turn left 1 mile beyond Handcross, go under the A23 and you will reach the village in ½ mile. A beautiful, undulating walk, very varied with a pub lunch at Bolney.