Gomshall to Guildford Walk – Complete Guide & Map

Welcome to the enchanting Gomshall to Guildford Walk, a delightful journey through the picturesque landscapes of Surrey, rich in history and natural beauty. If you’re seeking a perfect blend of rural tranquillity, charming villages, and a touch of cinematic allure, this 9.6-mile trek is tailor-made for you. As we embark on this adventure, we’ll explore the serene village of Gomshall, wander through the iconic Shere village, meander along the Fox Way, and traverse Blackheath Common, all before reaching the historic town of Guildford. So, lace up your walking shoes, pack your essentials, and join us as we uncover the wonders of the Gomshall to Guildford Walk.

This is a second walk passing by Shere but this time heading to Guildford instead of Dorking. If you are interested in the other walk, check the complete walking guide for the Shere to Dorking walk here.

Logistics of the Gomshall to Guildford Walk

Map of the Gomshall to Guildford Walk

Download the GPS map of the Gomshall to Guildford walk for free by clicking on the button below. To upload the map onto your navigation app, follow my step-by-step guide here.

Highlights of the Gomshall to Guildford Walk

Gomshall to Guildford Walk

Gomshall

Our adventure begins in the charming village of Gomshall, nestled in the heart of Surrey. Gomshall’s history stretches back to the pages of the Doomsday Book in 1086, where it was mentioned as a thriving settlement. It once boasted a grand Manor, but over time, King Henry II divided the estate into three separate parts. The village owes much of its early prosperity to the bountiful waters of the River Tillingbourne, nurturing industries like corn milling, watercress farming, and leather tanning, though these trades have since faded into history.

As you step off the train at Gomshall station, head down Station Approach and continue until you reach Station Road. Here, you face a delightful choice – turn left through a foot tunnel or take a right to discover the most endearing outdoor coffee shop complete with a cosy campfire. It’s an ideal spot for a pre-walk pitstop, sipping on coffee and indulging in a sandwich.

With renewed energy, retrace your steps to the foot tunnel and cross to the other side. Follow the Wonham Way through a leafy forested area, crisscrossed by the tranquil Tillingbourne River. At the end, a unique timber-framed house surrounds yet another foot tunnel, adding a dash of architectural intrigue to your stroll.

Continue your walk on High View, and when you arrive at a nose, you’ll discover a bus stop transformed into a charming book swap. Here, people can pick up some reading material to while away the time while waiting for the bus.

Heading further down Gravel Pit Lane, you’ll encounter the start of a footpath on your right. Take this trail, meandering through tree tunnels until you reach a clearing. From here, you’re treated to a stunning view of St. James’ Church spire peeking over the rolling hills.

Shere

Now, you’ve arrived in Shere, a picturesque English village nestled between Guildford and Dorking. Framed by the breathtaking Newlands Corner viewpoint and the crystalline waters of Silent Pool, it’s no surprise that this idyllic village is a sought-after location for film producers. Shere has graced the silver screen in popular movies like “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” and “The Holiday,” starring Cameron Diaz and Jude Law.

The jewel in Shere’s crown is the twelfth-century St. James’ Church. Near the north chancel wall, you’ll find a quatrefoil and quit window – a window that doesn’t open to the outside but rather into a small cell. Legend has it that this cell was constructed for Christine Carpenter, an Anchorite who dedicated her life to solitude and prayer. In 1332, she escaped from her cell but later sought forgiveness and was allowed to return to her hermit life.

The Fox Way

Leaving behind the quaint village of Shere, your journey continues on the Fox Way. This 39-mile circular trail encircles Guildford, divided into seven shorter hikes. On this leg, we’ll cover the section between Shere and Blackheath Forest.

You’ll venture into the forested realm of Shere Heath, crossing over to the hamlet of Little London. A foot tunnel beckons, leading you to the charming Hamlet of Brook. As you traverse Lambrook, the beauty of the rolling hills will captivate your senses. Along the way, you’ll pass horse farms, adding a touch of wildlife to this rural landscape.

On the horizon, you’ll spot the dense expanse of Blackheath Common, your next destination.

Blackheath Common

Your journey brings you to Blackheath Common, a 143-hectare expanse of heathland, woodland, and scrub. Once a grazing ground for goats, it was requisitioned during WWII for training purposes. Today, Waverley Borough Council carefully manages the commons to maintain the delicate balance between trees, shrubs, and light-loving ground vegetation. This heathland is a fragile habitat, home to endangered species such as the Heathland Spider and Sand Lizards.

As you walk through the wooded area, you’ll encounter the golden gorse plants, said by some to have a coconut fragrance (though, personally, I’ve never detected it).

Reaching the edge of Blackheath Common, follow the Downs Link Trail, a 37-mile route spanning from St. Martha’s Hill near Guildford in Surrey to Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex

River Wey

Your path takes you through woodlands and open fields until you arrive at the banks of the River Wey. Over two centuries, the River Wey has witnessed numerous infrastructural changes. In 1813, the Wey & Arun Junction Canal was dug as part of a waterway network linking London to Littlehampton. During the Napoleonic Wars, a branch to Portsmouth was planned but inaugurated only after the war’s end. The Wey & Arun Canal played a crucial role in transporting timber, lime, and coal. However, the advent of the railway in 1865 halted canal operations, leading to its closure in 1872.

To preserve the natural beauty of the area, the Canal Trust established the Hunt Nature Park. Their mission is to upgrade and maintain the tracks, making the park accessible for locals and visitors to revel in the biodiversity of the marshes and grasslands.

Continue your journey along the canal towpath in the direction of Guildford. Along the way, you’ll pass by St. Catherine’s Lock, and further ahead, you’ll reach a wooden bridge offering a serene and uninterrupted view of the River Wey.

Guildford

It won’t be long before you cross the wooden bridge and arrive at Hitherbury Close, where you’ll leave the riverbank to follow the St. Catherine’s footpath inland.

Before you know it, you’ll find yourself back on the River Wey towpath. A final stretch, and you’ll reach the train station, conveniently situated by the river.

Happy discovery!

Final Thoughts on the Gomshall to Guildford Walk

As our journey along the Gomshall to Guildford Walk draws to a close, we hope you’ve found inspiration in the serene landscapes, the charming villages, and the historical landmarks that grace this beautiful region. From the quaint village of Gomshall with its ancient roots to the cinematic allure of Shere, from the enchanting woodlands and open fields of Blackheath Common to the historic River Wey, and finally to the welcoming embrace of Guildford, this walk has offered a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Surrey’s countryside.

And you, what is your favourite walk in Surrey? Let me know in the comments.

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