HIKE 20km Abbeys, Woodlands, Witches Caves & Country Houses of River Wey

A picturesque adventure through England's most wooded county with a variety of attractions from historic buildings, picture postcard rural rivers and even a Witches cave. A glorious circular hike from the ancient market town of Farnham steeped in history going back nearly 1000 years on this trail through time.

One of the very first Outdooraholics hikes from 2012, but still a timeless classic - written by our senior guide Graham who grew up here for 18 years, we show you this area and all its hidden gems!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the romantic and enchanting ruins of an abandoned abbey dating back nearly 1000 years
• Visit the famous and picture postcard Tilford village cricket green
• See an 800 year old oak tree
• Visit a cave where supposedly a White Witch lived (Mother Ludlam)
• Explore the Bourne Woods and see where Gladiator LINK and over 20 other films were set
• Idyllic hiking along the banks of the River Wey through woodland paths
• We have a few other hidden gems in store for you :-D

HIKE DESCRIPTION

Starting in the historic and attractive Georgian market town of Farnham, we go on a woodland valley trail via Mother Ludlam's cave (home to the White Witch of Waverley according to the legend), past Moor Park House, and then on to explore the site of Waverley Abbey ruins (founded 1128) and to see the grand Waverley Abbey House set on a lake. Our trail passes the famous cricket green at Tilford set in the delightful landscape of the River Wey and flanked by two medieval stone bridges and then onto the Bourne Woods.

Tilford Green is a superb example of a traditional village green from a long gone era - with a cricket pitch, pub and two medieval stone bridges. We then head on to visit an 800 year old oak tree (8 metre girth) before making our way back to Farnham. We also pass a farm where we see pigs (and often baby piglets). The Bourne woods has an interesting mix of heathland and coniferous trees and its beauty has drawn filmmakers for films such as Gladiator, Robin Hood, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Princess, War Horse and at least 20 others - we'll be hiking through the area where these were filmed.

MEETING POINT

Waterloo station 8:30am, leave at 8:50am for the 9:05am train. Meet under the main central clock - MAP & photo of the clock
Planned arrival back into London is 6:34pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - LYUBAVA 07883 405294 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US

FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 12 miles (20km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 240m
Hiking time: 5.5 to 6 hours

COST & PAYMENT

£32 including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Attend” to join.
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable but we have a process to release your space for RESALE, if your space sells you will be refunded.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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