I was expecting someone else to do the walk report….

14 of us? One of those sometimes sunny sometimes not days. Basically fairly nice.

We got strung out early on (or rather I got left behind…), so I have no idea what happened to most people. There were crystal clear views on the Hog’s Back start, not that anyone stopped to look at them. Perhaps they wanted to get home early to watch the Olympics.

Six (?) of us ate at the Good Intent, with a couple having drinks. A somewhat basic menu but not bad. Last time I remember eating there was in March 2020 when we were discussing whether our government would impose a Covid lockdown…

The heaths after lunch were glorious - especially Puttenham Common. Too early for the true heather, but the bell heather was full out everywhere - a bright glorious pink. Quite a lot of butterflies on it too, including elusive small coppers and even more elusive silver-studded blues, the latter remarkably fresh for this stage in the season. A real treat to see them.

I got very footsore and weary as the afternoon wore on. This is a long walk (perhaps because lunch is relatively early in it). It seems that despite warnings in the walk document about it being a young person’s pub (with blaring music even in the garden), most walkers stopped at the Mulberry for end of walk drinks.

Two of us stopped instead at the Wild Bean Cafe at the petrol station. Sounds nuts, I know, but you get proper tea, the cookies are four for £2 (though we opted for Lindt chocolate instead), and it has a shady little garden area that was quite nice (nicer than the Mulberry…), albeit by a busy road.

Thence to the pub where three of us lingered till whenever we did, and got a train at whatever time that was.

A nice day out, and due to the bell heather a good pick, thought I.

It looks like the 14.12 may be the last train from Godalming to Waterloo for some time. Lots of cancellations due to track inspections.

I want to say “many”: people came at me from all directions in the foyer of Guildford station. I counted at least 22. I hear two got a slightly later train, so at least 24.

Off went this enormous group in the wrong direction. I phoned several to try to summon them back to the right route and got nothing but voicemails. But at last the GPX corrected them and we set off to climb the Hog’s Back.

Nice views from the top, but when the route switched to the other side of the ridge many decided instead to stay on the track, the old road, with no views. A few of us followed the specified route (NOT muddy btw) and enjoyed the southern views. I lost sight of a big chunk of the group as a result.

At Watt’s Gallery at least one split off to walk to Farnham. Did any go to the Chapel? My contingent did not. As we got close to the Withies Inn there was a bit of sun , which was nice, and the same was true for a time after lunch. Otherwise cloudy.

What a lovely pub the Withies is! Possibly the friendliest and most attentive on all our walks. Two tables had been booked in their bar and they actually encouraged us to combine them into one. Food came quickly in generous portions. Their restaurant looked empty, which I hope was just a post-Christmas lull. Ten at the start of the walk had indicated they wanted a pub lunch, so predictably 14 actually had one.

I had picked this walk as being not to prone to flooding. I had forgotten that it approaches Godalming along the River Wey. First sighting of this revealed a mighty brown Amazon, filling the entire valley. Predictably the last riverside section into the town was under water and we had to divert around it on the roads.

The flood plains at Godalming were also living up to their name, making a walk north along the river to Guildford doubtful - a pity as it was still only 2.30pm. I heard two did try it but did not get too far. There was also a sudden intelligence that the trains south of Guildford were all suspended due to a landslip south of Petersfield. About a dozen walkers greeted this news by diving onto a bus to Guildford.

Three of us stayed in Godalming and went for tea, with two going to the Star for a drink. Four more also arrived for tea. Godalming is now full of tea places!! Ours was called Esquire’s and had gorgeous cakes and big tea cups.

While at tea we discovered that trains had resumed. We got the 16.12 - the first northbound train in five hours, according to station staff. Approaching Guildford we could see that the Wey south of the town resembled the Okefenokee Swamp, so it was probably just as well we did not try to walk it. Oh well, a longer walk next week….

16 met at Guildford station and agreed to do the Hog's Back start which provided a good warm-up and great views on this cold clear sunny windless day. We reached Watts gallery before midday and 5 picnicked outside the cafe there before joining the rest of the group at Watts chapel where the sheltered stone seating area above the chapel was bathed in sunlight providing an even better picnic spot. All visited the chapel which looked stunning in the light filtered through its windows.

The group spread out after lunch. Ten followed the conventional route and four a different approach to Guildford. Two had spent longer at Watts chapel and followed the wrong star on leaving it, doing a loop which put them an hour behind the rest. Some had tea and very large slices of cake at the Yvonne Arnaud cafe, some had drinks at the Britannia pub. The earliest finishers caught the 14.49, the latest lot the 15.49. A lovely walk in perfect weather and good company as always.

I wasn’t planning to do a walk report so did not count, but about 17 on this walk in gorgeous sunshine . This was a good choice for this time of year because lots of the route is on sandy soils, so relatively little mud. But today it was largely irrelevant since the ground was mostly frozen. There were some fascinating ice patterns in the puddles.

Some sandwichers stopped for lunch in Tilford. Eight of us headed to the Donkey for a pub lunch, having booked a table. We turned out to be the only customers in its sunny dining room, and were royally attended to, with generous portions of food. Some of the sandwichers popped in for drinks and seven of them headed on to Godalming, following the book one route, and arriving before dusk, I hear. Their train home was very crowded with passengers from Southampton (the main line being closed by a landslip at Hook).

The eight pub lunchers did the circular walk to Farnham across the heaths (I hear a couple of sandwichers did likewise separately). We got to Farnham as the sun was dipping below the horizon and felt well satisfied with our outing. Three went either for the first train or to the pub; five of us went to the Bush Hotel for tea. Here after some negotiation we were served with a ridiculously huge selection of cakes (we had expected little petit-fours) and struggled to eat half of them. Yet all this and tea came to just £7.50 a head.

22 were counted at the start. sunny all day, a perfect day for a walk.

22 in fact. My correspondents indicate that 10+3 did the circular while nine made it to Godalming: 6 of the 7 who picnicked at Tilford were caught up by one pub-goer. Two others, well, let's just say they pioneered an alternative route from Charleshill along paths further to the north.

There was a huge flooded area of path around Fullbrook Farm which most circumvented by crossing nearby fields. Wishing to avoid more potential flooding on the way into Godalming, we later we left the book route and followed the "Fox Way" which turned out to be a good winter alternative apart from a few hundred yards of horrendous busy road around Upper Eashing. Most of us headed for the Star, where we were joined after about half an hour by the two who had had a more roundabout journey. A convivial time was had in the pub before we caught the busy train Walker mentions.

@Marcus. This walk, too, has a problem with an emergency "overtime ban" timetable. Wanborough is rush hour only.

Many thanks, Andrew. It's back to the drawing board - once again ! South Western are now operating a greatly restricted timetable. I will manufacture a walk between Guildford and Godalming - but I hope our walkers accept the longer journey times.

I cannot wait for the New Year and my retirement from walk posting ! !

The connection at Worthing didn't work because of delays , so the 5 of us are, an hour later, doing an ad hoc walk from Milford to Godalming.

9 on this walk, though only 4 did the specified route. Let me explain….

I shall not repeat the rather un-woke expression in the walk post, but the muddle today was all provided by the South Western Railway. Yesterday I went to York on LNER, who were operating a full service, despite the RMT overtime ban. Today SWR were operating a pathetic skeleton service, and failed to run even that properly.

To cut a long story short, the specified train from Waterloo reached Woking a few minutes late, at which time the connecting train to Guildford was still on a parallel track. It could not depart without crossing the route of the Waterloo train, but still pulled out of the station just after the Waterloo train arrived, and then sat outside the station at a signal while the other train passed. The result was that five walkers on that train missed the connection. After a 45 minute wait at Woking they entrained to Milford and improvised a six mile route to Godalming.

Three of us, including the walk poster, happened to have got earlier trains to Woking. So we got to Guildford more or less on time. There we met a fourth walker who had come on the slow line via Cobham. We set off to do the specified route in a mix of cloud and sun , with the odd splash of rain.

A very pleasant walk - the autumn colour now nearly all gone - some oak leaves only - and blue tits starting their mating song (no, not early at all: normal time for this). Happily our walk poster had booked for four in the Withies Inn, though in fact we would have got a place anyway (the restaurant was fairly full, but not the bar: less busy than might be expected at this time of year).

After lunch we had a bit more mud, but generally this walk was dry underfoot - until we got to the riverside section near Godalming. The Wey here had burst its banks, and after finding all routes through the marshes waterlogged we headed along a not unpleasant suburban road into the town.

Here in the Star we met the Milford party, already in their cups. We too had cups - of tea and coffee in big pots.

On the way home a busy ten car Portsmouth train terminated at Woking and its occupants were funnelled after a 20 minute wait onto an equally busy train from Southampton to Waterloo. It is a hell of a way to run a railroad….but hey, we survived and had a fine day out.

Will this follow the written route on website. I might be able to join after working in the earlier morning?

Yes Gavin, it will.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to join you today as I have to attend a funeral in the morning. But I should be back in harness the following week (and on the Whitchurch walk this Saturday).

Hi Marcus,

Thankyou. I'm not sure whether I can make it, will try.

Commiseration with you for the funeral, if that is the best word!

Hi Marcus,

Thankyou. I'm not sure whether I can make it, will try.

Commiseration with you for the funeral, if that is the appropriate word!

Hi, route says Guildford Circular, but GPS says Farnham

Southern Explorer - if you open the written, on-line Directions by clicking on them, you will see that Guildford Circular with the Hog's Back start is a variation of Guildford to Farnham, a longer walk. I believe the GPS directions for the circular walk are on the website.

Some apps (such as outdoor active) don't show all the options on our gpx files.

All the more reason to have a copy of the latest written directions in your back pack - far more reliable than routes shown on hand-held gizmos !

16 set off from Guildford station, with 2 more joining for part of the walk later on, so18 in total. The weather improved as we climbed up onto the Hogs Back, and it was warm and sunny enough for shorts and T-shirt by lunchtime.

About half the group enjoyed excellent service and food at the Withies Inn, whilst others had a picnic lunch in the warm sunshine. Not sure if anyone went to the Watts Gallery.

The afternoon stroll through Losely Park was very pleasant, but the path along the River Wey was closed on the west bank, so that we had to double back and cross over to the over side.

In all a lovely early autumn outing, and probably the best weather we'll see until the spring!

Thanks to Marcus for posting.

Think the number can be safely rounded up to 20.

I joined just along the A31 and found one of the three or four paths up to easily find the bulk of the walkers.

Indeed by taking bus 46 (hourly, goes to Watts Gallery) or 65 bus (half hourly) to Farnham Road Opp The Drive, Guildford, ie round corner from Station. Then get off after a mile or so, or as needed. Or taxi, about £7

And I saw another late starter.

4 of us went for beers afterwards to up to three pubs (guess who!).

20

overcast at first then warm and sunny

Hi, how long roughly is the climb?

Seems forever but probably no more than fifteen minutes. It's the only climb on today's walk so do enjoy it ! ? !

I have booked a table for 4, at the Withies for 12:30, i.e. Joanna and I plus whoever would like to dine inside. I did not want to book for more than 4 as not sure of demand.

I'm up for lunch if place still available. Thanks

22 of us assembled outside Guildford railway station, although we might have "lost" two on the climb up to the Hog's back. Once on top we were greeted with some thin, slippery mud which was a bit treacherous to walk on although, thankfully, no-one took a tumble. After our descent from the upper plateau we enjoyed walking on sandy, mud-free bridleways all the way to Compton. No-one opted to visit Watts Gallery or Watts Chapel today, so most of us continued to the Withies Inn, where fourteen of us had lunch in the pub's comfortable informal bar area, and most of us enjoyed the fare on offer and the excellent choice of draught beers. The pub was empty when we arrived at 12-15 pm, which was of some concern, but come 1 pm the pub was full, so there was no need to be concerned for this lovely pub's viability. Four of the picnickers joined us for drinks in the pub and I believe the others enjoyed their lunches in the picnic area next to the pond in Losely Park.

The weather at the start of the day was mild with hazy sunshine turning to lovely sunshine after lunch . In fact, conditions were most pleasant if not ideal for a winter's walk.

Eighteen of us left the Withies Inn together and the easy walk through Losely Park in the afternoon sunshine was delightful. On reaching the River Wey we encountered a number of families out enjoying the weather and a few other walkers. On arriving in Guildford shortly after 3 pm some opted to continue their walk by 2 to 3 miles by walking up to Chantry Wood before returning to Guildford. Some nine of us who were suitably sated by the day's walk had tea in the comfortable Yvonne Arnaud Theatre cafe, and very pleasant, too. Fast trains then took us back to London.

We enjoyed a lovely day in fine weather and the best of SWC company.

More, please !

Thanks to all for welcoming me, a first-timer, to yesterday's walk. And thank you to Marcus, too, for posting the details here.

Friendly company and great weather after midday made the walk a great experience. Lunch at the 400-year-old pub was a nice warm and cozy break, as well.

If you're keen to promote the Walking Club and attract new members, you might consider posting walks to this forum: https://www.reddit.com/r/LondonSocialClub/

I myself stumbled on the Walking Club website from someone casually mentioning it there. And I know there are 10s of 1000s of people in the London area that are active on this forum and would be interested in a walk.

In any case, I hope to join you all again for another walk in the next 2 weeks.

- JohnN

Thanks for your comment, John, but I'm sorry I forgot to mention in my walk report we had one first timer today - your goodself !

I'm glad you enjoyed the walk and we look forward to seeing you on another SWC walk.

7 did this walk on a warm mainly dry day with a couple of heavy showers - one at the start of the walk and one mid afternoon.There were pools of water and plenty of mud on some paths but overall the going wasn't too bad. We had lunch on the village green in Tilford and it looked like some cricket might be played but they looked at the sky and retreated indoors. The heathland in the afternoon had some heather already in bloom. Elsewhere, the humid weather and abundant vegetation felt tropical. One caught the 4 o'clock train, two the 4.30. Four stopped for refreshments in Farnham.

What time might it be good to book lunch for at the Withies?

Hi Gavin, I have booked a table for 6 at the Withies for 12-45 pm. If you now find the Withies fully booked when you contact them you may have one of my places, if you wish.

Their boking site says they have no spaces within 2.5 hours.

I could phone them, and if they do have some spaces, could book more than just one, as your spaces might be filled? Bw, Gavin

No bad thing to book a second table even if you have to wait a short while for it to become available. You can always spend some time in Compton, at Watts Chapel. The afternoon leg of the walk is short, so unless you are in a hurry to return to London you will have plenty of time today to complete the walk. As our first official (non-Renegade) SWC Wednesday walk back post Lockdown 3 - no bad thing perhaps to have a leisurely, non-rushed day.

Hi, I wonder if there is still a space for lunch at the Withies? Thanks. Alice.

Yes, Alice, I am sure we can fit you in on one of our tables.

I have booked a table for 6 at 13.00, for snacks and drinks only. The restuarant outside is full.

I would hope to eat a full meal though. However, I guess this can be sorted on the day. Obviously the weather will affect things. I would hope to make it even if there are hurricanes.

I will likely get a taxi from the Withies to Guildford station, as I prob have a meeting at 5pm in Tooting.

Great, thank you Marcus! Alice

Hi Marcus, I've got things coming up at work so cannot go for the walk tomorrow. Won't be able to join the lunch at the Withies. Have an enjoyable walk! Alice

I tried sending email to: marcus@walkingclub.org.uk

and it was called a deamon-error.

I am doing the whole walk today as my meeting at 5pm is cancelled.

gavin_robinson3@yahoo.co.uk

9 on a sunny cloudy and sometimes windy day. A pleasant easy-going walk. (Pleasant and easy-going, that is, except for the gruelling slog up the hill out of Guildford). On top, after the oxygen had been administered, our way was carpeted with celandine, wood anemone and even a few cowslips. Later, we were alongside huge yellow fields of oilseed rape. Eventually the Withies was reached and I was able to relax with a pint of draught beer (the first in 4 months) and wait for the others to catch up. Four ate and were appreciative. Some had as many as two pints of beer.

Then we were off, back to Guildford for a tea / alcohol break in the White House. One minor disappointment - the final stretch of riverside, in Guildford, is blocked. I had to divert onto the road.

Thanks for the walk report, Ian. The five walkers in my group opted to cross the pedestrian bridge before you reach the closed weir to enter Guildford and walk on the other (eastern) side of the River Wey (as suggested in the Walk Directions, para 32). We still had a short section of road walking at the end of the fields, but we though whilst the route around the weir remains closed, the alternative route is better and more enjoyable.

Good to see everyone, and a nice day out.

For para 32 in my comment below, please read para 160 in the latest on-line version of the Walk Directions.

That's what I did, Marcus, but at the point where you have to come out on the road, it was not particularly obvious that the river route ahead was blocked. I crossed over the footbridge at that point and continued along the riverside until I was blocked by a big fence. Then I had to retrace. I must have lost at least 20 minutes of important drinking time.

11 walkers set off from Guildford on a cold and breezy but bright day with sunny periods . At least four elected to extend the walk to Farnham, three of whom ate sandwiches outside the Jolly Farmer, while one walker opted to eat in the pub, perhaps encouraged by the powerful central heating. The walk was successfully navigated by a combination of OS map, GPS and written instructions. There was mud, but no more than would be expected at this tine of year. We reached Farnham at about 4.15 p.m. and found a convenient pub while waiting for the 65 bus back to Guildford. This deposited us at Guildford station in time to catch the 17.34 back to London.

The weir bridge in Guildford Park is still missing after its collapse last year. It collapsed last year as someone was walking across it and the moment was caught on video https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/guildford-footbridge-collapse-video-wey-17192396

You'll have to keep yourselves separate from a group of Capital Walkers who will also be spilling out of this train at Guildford and starting off alongside the Wey. They'll then be heading off in the other direction so your paths are unlikely to cross again unless you happen to meet up on the train home.

2 set off in constant , alternating drizzle and light rain. After a fireside lunch at the recommended pub we braved strong winds and horizontal rain as we followed the river Wey back into Guildford. Sandy soil made for firm paths and not too much sticky mud. A bracing walk with some atmospheric views.

constant alternating drizzle and light rain

Hi Bridie2,

I would like to join you on your walk from Guildford to Farnham on Saturday. This will be my first time walking with the Saturday Walkers club, is their any thing I need to know?

Regards Barry

There is lots of useful information about how our walks work here, Barry

https://www.walkingclub.org.uk/swc/index.shtml

Thank you for the quick response. I have downloaded the walk PDF and will also take a print out. See you on Saturday.

I may take up the option in the directions to do the shorter circular walk back to Guildford, at Compton (or possibly after lunch in Puttenham)

12 at Guildford Station, one of which had walked in from his car parked at Watts Gallery, near where we later picked up his partner, so 13 in sunny then grey weather. 9 ate at The Good Intent (we had called ahead to book a table), the picnickers joined us so we all left at the same time, but then we split into sub-groups when crossing Puttenham Common and the woods thereafter. Snowdrops nearly everywhere up to the Commons, in gardens, under large trees, in churchyards and on the wayside. The River Wey full and fast-flowing. Mud: still modest for the time of year. Unbelievable numbers of dog walkers, and some hikers as well.

In Farnham some went to The Lamb, others to The Mulberry, the stragglers were on the 16.58.

may do this walk in the old fashioned way so maybe see you all at Watts Gallery.

jfk

16 assembled in the concourse of Guildford's railway station before setting off on the steep climb up the minor road to the Hog's Back. This ascent gets steeper every time I try it. The views from the top made up for energy expended, made more atmospheric by the previous night's dusting of snow. The weather - mostly sunny and bright all day assisted - we we enjoyed near perfect winter walking conditions all day. A walk along the top and then it was downhill on a slippery, narrow path to connect up with the North Downs Way which took us to the Watts Gallery, where at least 2 in our party stopped for a visit. 2 others then set off to tackle the Farnham long walk version of our walk. Most others visited Watts Chapel before heading through farmland and woodland to the Withies Inn, where 10 dined, enjoying this pub's friendly service and cuisine - most of us enjoy our visits to the Withies.

The afternoon leg, in contrast to the morning's climbs, was pleasantly flat - Losely Park, then a walk beside the River Wey. Having set out from the pub in relays, all bar 2 of the early leavers headed straight for the station on reaching Guildford, the two stopping for tea at Debenhams. The 4 in my group took tea next door at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre - and very nice, too. On then to the railway for a fast train back to London.

I believe today's walk was enjoyed by all - for its variety and contrasts, inclines to keep a SWC walker honest, good water features, easy travel, and an excellent lunch stop - in perfect weather, to boot. It just goes to show you don't always have to trudge 15 miles to have a rewarding walk. Our 8.5 miles today with its ups and downs and sights en route methinks was just right for many of us.

I hope our 2 Farnham walkers enjoyed their day and arrived at their destination in daylight.

The 2 Farnham walkers arrived in good time to take tea at Farnham station before heading back on the 4.58 train to Waterloo. The approach into Farnham is not the prettiest, but all in all a very nice walk and made better still by the near perfect weather.

19 very mild but overcast . An interesting variation on the various Guildford circulars. At lunch time we split about 50:50 for the Watts Gallery / Cafe / Chapel and the Withies Inn. The Withies offers two menus - light lunches in the bar area or the restaurant menu which they will also serve in the bar area. Both good but the restaurant menu is getting quite expensive. The Wey was in full flow as we went on for early tea and cake in Godalming. Some stayed on to look round the shops and I believe others walked back to Guildford or Shalford.

The "Download Walk (pdf)" button on the Watton-at-Stone circular walk page doesn't seem to be working at the moment.

try now

No change as yet, I'm afraid.

I can't join you on Wednesday but if you're doing the circular version, make sure a stray dog doesn't follow you when you pass Coneycroft Farm (at option (a) paras 17-18). It's happened at least a couple of times, as David M knows.

Download button now fixed, thanks Andrew!

14, Eight took the shorter circular option and six the longer linear walk ending in Farnham. cloudy with the odd spot of rain from time to time and generally better than forecast. Six of us had lunch at the Withies Inn which was up to its usual high standard of food and service. The circular walkers got back to Guildford quite early and four went for tea in the Debenhams Restaurant with its panoramic river view.

Those interested in Arts and Craft design may like to take advantage of tours of Limnerslease, GF and Mary Watts' home, built for them nearby and recently opened to tours. http://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/en-gb/whats-on/tours-limnerslease/.the exhibition at Watts Gallery.

Leighton House is displaying 'Flaming June' at the moment and a visit to LH is much enriched by an included tour, every sunday at 3pm by a knowledgeable Scotswoman. Connected with F J's display is an exhibition at Watts Gallery of works of the same period, each accompanied by a description from the owner - Untold Stories: British Art from Private Collections offers an exciting opportunity to see great works of art which are normally kept behind closed doors.

These extra items may delay your return to Guildford, but there is a regular hourly bus service detailed with full timetable at the bottom of the 'Visit Us' web page of the Watts Gallery http://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/en-gb/visit/how-find-us/

p.s. reduced entry at LeightonHouse with Art fund card and NT England card, NOT NT Scotland

p.p.s. NO TOURS OF LIMNERSLEASE on sunday 11th December.

15 on this walk in fine sunny and clear weather. We all took the longer tarmac climb to enjoy views óf Guildford with its cathedral dominating the landscape. Because the pub was fully booked we all lunched or had refreshments at the Watts Gallery cafe and if you get there early enough seating should nót be a problem. After lunch most of us visited Watts Chapel before the return leg to Guildford which is mostly the opening stretch of the Guildford to Farnham walk in reverse. On the way we were joined by a friendly half-grown rottweiller dog which appeared to have become separated from its owners. It was tagged so we left it in the hands of a kindly local. We forsook the riverside route to return to Guildford via a track across the still dry water meadows. Six of us then found a table in a cafe Nero in Guildford's bustling High street before heading home on a fast train. An excellent winter walk with little mud underfoot and some fine views.

The heather should be at its best in the second half this walk. It can be quite a spectacle

I think the shop at Loseley Park is open for ice creams etc...

12-approx dry and shady in the woods . 2 joined at lunchtime, 1 having taken an alternative route and 1 on a later train. 1 other late walker dropped out at Watts Gallery. Pleasant morning, nice heather on the heathland, good lunch, a few too many roads in the afternoon for my liking.

The Witthies Inn is a very nice pub, one of the best, with super helpful staff. So please be nice to them. I dimly remember some SWC party a while back reporting that they had arguments with the staff and got "banned". We definitely don't want to fall out with this place, so be nice.

Back in the summer I went there for lunch on a weekday and ordered at the bar from the restaurant menu. I didn't want to sit inside, so I opted for a table in the garden. Bless them, they sent a white-coated waiter out to lay my table and to serve my meal in proper restaurant style, using fork and spoon to transfer my mousaka neatly from dish to plate (wish I knew how to do that!). So in short, top hole place.

Peter

As it's a Sunday and pubs are generally busy, I recommend giving them a courtesy call from the station to book a table.

Withies claim to be fully booked in the bar tomorrow lunch. Didn't ask about the restaurant. Just so you know.

11 on this walk. Weather fairly sunny in the morning cloudy some rain in the afternoon . A nice climb out of Guildford onto the Hog's Back, from where there was a fine view. Paths minimally muddy apart from one sunken section. The Witthies Inn was alas fully booked, but the Watts Gallery cafe accommodated us, even if the welsh rarebit portions were considered "a bit small for walkers". A few visited the Gallery itself.

After lunch most of us visited Watt's Chapel and then headed off into the woods where there were some squelchy bits to negotiate. It rained as we approached Loseley House but soon stopped. The Wey Navigation was a brown torrent but fortunately not high enough to flood the path.

The Debenham's self-service restaurant was alas closed for some special reason or other, but a few of us eventually found a nice cafe after an exhaustive search. I am not sure we could find it again, however...

The cafe in Guildford is called Coffee Culture. It is on Tripadvisor as #2 place for coffee (tea and cakes as well). The link below. It is worth noting it for future outings.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186390-d5570173-Reviews-Coffee_Culture-Guildford_Surrey_England.html

11 dry with a short shower in the morning .

A good choice of walk for this time of year. There were some short muddy bits and a few large puddles but generally this was mostly dry paths making the walking easy. Good lunch as ever at the Donkey and friendly service of tea and scones in the comfort of The Bush Hotel in Farnham.

My take on the ticket is that a return to Farnham is all you need. If you ask the SWT website for a return to Farnham via Guildford, it shows you the trains and tells you the Railcard fare is the same £11.55. You're allowed to break your journey with an off-peak ticket so you can exit at Guildford (or any station on this route).

The Guildford ticket barriers may not be correctly programmed to allow this, of course. But if you say "your website says that via Guildford is a permitted route to Farnham" I don't see how the staff could not let you through.

PS. One caveat to my previous comment. I've checked that the "via Guildford" route applies to tickets from London and Clapham Junction, but the website doesn't let you check it from, say, Boundary Zone 6. It's just possible that different conditions apply to these tickets.

I did this walk recently and the return to Farnborough ticket was fine, I got through the barrier no problem. There were some road works on the final section to the station, so a detour was necessary, but I suspect this is all finished now. Hilary

Sorry I meant Farnham return ticket! Hilary

Super walk (I'll leave full details and metrics to others)

Stunning woodland, ponds, heathland and fascinating fungi.

Blackberries and wild plums available for foragers.

As an extra bonus my my Farnham return ticket (bought with freedom pass and senior rail card) opened the barrier at Guildford Station

The metrics are 24 on this walk, a nice happy, chatty group. sunshine and cloud (we will not mention the brief shower in the afternoon).

The heather on the heaths was, alas, about three quarters over but there were still some reasonable flashes of colour. Some in my party (including me) were wilting a bit before the end, but the earlier heathland sections were very nice, and terrain-wise this is a very easy walk, with no hill climbing to speak of.

Yet again I reflected on what a great little pub the Good Intent is: simple pub grub but tasty. Efficient service. I had forgotten it had a garden (rather a pity we sat inside on a sunny day). We probably quadrupled their lunchtime turnover.

The Mulberry pub by the station has turned into a party/sports venue - loud youth and even louder football commentary. A good business choice for them, but not quite the walk one wants to end a walk. But I understand one Farnhamite, born and bred, in our party led many to "The Maltings", a tea place reached by going down the road into Farnham and taking the first left.