Farnham to Guildford Along the North Downs Way

Walk the Chalk with North Downs Way Ambassador and WalkTalk Leader Paul

A linear walk following the first section of the North Downs Way from Farnham train station to Guildford, passing through woodland, sandy heath, quiet villages and rolling Surrey countryside below the Hogs Back.

At a glance

· Date and Time: Saturday 14th November. Meet at 08:45 AM for a prompt 09:00 AM start.

· Start: Farnham train station.

· Finish: Guildford town centre / Guildford railway station.

· Route: Farnham train station, the official start of the North Downs Way, Moor Park, Runfold, Puttenham, Compton, Loseley Park area, the River Wey and Guildford.

· Duration: Around 5–6 hours at a steady pace, allowing time for short stops and refreshments.

· Distance: Approximately 11–12 miles / 18–19 km, depending on the exact finish point in Guildford.

What to bring

· Food and drink: Packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water/fluids.

· Clothing: Waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers. Walking boots/trail shoes recommended.

Trail Notes & Tips

· Difficulty: Moderate. This is a longer linear walk, but it is generally a gentle introduction to the North Downs Way, with woodland paths, sandy tracks, farmland, village lanes and some gradual climbs.

· Refreshments: Bring a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of fluids. Possible refreshment stops include Puttenham, Compton and Guildford, but availability should not be relied on without checking in advance.

· Travel: Meet at Farnham train station. The walk finishes in Guildford, where trains and onward transport are available; please plan your return journey in advance.

· Dogs welcome. The route is mostly dog friendly, but please bring a short lead for lanes, livestock, road crossings, golf course edges and busier urban sections near Farnham and Guildford.

Historical highlights along the route

· Farnham: The western starting point of the North Downs Way, with the trailhead close to the railway station and town centre.

· River Wey: Early sections of the route follow wooded paths close to the river before the trail heads into quieter countryside.

· Puttenham: A traditional Surrey village on the route, with attractive cottages and a good sense of the rural landscape south of the Hogs Back.

· Compton and Watts Gallery: The trail passes near Compton and the Watts Gallery area, associated with Victorian artist G. F. Watts and the Arts and Crafts movement.

· Guildford: The walk ends by descending towards the River Wey and into Guildford.

 

Ready to join us? Lace up your walking boots, bring water, snacks and a waterproof layer, and meet us at Farnham train station at 08:45 AM on Saturday 14th November for a prompt 09:00 AM start. This is a rewarding linear walk along the North Downs Way from Farnham to Guildford, with woodland, heathland, villages and open Surrey countryside along the way.

https://walktalksurrey.com/