Guildford to Chilford Walk
This circular walk from Guildford visits the 17th century Chilworth manor. It's about a 3 mile walk from the town to the house. This walk continues to Blackheath Common and Shalford before returning to Guildford along the River Wey.
The walk starts on the River Wey Navigation in Guidlford and heads south along the water to Shalford Park. Here you can pick up the North Downs Way and follow it east to St Martha's Hill. The hill summit stands at 574 feet (175 m) and commands wonderful views over the Surrey Hills. There are also a number of nice woodland trails, attractive grassland and a number of interesting plants. From the hill it is a short descent to Chilworth Manor which is grade II listed by Historic England. The house is surrounded by lovely gardens which include a fine terraced walled garden, topiary, herbaceous borders, sculptures, mature trees and stew ponds that date back a 1000 years. From the house it is a short walk south west to the village of Chilworth. The village is in an attractive location occupying both sides of the River Tillingbourne between outcrops of the Greensand Ridge. There's a nice gastro-pub in the village where you can stop for refreshments at what is roughly the half way point of the walk.
After passing the manor the walk continues to Blackheath Common. The 250 common is covered with footpaths taking you to lowland heathland, woodland and acid grassland. From the common you follow the Downs Link west towards Shalford. Here you pick up a lovely waterside footpath along the River Wey to take you back into Guildford.
For more walking ideas in the area see our Guildford Walks page.
Guildford to Chilford Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Guildford to Chilford Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Guildford to Chilford OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Guildford to Chilford Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
In the pretty village of Shalford you could visit the Seahorse pub for some refreshments on the route. There's a fine menu and an attractive outdoor space that’s ideal for a spot of al fresco dining when the sun makes a welcomed appearance. You can easily find it in the village at postcode GU4 8BU for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
In Shalford you could also stop to visit the historic Shalford Mill. The National Trust owned watermill dates from the 18th century and is well worth a visit if you have time after exploring the woods. You can enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the mill and find out all about the its place in the history of Shalford. There's even the opportunity to buy a bag of Shalford Mill flour afterwards.
At the end of the route you could extend your exercise on the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills Walk. This historical trail takes you along the River Tillingbourne to the ruins of several old Gunpowder Mills. The mills were originally established in 1625 by the East India Company and finally closed in 1920. They became an important supplier of gunpowder to the Government during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. It's an impressive sight with a number of buildings to explore and informations boards detailing the history of the area. You can access the trail on Blacksmith Lane at a postcode of GU4 8NQ.
For more walking ideas in the area see the North Downs Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The church of St Martha-on-the-Hill , dated to the 12th century
Chilworth Manor Large manor house in its own grounds at the southern foot of St Martha's Hill.
St Martha's Hill, an anciently volcanic knoll in the North Downs
Downs Link near St Martha's Hill
Greyfriars monastery, Blackheath
Bridge Over the River Wey
Winter Moorings, Guildford
St. Catherine's Lock, near Shalford