Wisley and Ockham Common
Explore over 800 acres of heathland and woodland on this walk in Surrey.
This circular walk starts from the Ockham Common car park and takes you past the lovely Bolder Mere where you can look out for various dragonflies. You then head through Wisley Common on more woodland trails before passing Cockrow Hill and returning to the car park. There's lots of interesting wildlife to look out for including the rare hobby bird. In the spring you can see bluebells in the woods and in the autumn lots of pretty heather.
The route passes very close to the delightful Wisley Gardens. Wisley is second only to Kew Gardens on the list of the most visited paid entry gardens in the country. Park features include several ponds with fountains and a canal with water lilies.
On the other side of the common you will find Painshill Park. Here you can explore 158 acres of 18th century landscaped parkland with waterside footpaths along the large Serpentine Lake and a number of peaceful woodland trails.
Just to the west of the common you can visit the picturesque Pyrford Lock on the River Wey Navigation. There's lovely waterside trails, views of the historic Newark Priory and a splendid canalside pub to be found here.
Postcode
KT11 1NN - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsWisley and Ockham Common Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Wisley and Ockham Common Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Wisley and Ockham Common OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Wisley and Ockham Common Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Black Swan is located just to the south east of the commons and a great choice for some post walk refreshments. They have a good selection of meals and a splendid, large garden area to relax in during the warmer months. You can find the pub on Old Lane with a postcode of KT11 1NG for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The commons are a great place for dog walking. Please keep them under control around grazing cattle though.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
A few miles to the north east of the common there's Oxshott Heath and Woods to visit. The village is also notable as being one of the most expensive places to live in the country. Residents include several premier league footballers and tennis player Andy Murray.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Surrey Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Ockham Common. A few birches and pines remain in a felled area. Now bracken is infesting the heathland.
Heathland, Ockham Common. A stand of pines borders a felled area which is becoming infested with bracken. The underlying ground is sand.
Ockham Common heather
Bolder Mere. This lake is clearly visible from the A3 southbound, however, this view is from the opposite bank. It is on Ockham Common and is managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust.
Pond Limpid water on Wisley Common, surrounded by heather and pines. Tussocky grass clumps ring and dot the pond.
Entering Wisley Common. Noticeboard with map and information for walkers as they enter the common from the M25 footbridge. Birch, pine and bracken are common on the common. Sandy surface is underlain by clay.