Follow this walk from Guildford station through gorgeous countryside taking in a fascinating gallery and exquisite chapel, beautiful gardens and a magnificent house
Leaving Guildford along the River Wey, this walk follows the North Downs Way (NDW) to the atmospheric Watts Gallery at Compton, which celebrates the work of the Victorian painter and sculptor George Frederick Watts. The return is via Loseley House, pictured above, a splendid Elizabethan mansion, with an optional detour to see the walled garden and taste Loseley’s delicious Jersey herd ice cream.
Using the pedestrian underpass from the station, follow the blue signs to “Town centre via Riverside Walk”. On reaching the river, turn right along the path, passing the White House pub and continuing to the pedestrian bridge at Millmead Lock. Cross the bridge, turn right before the second bridge on to the towpath.
Opposite Guildford Boat House, take the footpath to the right, cross the meadow and continue along the River Wey towpath. River trips and canoes for hire at the boat house (01483 536 186; www.riverweytrips.co.uk).
Before the next bridge, turn right and follow the NDW arrow steeply uphill passing Pilgrims Cottage on your right. Emerge opposite the College of Law. Turn right and then left on Sandy Lane. After about 250 yards, turn right at Piccard’s Manor following the arrow, ignoring the tracks off to reach Piccard’s Farm.
Continue past the farmhouse, on to the farm road then left and right following the NDW signs. The sign “Authorised access only” on this gate only applies to vehicles. Enter the woods by the stile to the right. Follow the sandy track to reach a T-junction, go left and, ignoring the track now coming in from your left, follow the bridleway through the woods of West Warren to emerge on a sandy track.
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