Walking guides: browse other walks

... more great walks by train

For other great winter walks by train, please see all our Walking Guides. You’ll find a fantastic selection of self-guided walks, from 3 miles to 20 miles long, all conveniently starting and finishing at a South West Trains station.

There are detailed directions and a downloadable map for each walk.

From a literary amble to a historic city stroll, John Curtin suggests some great routes to suit all interests

5 Winter walks

Guildford

Alice in Wonderland walk
Walk in the footsteps of writer Lewis Carroll as you leave Guildford station for the castle gardens and the statue of Alice through the Looking Glass. Pass his former home on Castle Hill and continue up Semaphore Road (where Royal Navy signals were sent from London to Portsmouth) to reach Pewley Down viewpoint.

From here, it’s a detour left to St Martha’s Church, with excellent views. Otherwise turn right and follow the North Downs Way to Shalford and the River Wey. Cross via the Ferry Bridge and continue right to Guildford passing, at Millmead, Edwin Russell’s sculpture of Alice, which includes a rabbit darting down a nearby hole.

Nearest station: Guildford
Difficulty: About five miles; moderate ascent.
Map: 50 Walks in Surrey by David Foster
(AA Publications, £7.99; theAA.com).

Ise of Wight

Ryde to Cowes
With half the island an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Isle of Wight is a walkers’ paradise. The eight miles from Ryde to Cowes offers a sample of the 70-mile coast path, passing Quarr Abbey and Queen Victoria’s former summer residence, Osborne House.

It’s not the most isolated section—there is much pavement and country lane walking west of Wootton. However, the setting of the Abbey and the treasures of Osborne House (winter tours 01983 200022, booking essential; closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan) make it worthwhile. For dramatic cliffs and coastal downland along the blustery western shore, try walking from Yarmouth to Brighstone.

Nearest station: Portsmouth Harbour. Catch a Wightlink FastCat service from Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head. From here, it is a 10-minute walk along the pier to Ryde Esplanade, the start of the walk. To return to the mainland, take the ferry from East Cowes to Southampton Central station. For where to stay on the island, visit islandbreaks.co.uk.
Difficulty: Eight miles; moderate: expect numerous ascents and descents, and there are diversions inland on the coast path.
Map: Download from the sports and outdoor activities section at islandbreaks.co.uk. 

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