Chinthurst Hill
Guildford
The tower on Chinthurst Hill
The Basics
Time: 40 mins
Distance: 2km / 1.3 m
Terrain: Uphill and downhills sections, uneven paths, steps.
Pushchair: This walk is not suitable for pushchairs.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this walk.
Refreshments: None, but there is a picnic area with tables
Toilets: There are no public toilets on this walk.
Public Transport: Compass Travel 32 Explorer Bus between Guildford and Redhill and the 625 also from Guildford stop at Rice’s Corner, from which it is a short walk to the entrance.
Parking: Free car park off Kings Road, Wonersh Common (Postcode: GU5 0PR - W3W: ///drives.tells.slides)
The natural play area at Chinthurst Hill
It is a quick and easy climb up the wooded hillside and at the top, you will find Chinthurst Folly, a grade two listed building. You can’t go inside, but instead you can use the benches to enjoy the glorious views. The woodland fills with bluebells in spring and at the base of the hill is a large picnic area with a log frame for children to play on.
The Route
From the car park, follow the main path heading away from the road. This path will link you from the car park to the base of the hill. Once there, you will be presented with two choices: straight on up steps for a quick ascent to the the tower, or turn right for the bluebell walk.
We chose the bluebell walk, even though it was winter, because this route takes in more of the woodland and hillside than the other. There are little markers to guide you, but the route is very simple. Follow the path through woodland around the side of the hill until it brings you out of the trees. Look for the information board, and head straight back into the woodland. Along this section of path, you will find the gate and signpost for the tower.
It is a quick climb up some steps to the top of the hill. There are a couple of benches, an old wishing well, the tower (a former folly) and of course, the views. There is lots of space for children to run around and play on fallen logs etc.
Head back down the way you came and then turn right at the gate. This will take you around the other side of the hill where there is a bench and viewpoint over Wonersh. After the bench, the path descends before skirting left around the base of the hill. It is in this area that we predict the best bluebells will appear.
Turn right when you reach the starting point again and follow the same path to the car park. There is a large open space next to the car park with lots of picnic benches and a really fun natural play area consisting of a network of logs and stumps that children can balance and climb on.
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Did you know?
If you fancy adding something a bit different to your walk, Chinthurst Hill also has an orienteering course suitable for beginners/families. You can download the course for free here.
If you enjoyed this walk…
…try this one at Newland’s Corner with a similar play area and great views too
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