Walk 26th January 2017 Chinthurst hill - Blackheath - St Martha's hill - Chantry Wood - East Shalford

Start point:- TQ015463

Distance:- 11.8 km; 7.33 miles

Time taken: 2 hours 23 minutes

Route:-

Chinthurst Hill CP - Tangley farm - Downs Link - Rosemary Hill - Lockner Lodge - Lockner farm - St Martha's Hill - NDW - Manor farm - Bradstock Brook - Lower Chinthurst farm

The walk starts from Chinthurst hill car park but does not include a walk to the top of this hill to see the foley built at the top. But the views from the top could always be enjoyed upon your return.

Details of chinthurst hill and the work of Surrey wildlife trust can be found here :-

http://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/reserves/chinthurst-hill

and details of a self guided walk

http://data.wildlifetrusts.org/sites/default/files/Chinthurst%20Hill%20%20Self-guided%20Trail%20Leaflet.pdf

Crossing the road and walking towards Blackheath where you will see to your right a memorial which commemorates the residents of Blackheath who were killed or missing in World War I (8 names) and World War II (5 names).

Many of these memorials were erected after the First World War. After the Second World War, the names of those who died in that war were also added to this memorial. The walk does not pass through the main village http://www.blackheathvillagearchive.com/ .

There will be a climb up to the church on St Martha's hill with some very good views looking both north and south. The 18th highest hill at 175 m. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Martha%27s_Hill

Leaving the church and picking up the North Downs way with Chantry Wood to your left, if you divert to some footpaths in the wood you will again come out to some excellent view points. The wood in spring will be covered in bluebells to add to your enjoyment.

http://shalfordvillage.co.uk/shalford-history/the-chantries-the-gem-of-guildford

You can find another walk in this area available on the FancyFree walks website

http://fancyfreewalks.org/Surrey/Chantries-Shalford-Blackheath.pdf

Walking across the farmland towards Manor Farm if you look behind you, you will be able to see the ruins of St Catherine's chapel.

After crossing the railway line and walking across the sports ground of RGS you will return to the car park. I recommend taking the diversion to the farm rather than walk down the pavement of what can be a busy road.