Chatley and Ockham Common
Recommended by
Walk directions
From the car park, cross the road and take the footpath over a stile 30yds (27m) to the left, signposted as a public footpath, then diagonally cross two fields to a small footbridge and stile. Nip over and continue, to meet a metal gate on the far side of the next field. Follow the right-hand field edge, with the river just over the hedge to your right, to a footbridge close to some electricity lines. Beyond the bridge, take the path across the fields, signed ‘Downside Walk’. Go over a stile and ahead to the gate and stile leading to Pointers Road.
Turn right into Pointers Road, and continue beyond the impressive wrought iron gates of The Lodge. Now turn left on a signed bridleway, passing a notice board ‘Chatley Heath Semaphore Tower’, cross the M25 and follow the tarmac lane as it winds up the hill to the semaphore tower.
View all directions
Additional information
Terrain
- Field-edge paths, heathland tracks and some roads; 5 stiles
Landscape
- Arable farmland and wooded heath
Dog friendliness
- Livestock in some fields, also sections of minor road and must be on leads on the heath during ground bird nesting season
Parking
- Downside Bridge, south of Cobham
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
In recent years, mobile phone masts have been sprinkled so liberally over the English landscape that we hardly notice them. But hidden in the trees, just yards from the growling M25, stands a communications tower quite unlike anything else you’ll see. Built in 1821, Chatley Heath semaphore tower...
Read more
Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Surrey is one of England’s most wooded counties, with over a quarter of the landscape designated as an official AONB and plenty of history evident in the countryside. You’ll find sandy tracks, cottage gardens and welcoming village inns, and on the fringe of Greater London you can picnic in Chaldon’s hay meadows, explore the downs at Epsom, or drift idly beside the River Thames.
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Woodlands Park Hotel
Originally built for the Bryant family of the matchmaking firm Bryant & May, the Woodlands Park Hotel, a traditional Victorian mansion, enjoys an attractive parkland setting in ten and ...
Brooklands Hotel
Overlooking the historic motoring racing circuit, Brooklands Hotel has a stunning design that reflects the art deco style of the Mercedes Benz racetrack's heyday in the 1920s and 30s. B...
Oatlands Park Hotel
Steeped in royal history, Oatlands Park Hotel is situated on magnificent 10-acre grounds close to the original site of a grand Tudor palace built by Henry VIII. The fully refurbished 15...
Court Suite
Awaiting description...
Studio Apartment
Awaiting description...
Upper Garden Suite
Awaiting description...
Lower Garden Suite
Awaiting description...
Craven House Apartments
Luxury serviced apartments in Hampton Court, offering stunning views over Bushy Park and the beautiful Surrey village of Claygate, with plenty of space to relax, entertain or host meeti...
Places to eat nearby View all
