Hankley Common to Thursley
Recommended by
Our view
"This pretty Surrey village is surrounded by extensive heathland that is rich in wildlife."
Walk directions
From the entrance to the car park, turn right along a tarmac road for about 120yds (110m), turn right by telegraph pole 11, passing a metal barrier, and walk along a straight, sandy track, lined with pine trees, and carry straight on into open heathland, with the power lines to your right. Continue walking past pylons to reach pylon 23; and, immediately afterwards, turn left down a track that descends and curves left. At a T-junction, turn right down a sandy path beneath power cables and continue uphill near a house called Houndown, parallel to another path by some houses. As the path forks under power cables, take the left fork along a path, which descends and meets another track coming in from the right. Pass a barrier to meet a tarmac track and turn right. Turn right again near the entrance to Hounmere House to follow a public bridleway. Ascend to meet Thursley Road.
Turn left and, in about 100yds (91m), turn right along a public footpath that descends and crosses a wooden bridge. Pass through at a wooden gate to enter a pretty grassy area with a small stream. Keep to the left side and bear right to cross a wooden bridge. Continue with the fence on the left, cross a wooden boardwalk and head for a gate. Turn left at the fingerpost to follow a public footpath along a tarmac track. On meeting a road at Brook Cottage, turn right and follow it as it ascends and curves left.
At a fingerpost and a 30mph sign, turn right along a public footpath, walking uphill and then fork right through woods. Emerge onto a tarmac drive by some houses and continue ahead to reach a triangular green.
View all directions
Additional information
Terrain
- Sandy paths across heathland, some steeper paths in woodland
Landscape
- Mostly heathland, with some pretty paths and lanes around the village of Thursley
Dog friendliness
- Dogs can run free across Hankley Common, but leads required on Thursley National Nature Reserve
Parking
- In Hankley Common, off Thursley Road
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
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
Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat
Retreat to the woods when you stay in one of the log cabin style lodges at Tilford Woods. All accommodation features full self-catering facilities, with top of the range log cabins even...
Frensham Pond Country House Hotel & Spa
Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, overlooking Frensham Great Pond this is a walker’s and water-lover’s paradise close to footpaths that run through the 1,000-acre Natio...
Bush Hotel Farnham
The Bush is an independent hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1618. Steeped in history but embracing contemporary design, it is situated in the heart of Farnham’s historic town ...
Harper's Haslemere
Harper's Haslemere is part of a small family of laid-back steak houses, fired up by the big, juicy stateside flavours from the best of east to west coast dining; from comforting to mind...
King’s Arms & Royal
The King's Arms and Royal is in the town of Godalming, and was first mentioned in 1639. Nestled between the Surrey Hills AONB and the South Downs National Park, this charming property w...
The Crown Inn Chiddingfold
Set in a tranquil location in a picturesque village, The Crown Inn Chiddingfold dates back to the early 13th century. This charming property offers stylish, modern accommodation that ha...
The Angel
On the high street, in the heart of Guildford and within the popular Angel Gate area with its shops and restaurants, this historic property features a range of rooms including spacious ...
Guildford Harbour Hotel
Not far from the high street, Guildford Harbour Hotel offers a comfortable and luxurious environment. Bedrooms are well appointed and corporate events are a specialty. The two restauran...
Places to eat nearby View all
