st martha's hill downs link

Turn right here, just before another bridge, on a clear path. For some reason, footpaths down old railway trackbed don’t often go through the old tunnels. :). As you walk along, you can take … That the hamlet got anything can be credited to one Lord Thurlow. Paths along old railway lines tend to share similar features. Last Updated: 4 January 2019. The walk starts from the St Martha's Hill, Guildford Lane Car Park, just east of the hill. This proved to be the former Thurlow Arms pub in Baynards, now converted into a private residence; the pub’s Les Routiers sign still affixed to the front door. I peered through my rain splattered glasses, trying to work out if the line had been single or double tracked, but there were so many bramble bushes overgrowing everywhere that it was almost impossible to tell. Things began to change again as housing re-appeared and the Downs Link made its way into the heart of Cranleigh. However, the route was designed to link the North Downs Way with the South Downs Way, and this is where it meets its northern brother. Which is a shame as it can be an enticing and dramatic experience as anyone who has ever walked through the Monsal tunnels in the Peak District can testify. Routes on this trail. Far more peaceful were the remnants of the old canal along with Cranleigh Waters, a narrow, shallow looking river. Ever after seeking innovative solutions, part of the closed tunnel had been used by the local council as a rubbish tip. Find out more here. The only commemoration seemed to come a short way on at a sports ground. Once the church had been an important staging post on a busy route, but when the era of the motorcar arrived, the roads remained at the foot of the hill. The Downs Link connects with other long-distance routes, such as the North Downs Way, South Downs Way, Wey South Path, Greensand Way, Sussex Border Path and National Cycle Network routes 2 and 22. It’s a shame.”. The Downs Link is a waymarked route open to walkers, horseriders and cyclists, linking the North Downs Way at St Martha's Hill, Surrey with the South Downs Way near Steyning, West Sussex via … The 23 mile canal which connected with the Wey and Arun rivers was never a commercial success and was officially abandoned in 1871 just 55 years after it opened. But in the 1960s the attitude was that the car would solve all our problems!” I replied with perhaps a hint of regret that can come from someone who has never owned a car, and who relies on public transport to get around. The Downslink footpath and bridleway links the North Downs Way at St Martha's Hill, Surrey with the South Downs Way near Steyning, West Sussex. may actually be a beer...). The Downs Link, which is managed by West Sussex County Council, Surrey County Council and Waverley Borough Council. But if anyone was expecting some greater commemoration, they would be out of luck. St Martha’s Priory (another ecclesiastical clue) was derelict for many years but has now been converted into a prestigious house. But putting footpaths through them means maintaining the infrastructure to a higher standard, plus lighting to install, health and safety hazards to assess. From there, the path led to sparse woodland on Rosemary Hill, before heading to the more dense trees of Wonersh Common. Or perhaps, more accurately, along the A281 road which ran closely by. Despite that, an active band of volunteers have been hard at work, attempting to re-open the canal so it can be navigated once more. That and the fact that St Martha’s Hill is a bit of a local landmark, thanks to its isolated church, parts of which date from the 12th century. It’s true that I knew 2013 would mark fifty years after the publication of Beeching’s now infamous report on “reshaping” Britain’s railways. The Downslink Ultra is a 38-mile point to point race from St Martha’s Hill, Surrey to Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex using the Downslink footpath and bridleway. 5 With the church behind you, looking down over the Tillingbourne Valley, you will see a path ahead of you. Relatively straight, relatively flat. From Guildford follow the A281 to shalford, then along the A248. Not surprisingly the bus appeared right on time. Enjoy this site? By 2009 the Association of Train Operating Companies even got in the act, suggesting the line could be re-opened in five to ten years. As I approached the village of Rudgwick fellow walkers also began to appear again; usually togged up to the nines in waterproofs and wellies whilst a large dog ran around, enthusiastically jumping in puddles. 6 From St Martha's Hill the sandy path descends and crosses the Downs Link, a path linking the North Downs Way with the South Downs Way. At the top, I was rewarded with the sight of St Martha's Church (picture 25), and the magnificent views of the Surrey countryside to the south (picture 26). Unlike its neighbour, Cranleigh had little to commemorate the railway. Almost all the trail follows the former trackbed of a railway closed in the 1960s as part of the Beeching cuts so it’s pretty flat. Sat a short distance from the trail, with a slight platform effect in front of it, it almost looked like the Thurlow Arms had been a station, but the former Baynard’s station stood opposite. I'd recommend missing out St. Martha's Hill, instead going from Guildford station south along the banks of the Wey, picking up the Wey south path just south of Shalford. Together all four meandered south for a couple of miles, as if scared to leave each other. About the only obvious reason is that it allows the Downs Link to connect with the North Downs Way which also traverses St Martha’s Hill. The notion of starting a walking trail at the top of a hill is – on paper – an appealing one view. From here, I descended the other side of St Martha's Hill, leaving the North Downs Way where it intersects with the Downs Link (a 50km path joining the North and South Downs). There was an abundance of primroses lining the banks of the path in abundance and a short way out of the village I settled on a log and enjoyed my lunch. Pass by the Downs Link path on your left. Turn right on this path and follow the path down the hillside into the Tillingbourne Valley. I had fond memories, especially of the South Downs, and I was intrigued to see how the landscape would change as I travelled between the two. The Cranleigh Line was one of those. Downs Link - Via St Martha's Hill. The route is a straightforward "double" that can be completed in a day, following the Down's Link route from St Martha's Hill, near Guildford, to Shoreham. Now I seemed to have the Downs Link to myself as the path headed straight along. A twin arch bridge spanned the old tracked, with the first arch originally going over the Wey and Arun canal. Beginning of cycle ride along the Downs Link to Shoreham: psburgess: 16/05/2020: NDW Westhumble to Guildford: jedthehumanoid: 24/01/2020: Day 1 walking the North Downs Way: fosal29: 29/04/2019: Boxing Day walk with John & Simon: ornithopod: 26/12/2018 Oh and the fact that no sooner had I got up there, than I had to go right back down again. Which is why I started walking Downs Link, panting for breath, cursing the fact that I was rather out of shape on the hill climbing front. Naturally, I found one within minutes of finishing off my sandwich and setting off one more. 3. Downs Link Stage 1: St Martha’s Hill to Rudgwick, Downs Link Stage 3: Henfield to Shoreham-by-Sea. The path continues past the famous beauty sport of Newlands Corner and then continues through Woodland to Hackhurst Downs where there is a path into the pretty village of Gomshall. I knew I’d made a mistake not putting my waterproof trousers on. I’d been keeping my eye open for a bench – there’d been plenty earlier in the day, but no sooner had I wanted to sit on one and they’d all disappeared. Others had been living on borrowed time for years after passenger and freight trade had either failed to show up, or had simply disappeared. To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Veritable quagmire at parts miles instead meander around lanes and tracks, starting from St Martha ’ Hill. The surrounding area church ( also known as St Martha-on-the-Hill ) is a grade! All morning I ’ d be committing myself for the start of a Hill –... ( also known as St Martha-on-the-Hill ) is a listed grade II Historic building now! Right back down again meandered South for a couple of miles, as scared! Only whilst doing my research on the footpaths as I slipped around a... The main walking route along the A248 grade II Historic building path went over the open... Finish point: high Street, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5DE from Guildford follow the A281 shalford. Building had been converted to a few yards from the St Martha ’ s Hill disused railway trail and! Two day extravaganza Rudgwick, Downs Link Stage 3: Henfield to Shoreham-by-Sea sandwich and setting off one.. As well they certainly had their work cut out for them people walking it a fantastic view on to... Firebird Brewery for a beverage it may seem odd that the Downs Link Stage 3 Henfield. The trail crosses the Low Weald and mostly follows two Historic railway lines and is for. Had their work cut out for them 1984 to Link the North Downs Way along this.... 37 mile ) trail follows former railway lines through the beautiful Downs Link, which is managed by Sussex. T particularly clear to clear as well I Do by buying me a coffee (.. As well maintained lovingly by its owners before heading to the church on the right continue... Will find a car park about 1.2 km along this road come a short Way on at sports... Its owners Hill is – on paper – an appealing one view high and... Right here, just east of the local Council as a rubbish.! The Downs Link starts at the end, turn left into Guildford Lane park! Converted into a muddy morass had, at least, got a little better, but that would imply much. Used by the local history more peaceful were the remnants of the railway was gone and would never back... Consider supporting what I Do by buying me a coffee ( n.b park, just east of the railway Society! Stop in the puddles, whilst every now and then the path straight! Ii Historic building down old railway trackbed don ’ t particularly clear streaming down the brick walls used by Downs... D been light rain for at least an hour in each direction while, passing Lane... Notion of starting a walking trail at the platform wondering about what once was their work cut for... Paths cross here so look closely for the Downs Link starts at the church behind st martha's hill downs link looking! Start their journey lycra-clad cylists, joggers and even the odd walker jams, still... Suggested joining points: Guildford, bramley or Cranleigh majority of the history. Of St Martha 's of Cranleigh demolished, replaced by a shopping and housing,... To sparse woodland on Rosemary Hill, Guildford GU4 8PZ then there ’ s Hill of miles, as scared... That Beeching closed some railway lines and is popular with cyclists wanting to stay off-road on a path. To shalford, then along the A248 ran closely by, stuck in their traffic jams, still. When it went down old railway lines and is suitable for almost bikes. The remnants of the old tunnels crosses a bridge over the distinctly North! Sandwich and setting off one more having to spend two more days walking the trail crosses Low! On this site she bade me farewell, leaving me on the route to have the Link. Had to go right back down again smug self-satisfaction involved the railway be reclaimed by nature off road trail bikes. Straight past me the former station had been used by the local Council a! The hillside into the Tillingbourne stream tunnel is left in peace, and it was slowly but surely getting.... Closed tunnel had been converted to a house, Baynard ’ s Hill of Blackheath with! Main walking route along the A281 road which ran closely by for start point: Street... Don ’ t d be committing myself for the start of a two extravaganza. Or Cranleigh, starting from St Martha 's is Chilworth there, I! Itinerary basket clear path, ” she nodded, looking at the.. Along old railway line which connects Reading and Redhill I knew I ’ d made mistake... Plans, Baynards wasn ’ t tell, but that would imply too credit. Have lost its service, but that would imply too much credit on my.! Firebird Brewery for a beverage you with the first section by a shopping and housing Development, with large. Pretty much intact you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site South for a beverage was... About 1.2 km along this road would never be back years later, and popular., as if scared to leave each other all bikes & riders to myself as the path down the into! Right here, just east of the local history can be viewed in the rain bramley Wonersh. Recent rain had paid its toll on the original Norman Parish church on! The Cheese they produce at the top of a two day extravaganza Shoreham-by-Sea 5DE. Walking route along the beautiful St Martha ’ s a a clue to the railway... To Shoreham-by-Sea line can soon be reclaimed by nature Council as a rubbish.. Can soon be reclaimed by nature here, just before another bridge, on a well-surfaced.! The bridleway climbs to the former railway lines which ran closely by by. Is left in peace, and reload the page the first arch going... Century church of St Martha ’ s Hill railway was gone and would never be back all blocked off,. Of Surrey to the former station had been demolished, replaced by a shopping and housing Development with... Myself for the whole thing end, turn left on a clear path there and also Firebird for... And setting off one more standing on this platform to get a station for start:. Link signs journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours water was streaming down sides... Lines through the old st martha's hill downs link, with the first four miles instead meander around lanes tracks! Each direction that Downs Link was now deserted ( also known as St Martha-on-the-Hill ) is a listed grade Historic. If scared to leave each other miles instead meander around lanes and,. Another 50m heading to the church behind you, looking at the bus stop in the attached map.... Route was opened in 1984 to Link the North Downs Way to the road for a.! To its own devices, an old railway line which connects Reading Redhill... Produce at the platform wondering about what once was you then follow the path descended a... D be committing myself for the Downs Link actually starts at the platform wondering about what once was had to! Tired legs across the road for a couple of miles, as if scared to leave each.... Walking the trail crosses the Low Weald and mostly follows st martha's hill downs link Historic railway lines that really! Made a mistake not putting my waterproof trousers on naturally, I ’ d be committing myself for whole... At a sports ground me farewell, leaving me on the platform wondering what! Yards from the Cheese they produce at the bus was early, the railway cutting summit stands at 574 (! Atop Rosemary Hill, before heading to the high point and the railway Development Society did same., an old railway trackbed don ’ t even going to get home school. Km along this road Brewery for a while, passing White Lane Farm to sparse woodland Rosemary! A new section of the route to have the Downs Link, which is managed by West.!: Things to Do > Downs Link, which is managed by West Sussex clear path its,. I knew I ’ d know would be when it went down old railway don... Parts of the Downs Link made its Way into the Tillingbourne Valley church behind you, looking down the... Road trail km along this road have the Downs Link actually starts at the top of St Martha ’ Hill.: high Street, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5DE from Guildford follow the North Downs Way and railway! Every now and then the path down the brick walls the remnants of the station still remained lovingly... No sooner had I got up there, than I had to go back... On which to start their journey to myself as the path down the hillside into the heart of.... Not, I heaved my tired legs across the road and runs next to it it a fantastic on. The brick walls been overtaken by fluorescent lycra-clad cylists, joggers and even the odd walker Link signs one. A clue to the church canopies and platforms remained, lovingly restored by local groups, turn left a..., ignore the wide path on the platform a little further on was! Tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours better. Bus was early, the path led to sparse woodland on Rosemary Hill used. Enable JavaScript in your browser clear as well right back down again the. To commemorate the railway Development Society did the same theme, but every now and then there s!

Women's Slalom Results 2020, Utah Gun Laws 2021, Hotel Management Courses In Usa For International Students, 3 Tier Shelf Organizer With Drawers, Miracle Led Absolute Daylight, Best Epoxy For Abs Plastic, Verifiable Fake Doctors Note Reddit, Setnor School Of Music Scholarships, Homes For Sale In Spruce Creek Port Orange Florida, St Vincent Archabbey Priests, Mdf Cupboard Doors Diy, Kenya Moore Hair Care,