The lockdown would surely be much worse for us if we were still in a tiny flat in London or of course could be better if we lived remotely somewhere in the mountains, many kilometres from any neighbour. But we live at the edge of town and we have easy access to trails for the Guildford local walks, long distance trails or runs.
Postponing a well planned walking trip and being restricted for a few local walks is a great compromise we have to make, so re-discovered some great local trails.
River Wey
The River Wey is only about 10-15mins walk from our house. There is a footpath along the river that runs miles after miles. This is a pleasant, scenic footpath that we often use for running or walking.
North Downs Way
If we join the path by the river and follow it for a couple of kilometres, we can join the North Downs Way long distance trail that runs at the outskirts of Guildford. The North Downs Way passes St Martha`s Hill which is one of my favourite spots near Guildford. From the church there are sweeping views of the magnificent Surrey Hills. The wooded hillside is home to bluebells in the spring and in the autumn we gather sweet chestnuts there. We can continue the trail to Newlands Corner and even further on the North Downs Way. Or we can make it into a circular walk by returning to Guildford via Silent Pool.
Downs Link
The local section of this long distance trail was on our list for some time. The Downs Link that follows a disused railway line between Guildford and Shoreham. The railway was closed in the mid sixties and today there is a flat (and rather straight), 37mile (59km) route used by walkers and cyclist. We walked a section between Shalford and Cranleigh. It passes the one time station Bramley and Wonersh. The tree lined path runs in places very close to the Wey and Arun Canal, with some bridges arching over the path.
The number of Guildford local walks provide us with plenty of options for exercise. Choose a nice local trail if you can and enjoy being in the nature while keeping your distance from others.
