The Chilworth Gunpowder Mills

The Gunpowder Mills were established in 1626 by The East India Company and initially built by a dam near Blacksmith Lane.

 

 

 

By the 1700s there were 18 watermills using huge millstones to grind gunpowder, sulphur and charcoal.

 

 

 

 

These mills were an important manufacturer and supplier of gunpowder but were abandoned in 1920 and left to go to ruin.

 

 

 

Further details of the history of the Gunpowder Mills can be found on the Albury History Society’s website or pick up a leaflet at the entrance to the Gunpowder Mills.

 

 

 

The Ruins

We started the trail at Blacksmith Lane (see below details on parking) and saw the mill pond and West Lodge, where workers were checked in.

We then walked past the remains of the Corning House, which sadly exploded in 1901, killing 6 men.

 

Next along the trail are the ruins of an Incorporating Mill, with a fallen chimney and runner stones that were their sides to provide protection in the event of a blast.

 

 

There are also two bridges – a modern footbridge (that takes you to Vera’s Lane – see below notes on parking) and a swing bridge used by trams carrying coal to the mills from Chilworth and Albury railway stations.

 

 

At the end of the path we found the most complete Gunpowder Mill buildings.

There are steps down into these ruins but we did not venture in very far as the floor was very uneven.

 

 

Paddling in the River Tillingbourne

The River Tillingbourne runs through this area. It is shallow with a log bridge and a large wooden snail sculpture.

 

 

 

It is perfect for a splash and a paddle. We waded a little way along the river and found a tree that has been made an island by the flowing water.

 

 

 

 

The Picnic Area

In a clearing in the centre of the woods we found a good sized picnic area.

 

 

 

 

 

The Paths

The paths around the Gunpowder Mills were generally earth and grass, which was dry when we visited but may well become muddy after rain.

 

 

 

We found the main paths to be generally wide and flat and we used our all terrain double buggy on them without any problems.

 

 

 

 

Keep to the Paths

We only walked on the paths because the leaflets and information boards warn that you enter this site at your own risk, you should not climb on the buildings and that there are hidden pits, water features and boggy areas around the grounds.

 

 

Chilworth Heritage Trail

If you fancy a longer walk then have a look at the Chilworth Heritage Trail, which starts and ends on Vera’s Path and leads past the ruins and ponds, up to St Martha’s Hill and then back down to the Gunpowder Mills.

Nearest Town: Chilworth, near Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU4 8NP or GU4 8NF

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic area.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: We used an all terrain buggy but some of the paths can be narrow.

Parking: There are a couple of parking spaces on Blacksmith Lane (GU4 8NF) opposite the entrance to the Gunpowder Mills, which is next to the little bridge. You can also park on the roadside next to Chilworth C of E Infant School (Dorking Road – GU4 8NP) from where there is a footpath, called Vera’s Path, that leads you to the Gunpowder Mills (see photo).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Frogs, toads, butterflies, insects and birds.

Information Written: August 2017
Information Checked: September 2023

 

Natural Play Area

This area has:

• a zip wire
• balance course
• basket swing
• tyre swings
• platforms
• willow tunnels.

 

 

The Storyboat

The other is the Storyboat – a wooden boat surrounded by wooden sculptures of an eel, a beetle, a vole, a trout and a dragonfly.

It can be used for free play or a chasing game suggested on one of the boards called ‘Eels Out’.

Nearest Town: Morden
County: London
Nearest Postcode: SM4 5JD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or buy food from the cafe.
Facilities: Cafe, toilets, accessible toilets, picnic area, snacks, ice creams.

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: Car park that has lots of spaces but was very busy when we visited at the start of the Easter holidays.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, kingfishers, ducks, and Canada geese.

Information Written: April 2017

 

Natural Play Area

This area has:

• a zip wire
• balance course
• basket swing
• tyre swings
• platforms
• willow tunnels.

 

 

The Storyboat

The other is the Storyboat – a wooden boat surrounded by wooden sculptures of an eel, a beetle, a vole, a trout and a dragonfly.

It can be used for free play or a chasing game suggested on one of the boards called ‘Eels Out’.

 

Morden Hall Park

There is plenty of nature to see too – a pinetum, a meadow, an arboretum, and the wetlands, which you can see from a boardwalk.

 

 

 

The Boardwalk

The children loved the boardwalk as we were within inches of two groups of ducks and their tiny ducklings as well as tadpoles and swimming insects.

There is also a pond dipping platform halfway along the boardwalk.

 

 

The Cafes

Morden Hall Park has two cafes – one in the Potting Shed and another in the Stableyard.

 

 

 

 

Orienteering

There is also a permanent orienteering course. You can download the map before you go from the Mole Valley Orienteering Club’s website.

 

 

 

Deen City Farm

At the end of the wetland boardwalk is a path that leads out of the park, over the tramlines, and on to Deen City Farm, a free entry, urban farm.

Nearest Town: Morden
County: London
Nearest Postcode: SM4 5JD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or buy food from the cafe.
Facilities: Cafe, toilets, accessible toilets, picnic area, snacks, ice creams.

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: Car park that has lots of spaces but was very busy when we visited at the start of the Easter holidays.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, kingfishers, ducks and Canada geese.

Information Written: April 2017