Scattered along the River Tillingbourne at Chilworth are what remains of the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills.
Today the area has been reclaimed by nature and a heritage trail leads you through tranquil woodland, past the remaining parts of the mill to a shallow stream that is perfect for paddling.
The Chilworth Gunpowder Mills The Ruins We then walked past the remains of the Corning House, which sadly exploded in 1901, killing 6 men. 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 Picnic Area The Paths Keep to the Paths Chilworth Heritage Trail
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.
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.
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. 
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.
In a clearing in the centre of the woods we found a good sized picnic area.
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.
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.
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.
Visit the Chilworth Gunpowder Mills website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Chilworth, near Guildford Opens: Daily Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. How Long We Spent There: 2 hours 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). Wildlife You Might See: Frogs, toads, butterflies, insects and birds. Information Written: August 2017
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU4 8NP or GU4 8NF
Cost: Free
Facilities: Picnic area.
Buggies: We used an all terrain buggy but some of the paths can be narrow.
Cost of Parking: Free
Information Checked: September 2023
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