Warning: Steep and Uneven Paths!

…but it is not an easy walk and involves steep hills, so this walk isn’t for everyone and should not be chosen without careful thought.

 

 

 

 

The Walk to Combe Bottom 

Trying to locate the quarry myself was the really exciting part, and actually took me two visits.

But for anyone without the luxury of time, here are the directions. 

 

 

From West Hanger Car Park there are two ways to walk down the hill to Combe Bottom but be warned, the hill is very steep – it’s not called West Hanger for nothing…

 

 

 

 

Route 1:  Along the Road

Walk out of the car park to the road. Turn right onto Staple Lane and then right again onto Combe Lane.

Follow Combe Lane down the hill, around a sharp bend to the right and you will come to this sign on the left.

 

 

Please be careful – there is no pavement and cars and cyclist use the road too. 

 

 

 

 

 

Route 2:  Straight Down West Hanger

Leave the car park by the path on the left and walk into the woods. 

 

 

 

 

After a short walk through the woods, you meet a trail running to your right.

 

 

 

 

Be careful – the trail is very steep and uneven

 

 

 

 

and the path may be used by mountain bikers.

 

 

 

 

Near the bottom of the hill you will see the road. 

 

 

 

 

This is Combe Lane and it runs along the bottom of the hill. 

 

 

 

 

Cross the road and walk a short way to the left, until you see the Combe Bottom sign on your right. 

Again, please be careful – there is no pavement and cars and cyclist use the road too. 

 

 

 

Finding the Holloway

From the Combe Bottom sign, follow the wild path for five to ten minutes, under trees,

 

 

 

 

through brambles patches

 

 

 

 

 

and into a holloway.

 

 

 

 

 

If it isn’t too overgrown, you might be able to spot the pillbox on your right. 

 

 

 

 

The route to the quarry is near the end of the holloway, up the steep bank on your left. 

 

 

 

 

If you reach this sign and the end of the holloway, you have gone too far.

 

 

 

 

 

To the Quarry!

You should now be standing on top of the steep bank with the holloway behind you.

You will notice a second holloway in front of you, which seems to run parallel to the first.

Believe it or not, this is the path to the quarry!

 

Follow this to the left until you come to a fallen tree blocking the way.

This is the entrance to the lowest part of the quarry. 

 

 

 

A Neolithic Quarry

The only information I can find about this quarry is that it dates back to the Stone Age, or Neolithic period, and was used to quarry flint. 

 

 

 

Today it is a huge, bowl-shaped hole in the hillside with steep sides.

 

 

 

 

 

Flint Tools

As you walk back up to West Hanger car park, and pause for the odd rest or two, keep an eye out for flints lying around or amongst the roots of trees.

You may spot a flint tool!

Have a look at the Wessex Archaeology website for details of the types of flint to look out for. 

 

Combe Bottom

Combe Bottom is part of the enchanting Shere Woodlands and sits at the bottom of West Hanger hill.

 

 

 

There is not much to see unless you would like to find the quarry. 

 

 

Nearest Town: Shere, near Guildford, Surrey Hills
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU5 9TE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket or use one of the picnic tables. There is also a mobile cafe that visits (please see their website for details). 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: Definitely not! 

Parking: West Hanger Car Park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects.

Information Written: August 2023

 

Shere Woodlands

The woods have a wild and enchanted feel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pools of water collect amongst the beech tree roots

 

 

 

 

hidden pathways lead you to secret dens

 

 

 

 

and the trees seem almost alive.

 

 

 

 

 

This is a special spot for us and we often come here to tell fairy tales about the creatures who might live here. 

 

 

 

 

The View

If you follow a path through the woods, you eventually come to a bench that looks out over the hills.

It is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset.

 

 

 

Combe Bottom

You can also walk down the hill to Combe Bottom 

 

 

 

 

a Stone Age quarry and a World War 2 pillbox…but be warned, this isn’t called West Hanger for nothing.

 

 

 

 

The path down are very steep

 

 

 

 

and uneven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From West Hanger Car Park

From the car park there are two paths into the woods.

The path on the left goes into the woods and is flat but bumpy, although I had no problems with an all terrain buggy.

 

 

The path to the right is the North Downs Way and is wider and smoother, although it was still rutted and muddy in places.

 

 

 

Both paths join up just before the view point.

 

 

Nearest Town: Shere, near Guildford, Surrey Hills
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU5 9TE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket or use one of the picnic tables. There is also a mobile cafe that visits (see the website for details). 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: We used a buggy on the paths on top of the hill but the paths down the hill are much too steep. 

Parking: West Hanger car park
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects.

Information Written: August 2016
Information Checked: August 2023

 

Little Beaulieu Adventure Play Area

This fantastic adventure play area has equipment that includes:

• a tube slide
• other slides
• a basket swing
• toddler swings
• an obstacle course
• climbing walls
• a fireman’s pole
• a zip wire
• talking tubes
• musical instruments
• puzzle boards.

 

 

 

There is also a Toddlers’ Play Area for children of 5 years and under, which has equipment that includes:

• the Beaulieu open-topped bus with a slide
• a wooden play house with a bridge, ladders and a slide
• a sand pit with chutes, buckets and pulleys 
• picnic tables.

 

 

Secret Passages and Paintings

Inside the castle there are secret passages to find and explore, including one that goes behind a bookcase

 

 

 

 

and paintings with moving eyes…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Role Play

There are places to role play too, including a race car

 

 

 

 

 

 

a jeep

 

 

 

 

 

a tractor

 

 

 

 

 

and a petrol station. 

 

 

 

 

Beaulieu National Motor Museum 

At the heart of Beaulieu is the National Motor Museum, which as you’d expect is packed full of cars

 

 

 

 

including famous cars like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

 

 

 

 

Mr Bean’s mini.

 

 

 

 

 

The Monorail and Bus

Beaulieu is also home to the oldest monorail in England

 

 

 

 

and an open topped bus that drives you gently around the grounds. 

 

 

Nearest Town: Hythe, near Southampton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO42 7ZN

Adult Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details. 
Child Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details. 
Free if: Under 5 years

Opens: Daily

Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Ice creams, snacks, cafe, shop, picnic areas, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: January 2023

 

Beaulieu National Motor Museum 

At the heart of Beaulieu is the National Motor Museum, which as you’d expect is packed full of cars

 

 

 

 

and some motorbikes.

 

 

 

 

 

But mainly there are cars –

 

 

 

 

 

old cars

 

 

 

 

 

new cars

 

 

 

 

 

record breaking cars

 

 

 

 

 

and famous cars like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

 

 

 

 

Mr Bean’s mini

 

 

 

 

 

and Del Boy’s three wheeler.

 

 

 

 

 

There’s even a car shaped like an orange!

 

 

 

 

 

The Monorail 

Beaulieu is also home to the oldest monorail in England,

 

 

 

 

which glides above the attractions

 

 

 

 

 

and through the museum building!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open-Topped Bus

This dates from 1912 and drives you gently around the grounds. 

 

 

 

 

 

Ride in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

At certain times of the year you can book a ride in a replica Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and also in Mr Toad’s car from the film The Wind in the Willows.

Have a look at the Beaulieu website for full details. 

 

 

 

World of Top Gear 

There’s also an exhibition of the cars created on ‘Top Gear’.  

 

 

 

 

 

Little Beaulieu Adventure Play Area

Probably our favourite part of the visit was Little Beaulieu, the adventure play area,

 

 

 

 

which is a labyrinth of secret passages and bridges,

 

 

 

 

slides, and walkways. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Grounds and Cafe

On top of all that, there are gardens to explore

 

 

 

 

with Alice in Wonderland shaped bushes

 

 

 

 

and a cafe.

 

 

Nearest Town: Hythe, near Southampton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO42 7ZN

Adult Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details. 
Child Cost Range: Various – please see their website for details. 
Free if: Under 5 years

Opens: Daily

Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Ice creams, snacks, cafe, shop, picnic areas, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

Parking: There is a large car park.
Cost of Parking: Free

Information Written: January 2023

 

St Martha’s Hill and Colyers Hanger

Accessible only on foot, St Martha’s Hill has been a place of worship since Norman times and its beautiful views makes it easy to see why.  

 

 

 

At the very top is St Martha-on-the-Hill church.

 

 

 

 

 

The Paths

The paths to the top of the hill are sandy, steep and uneven in places.

It took us about 20 minutes to reach the top at a child’s pace.

 

 

 

The Other Trails

There are other trails shown on the information board and in the car park, one of which is easy access. 

 

Nearest Town: Chilworth, near Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU4 8PZ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: About two hours.
Buggies: I wouldn’t bring one as there are uneven paths and sandy slopes, which can be steep. 

Parking: There are two car parks, one at Halfpenny Lane (GU4 8PZ) and another on Guildford Lane (GU5 9BQ).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, reptiles butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: July 2022

 

Hankley Common

Hankley Common has beautiful views and some of the finest heathland in Southern England, all criss-crossed by a network of paths.

 

 

 

We have stumbled across lizards, onto film sets and down steep, sandy hills. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Atlantic Wall

Hidden in the trees near Upper Car Park is the Atlantic Wall, which was built by Canadian soldiers in 1943.

 

 

 

 

This was used to train soldiers to overcome the German defences they might face in northern France. 

 

 

 

 

Dragon’s Teeth

Scattered through the nearby trees are pyramid-shaped anti-tank obstacles, which were also used for training.   

 

 

 

 

 

James Bond

Hankley Common was one of the locations used for James Bond’s childhood home in the film Skyfall.  

 

 

 

 

Thor’s Den

There is a nearby play area called Thor’s Den, which is on the edge of Thursley Common, just a short drive from Hankley Common.

Nearest Town: Thursley, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6LW

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: I wouldn’t bring a buggy here as there are sandy hills to navigate. 

Parking: There are two car parks that can both be found from Thursley Road. The first is called Upper Car Park and can be found using post code GU8 6LW. It is at the top of a little side road that comes off Thursley Road on the double bend (opposite a sign that says “Hankley TRG Area DZ Huts”). The second is called Thursley Public Car Park, which can be found using post code GU10 2LQ and is towards The Sculpture Park end of the road. 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, lizards, deer and insects.

Information Written: November 2020

 

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

 

Lepe Country Park

If you need an energy busting day then plan on paddling, sand castles and fossil finding before the tide comes in and then fairy door hunts, adventure play and a nature walk.

 

 

 

Or if you just want somewhere to relax, just sit back and enjoy the view.

Have a look at the Lepe Country Park website’s map for an overview of the activities on offer.

 

 

 

The Meadows

Alternatively, walk towards the east end of the beach past wild flower meadows on one side and the sea on the other.

 

 

 

This is a buggy friendly route that leads you to the beach, Lepe Point and Stansore Point, where the path becomes much sandier.

 

 

 

 

Lepe Point Nature Reserve

Lepe Point Nature Reserve, is a protected area of woodland and meadows with a boardwalk, pond and bird hide.

 

 

 

 

Stansore Point

Stansore Point is a good place to sit and enjoy the view, whether you want to watch huge ships cruise The Solent or gaze across at the Isle of Wight.

 

 

 

 

The D-Day Remnants

There are D-Day remnants near Stansore Point, including pier heads, construction platforms and slip ways.

 

 

 

You can see pictures and find further details on the New Forest Remembers website.

 

 

 

 

Fossil Finding

At Stansore Point it is also possible to find fossils of shells, plants and mammal bones, including mammoth bones. I understand it is best to look when the tide is out and to bring wellies in case the clay is exposed. Have a look at the UK Fossil Collecting website for full details.

You can also have a look at the western end of the beach where you can find fossil shells and corals. 

 

 

The Dinosaur Footprint

Inside the Visitor Centre is a dinosaur footprint, which was found at Lepe. It is on the floor on the right of the desk by the window.

Please see the Family Fun section of the Lepe website for further details as well as printable activities you can take with you or try at home!

 

 

The Fairy Door Trails

There are two trails to choose from – one through the Sensory Garden and another across the wild flower meadows and cliffs.

The doors are marked on a map and are each in a different type of tree with a little explanation about the kind of fairy living inside. 

 

 

The Beach

There is a family beach area, which is a very short walk from the car park. 

 

 

 

 

Further down the beach, low tide reveals a spit of land where we found crabs amongst the rocks, dug holes to catch the sea, built up huge sand castles and found interesting stones, including one of the bone shaped ‘fossils’ mentioned above.

 

The Play Area

The Lepe Country Park Play Area is a wooden adventure play area with equipment that includes:

• a swing
• a toddler swing
• a basket swing
• insect shaped springers
• a seesaw
• play houses
• a double slide with easy to climb stairs
• an obstacle course with logs, stumps, ropes and nets
• a wooden climbing frame
• a snake balance trail
• picnic tables
• seats.

Nearest Town: Exbury, New Forest
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO45 1AD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Try the cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe, picnic area, snacks, ice creams, barbecues, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: There are some pathways that are buggy friendly along the seafront.  The beach itself can be hard to push a buggy along because it is divided by wooden posts, many of which have rotted to near sand level and are splintered in places.

Parking: There are two pay and display car parks – one next to the play area and fairy trails and another next to the beach, Visitor Centre and cafe. These are connected by stairs that lead down to the beach but we drove between the two because we were using a buggy. We parked easily in both but it must be very busy at peak times.
Cost of Parking: For April to September start at £2.50 for one hour and an all day ticket costs £9.50.

Wildlife You Might See: Seaside wildlife, seabirds and other birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: September 2017
Information Checked: May 2023

 

The wooden play equipment includes:

• a swing
• a toddler swing
• a basket swing
• insect shaped springers
• a seesaw
• play houses
• a double slide with easy to climb stairs
• an obstacle course with logs, stumps, ropes and nets
• a wooden climbing frame
• a snake balance trail
• picnic tables
• seats.

 

Lepe Country Park

Lepe Country Park has a huge range of activities on offer.

If you need an energy busting day then plan on paddling, sand castles and fossil finding before the tide comes in and then fairy door hunts, adventure play and a nature walk.

 

 

Or if you just want somewhere to relax, just sit back and enjoy the view.

Have a look at the Lepe Country Park website’s map for an overview of the activities on offer.

Nearest Town: Exbury, New Forest
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO45 1AD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Try the cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe, picnic area, snacks, ice creams, barbecues, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: There are some pathways that are buggy friendly along the seafront.  The beach itself can be hard to push a buggy along because it is divided by wooden posts, many of which have rotted to near sand level and are splintered in places.

Parking: There are two pay and display car parks – one next to the play area and another next to the beach, Visitor Centre and cafe. These are connected by stairs that lead down to the beach but we drove between the two because we were using a buggy. We parked easily in both but it must be very busy at peak times.
Cost of Parking: For April to September start at £2.50 for one hour and an all day ticket costs £9.50.

Wildlife You Might See: Seaside wildlife, seabirds and other birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: September 2017
Information Checked: May 2023

 

River Hamble Country Park

There are three main areas to the country park – Topfield, Manor Farm and Barnfield.

 

Topfield

Topfield has a dog walking field and barbecues for hire but we spent most of our time at Barnfield and Manor Farm.

 

 

 

 

Manor Farm

Within the country park is Manor Farm, a Victorian farm with costumed farm workers, historic farm buildings, free-ranging animals and antiquated tractors.

 

 

 

It has plenty of farm animals, including cows and calves, pigs and piglets and hens and chicks.

 

 

 

 

There are also two play areas on the farm with climb-on tractors, drivable mini-tractors, sand play tables and balance courses as well as a cafe.

 

 

 

 

Barnfield

 

The Barn

Next to the car park is The Barn, a visitor centre and a cafe.

 

 

 

 

 

The Adventure Play Area

Also next to the car park is a wooden adventure play area inspired by the Grace Dieu (see below).

 

 

 

 

It has a ship theme and equipment that includes two ships to play on with slides, climbing walls, nets, bridges and ropes.

 

 

 

There is also a crow’s nest, a large rope swing and musical instruments.

When we visited it looked like they were putting in more play equipment too. 

 

 

 

The Grace Dieu

The stretch of the River Hamble at Barnfield is the site of the Grace Dieu ship wreck. The Grace Dieu was finished in 1418 and became Henry V’s enormous flagship.

 

 

 

Sadly, she never sailed beyond the Isle of Wight as the crew mutinied. Instead, she was brought to the River Hamble.

In 1439 she was struck by lightning, caught fire and burned to the water level.

 

 

The size of the Grace Dieu is marked out next to the adventure play area. The mast of the ship would have been the same length!

 

 

 

 

The Trails

Waymarked trails criss-cross the country park, passing through woods, along the River Hamble and to a pontoon.

 

 

 

The path from the adventure play area leads you into the woods and along the River Hamble. 

 

 

 

 

The River Hamble

There are a couple of places along the path to the pontoon where you can access the river.

 

 

 

 

People paddle, swim, kayak and paddle board but there are two things to note:

• the currents can be strong and
• when the tide is out it can be very muddy. 

 

 

Please be sure to make all the necessary checks before you go. 

 

 

 

 

 

Crabbing on the Pontoon

From this pontoon you can fish for crabs with a line.

The Barn sells the equipment you need but you have to bring your own bait. Their website has further details and some crabbing guidelines.

 

 

HMS Cricket

The country park was home to HMS Cricket, a camp built during World War 2 to house and train the assault craft crews that took part in the D-day landings of 1944.

The remains of the buildings can still be seen around the park and there is also a memorial at Barnfield.

 

 

The Manor Farm Fairy Folk Story Trail

Alternatively, try the Hampshire County Council Story Trail* called Manor Farm Fairy Folk.

 

 

 

 

Hampshire County Council’s Story Trails

*These are walks with interactive stories to read along the way, as told by a cute character called the Story Snail.

Each Story Trail is about one mile long and is divided into numbered story sections that you read out as you reach number markers along the trail.

 

 

 

Finding a Copy of the Story Trail

To follow the Story Trail you need a free pack that you can either borrow from a specified place (with a Hampshire Library card and a £20 returnable deposit) or download a story trail from the internet in written or audio form. Each pack has a map to follow and the trail itself is marked with arrows and/or pictures of the Story Snail.

Nearest Town: Bursledon
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO31 1BH

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free but there is an entry fee for Manor Farm.

Where to Eat: At one of the cafes, rent a barbecue or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Ice creams, picnic areas, cafe, snacks, toilets and accessible toilets.

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

Parking: Several car parks. The ticket machines take cash but you can buy a car park ticket with a card at the Manor Farm Visitor Centre.
Cost of Parking: From £2.50 for the first hour but capped at £7.

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, birds, deer and maybe the odd fairy or two if you follow the story trail!

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: April 2023