MUSHROOMS TRAIL - The Heathlands, Lakes and Woodlands of Surrey 25km

🌳 Large Group Social Hike One of our bigger, more sociable hikes. Prefer a smaller group? See our standard-size hikes. This walk is led by a local guide who knows the area well, he spent 18 years of his life living here. As it is peak mushroom season, we see a good of fungi along the way. However, please note that this is not a specialist mushroom identification hike, as our guide is not a mushroom expert. To see the mushrooms our guide saw last Autumn please click on photos below 📏 Key Info: Distance: 16 miles (25km) Grading: Intermediate/Challenging because it's very long Ascent: 550m Hiking time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours Cost: £35 (includes guided hike + return train) Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. Toilet Breaks: On the train, nature (woods/bushes) during hike, and at the end pub 📍 Meeting Point Location: Waterloo station. Meet under the main central clock - MAP & PHOTO of the clock Time: Meet 7:45am, leave 8am for the 8:15am train (we also have a bus connection on the journey too) Return: 7:34pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) 🌟 Highlights Explore the beautiful Surrey countryside within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Hike along part of the North Downs Way, one of the UK’s great National Trails Enjoy idyllic walking beside the River Wey Pass Guildford, Surrey’s most significant ancient town with Bronze Age roots Marvel at the ruins of St Catherine’s Church, painted by Turner and steeped in legend Discover the heathlands and woodlands of Puttenham Common, rich with bell heather and Scots pine Visit Crooksbury Hill for breathtaking views across Surrey, Hampshire, and towards the South Downs 🥾 Hike Description When you think of Surrey, you may picture cosy villages, green pastures and quiet country houses. The first part of this hike offers exactly that – but as we journey further, we uncover the wilder side of Surrey, with vast woodlands, sandy heathlands and sweeping ridge-top views. Surrey is, after all, the most heavily wooded county in England. We begin in Guildford, a historic market town with Bronze Age roots. Following the tranquil River Wey, we soon reach the atmospheric ruins of St Catherine’s Church, built in the 14th century and believed by legend to have been raised by giants. William Turner captured it in his paintings, which now hang in the Tate Gallery. From here, we join the North Downs Way, passing ancient farms and the grand Tudor manor of Loseley House, recorded in the Domesday Book. Our trail continues onto Puttenham Common, where open heathland glows with bell heather and groves of oak and Scots pine rise from the sandy soil. Passing through the village of Puttenham, once home to Roger Taylor of Queen, we head deeper into the Surrey Hills with their mix of woodland and sweeping uplands. The final highlight is Crooksbury Hill, a wooded summit with breathtaking views stretching across Surrey and Hampshire, as far as the South Downs. From here we descend into the ancient market town of Farnham, dating back to the Stone Age, timings on the hike today are tight on this long hike, so there may not be time for the usual pub drink at the end. 🧭 Guide: Leader: GRAHAM Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487 🍽️ Food: Bring a packed lunch Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional) 🎒What to Bring Hiking boots/shoes Water (2 litres minimum) Packed lunch Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) Hat and gloves if cold Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point ⚠️ Safety Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider ❓ Want to Know More? New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) FAQs (covers common queries) 📲 Stay Connected Instagram 📸 Day hikes list 👣 Calendar - All trips 📖 Facebook page & Photos group 📄 Terms and Conditions By signing up or attending you agree to our Terms and Conditions © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE