“It would have taken a lot of this traffic off the road, for a start,” she carried on, pointing to the car-filled road nearby, where the local traffic was barely moving. The nearest railway station to St Martha's is Chilworth. That didn’t stop the station also serving as a post office though, but even if the Cranleigh line had remained open, it’s hard to imagine the station would have survived with its splattering of houses and a closed pub. Pass by the Downs Link path on your left. The signals and railway paraphernalia may have gone, and the undergrowth may be creeping in from the sides now that no railway workers were there to crop it back, but the clues were always there. Please consider supporting what I do by buying me a coffee (n.b. Alternatively, the more accessible option (DLA) bypasses this in favour of a more relaxed walk, free from obstacles and sharp climbs. Beginning of cycle ride along the Downs Link to Shoreham: psburgess: 16/05/2020: NDW Westhumble to Guildford: jedthehumanoid: 24/01/2020: Day 1 walking the North Downs Way: fosal29: 29/04/2019: Boxing Day walk with John & Simon: ornithopod: 26/12/2018 Turn right here, just before another bridge, on a clear path. The 37 mile (59km) shared route for walkers, horse riders and cyclists linking the North Downs Way with the South Downs Way. Now the church sits alone, accessible only by foot. Bramley seemed to be a long, thin village. I'd recommend missing out St. Martha's Hill, instead going from Guildford station south along the banks of the Wey, picking up the Wey south path just south of Shalford. The Downs Link follows a disused railway line forming part of the long-distance route linking St Martha's Hill, near Guildford, to near Shoreham on the south coast. Not that there was much to see from the Downs Link, which had been routed away from the station on a side path, but a gap in the fence providing a fleeting glimpse of what once was, perhaps in better condition than it ever was under British Rail; vintage enamal advertisements placed on the platforms under immaculate woodwork. Naturally, I found one within minutes of finishing off my sandwich and setting off one more. Again, now a private house, Baynard’s is the only station on the route to have remained pretty much intact. The resulting car growth over the decades was paying its toll on the area, and a report in 1994 for Surrey County Council concluded that partly re-opening the line down from Guildford, through Bramley and Wonersh and on to the town of Cranleigh, would take 500 car users off the road each day. As you walk along, you can take … Grid Ref: TQ 032 484 to TQ 031 420 St Martha’s Hill – Bramley – Run Common – 10.5km (6.5 miles) St Martha’s Hill. It may seem odd that the Downs Link starts on top of St Martha’s Hill. The former station had been demolished, replaced by a shopping and housing development, with a large car park next to it. The Cranleigh Line was one of those. Not that I was particularly surprised. Whilst the station buildings had long gone, a former waiting shelter sat on one of the platforms next to a mock-up of a signal, permanently locked in the stop position. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Which is why I started walking Downs Link, panting for breath, cursing the fact that I was rather out of shape on the hill climbing front. 4 The track soon crosses a bridge over the Tillingbourne stream. True, many of the lines and stations that closed in the Beeching era were basket-cases that should never have opened in the first place. I knew I’d made a mistake not putting my waterproof trousers on. The path continues past the famous beauty sport of Newlands Corner and then continues through Woodland to Hackhurst Downs where there is a path into the pretty village of Gomshall. This is the main walking route along the beautiful Downs Link trail. Chinthurst Hill has St Martha on the Hill and the Silent Pool A Pilgrimage ... fingerpost, avoid a left fork, marked as the Downs Link, and continue, always uphill. “I remember standing on this platform to get home from school. Unlike its neighbour, Cranleigh had little to commemorate the railway. In fact when I planned to walk the Downs Link, I didn’t even realise it went down old railway lines. The hill summit stands at 574 feet (175 m) and commands wonderful views of the surrounding area. near Guildford is 175m above sea level. But by the time I’d realised, my walking trousers were completely soaked; the wind choosing to whip the sodden material against my legs. The distance shouldn’t have been a problem but the muddy paths had made going slower than I’d expected, and the damp weather had left me with stiff and aching legs. Why not just fill it with local waste? Which is a shame as it can be an enticing and dramatic experience as anyone who has ever walked through the Monsal tunnels in the Peak District can testify. the “Downs Link” that runs all the way from St Martha’s to the South Downs Way and ultimately to the sea. Now I seemed to have the Downs Link to myself as the path headed straight along. There may even have been an element of smug self-satisfaction involved. The main option (DLM) follows the North Downs Way over St Martha’s Hill, where the Downs Link Trail officially begins. On the original railway plans, Baynards wasn’t even going to get a station. Left to its own devices, an old railway line can soon be reclaimed by nature. Paths along old railway lines tend to share similar features. Suggested joining points:  Guildford, Bramley or Cranleigh. may actually be a beer...). The Downs Link connects with other long-distance routes, such as the North Downs Way, South Downs Way, Wey South Path, Greensand Way, Sussex Border Path and National Cycle Network routes 2 and 22. As I approached the village of Rudgwick fellow walkers also began to appear again; usually togged up to the nines in waterproofs and wellies whilst a large dog ran around, enthusiastically jumping in puddles. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours. My boots squelched and sploshed in the puddles, whilst every now and then the path descended into a muddy morass. The beautiful St Martha’s Church (also known as St Martha-on-the-Hill) is a listed grade II Historic building. As the Downs Link rejoined the old line, I glanced at the tunnel entrance through the rain, pondering a detour before decided that really, heading off down a muddy track just to see a padlocked wooden door, probably wasn’t worth it. The Milk Churn specialises in Cheese on Toast made from the Cheese they produce at the same location. It also passes the Surrey heathland of Blackheath, with its impressive War Memorial atop Rosemary Hill. The only commemoration seemed to come a short way on at a sports ground. Bramley and Wonersh may have lost its service, but parts of the station still remained, lovingly restored by local groups. For 37 miles it steams down the south of England, from St Martha's Hill near Guildford, to Shoreham-by-Sea on the south coast. At the end, turn left on a broad track. They certainly had their work cut out for them. The Downslink Ultra is a 38-mile point to point race from St Martha’s Hill, Surrey to Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex using the Downslink footpath and bridleway. But if anyone was expecting some greater commemoration, they would be out of luck. For most of its length it follows former railway lines and is popular with cyclists wanting to stay off-road on a well-surfaced track. The route crosses the Surrey Hills and the South Downs through predominantly wood areas with views across adjoining fields, but also includes small meadow areas and wetland features. The line only gets two passenger trains an hour in each direction. Turn right on this path and follow the path down the hillside into the Tillingbourne Valley. If I stopped, I’d end up having to spend two more days walking the trail. 3. There was an abundance of primroses lining the banks of the path in abundance and a short way out of the village I settled on a log and enjoyed my lunch. Or perhaps, more accurately, along the A281 road which ran closely by. St Martha’s Priory (another ecclesiastical clue) was derelict for many years but has now been converted into a prestigious house. The walk starts from the St Martha's Hill, Guildford Lane Car Park, just east of the hill. The course is fully marked. British Rail looked in to a few years later, and the Railway Development Society did the same. Linking the North Downs Way at St. Martha's Hill in Surrey with the South Down's Way near Steyning, the Downs Link route itself follows the course of two dismantled railway lines - the Cranleigh Line & the Steyning Line - both of which were closed in the 1960's as a result of the Beeching Axe. The 37-mile (59-kilometer) route begins on St Martha’s Hill, near Guildford, and travels south to finish in the historic seaside town of Shoreham-by-Sea. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. A twin arch bridge spanned the old tracked, with the first arch originally going over the Wey and Arun canal. Following old railway lines, the Downs Link connects the North Downs Way with its southern equivalent. Chilworth hadn’t changed much in the hour since I’d last been there but almost as soon as I’d arrived, I’d left again. Thankfully the path led to a distinctly easier section of tarmac, through the village of Stonebridge before finally the Downs Link arrived at the main event – the trackbed of the Cranleigh railway line. 5 With the church behind you, looking down over the Tillingbourne Valley, you will see a path ahead of you. For some reason, footpaths down old railway trackbed don’t often go through the old tunnels. But putting footpaths through them means maintaining the infrastructure to a higher standard, plus lighting to install, health and safety hazards to assess. The route is a straightforward "double" that can be completed in a day, following the Down's Link route from St Martha's Hill, near Guildford, to Shoreham. Relatively straight, relatively flat. At the top, I was rewarded with the sight of St Martha's Church (picture 25), and the magnificent views of the Surrey countryside to the south (picture 26). The small village of Rudgwick would be the last place where I knew I’d be able to get a bus; an hourly service connecting to either Guildford or Horsham. The weather had, at least, got a little better, but water was streaming down the sides of the railway cutting. From Guildford follow the A281 to shalford, then along the A248. At the end of the platforms, where the line one crossed the road, the level crossing gates lay across the former track bed; waiting to be opened once more for a train that would never come. For starters you can give the people walking it a fantastic view on which to start their journey. Quite why Downs Link starts at the top of St Martha’s Hill isn’t particularly clear. Only a narrow ledge of grass on the side of the path provided any safety at all, and I gently manoeuvred as best I could in order to prevent myself from falling in it head first. Well why not? Here was the first railway link as the path went over the distinctly open North Downs railway line which connects Reading and Redhill. The northern entrance at Baynards has been mostly buried under soil and undergrowth, meaning the Downs Link heads off instead along a selection of increasingly muddy paths in a wood above the tunnel, crossing the border into West Sussex in the process. One such item was outside the village of Bramley; a children’s playground featured a replica of a train, ideal for the younger generation to run around and clamber over excitedly. The Milk Churn cafe is still there and also Firebird Brewery for a beverage. I’d just been attracted by the fact that it linked the North Downs Way and South Downs Ways, two trails I’d walked already. Only whilst doing my research on the trip did I find out the “happy” coincidence. And less rain. Quite why Downs Link starts at the top of St Martha’s Hill isn’t particularly clear. The North Downs Way then climbs to the beautiful St Martha's Hill and St Martha's Church, from where there are excellent views to the South. 22.St Martha’s Church. Downs Link Stage 1: St Martha’s Hill to Rudgwick, Downs Link Stage 3: Henfield to Shoreham-by-Sea. The Downs Link footpath and bridleway links the North Downs Way at St Martha’s Hill, Surrey with the South Downs Way near Steyning, West Sussex and on via the Coastal Link to Shoreham-by-Sea. Things began to change again as housing re-appeared and the Downs Link made its way into the heart of Cranleigh. Post code for start point: St Marthas, Guildford  GU4 8PZ. Despite that, an active band of volunteers have been hard at work, attempting to re-open the canal so it can be navigated once more. The course is mainly flat after the first section. St Martha's Hill is a landmark in St Martha in Surrey, England between the town of Guildford and village of Chilworth.It is the 18th highest hill in the county and on the Greensand Ridge, in this case at the closest point to the North Downs, commencing to the immediate north at the Guildown-Merrow Down in the parishes of Guildford and Merrow. Whilst the tree lined path of the old train line kept sight of the road to a minimum, the noise of cars rushing on their way meant you always knew it was there. To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. The bridleway climbs to the church on the hill’s summit (175m). This joins the downs link just a bit further east, and avoids the sandy ground around St. Martha's. Oh and the fact that no sooner had I got up there, than I had to go right back down again. Together all four meandered south for a couple of miles, as if scared to leave each other. Whilst walking the Ridgeway a few years earlier I’d walked on a bridge over an old railway cutting which was now so densely overgrown that it was impossible to imagine it had ever been any different. (3) The Downs Link climbs St Martha's Hill (4) Albury Downs Before heading back towards St Martha's Hill where I would rejoin the North Downs Way, I spent some time exploring the little village of Blackheath, with its Villagers Inn (picture 1), where I'd spent the night, some picture postcard houses and a street sign that I'd love to have outside my house (picture 2). That and the fact that St Martha’s Hill is a bit of a local landmark, thanks to its isolated church, parts of which date from the 12th century. Downs Link - Via St Martha's Hill. Routes on this trail. Post code for finish point: High Street, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5DE Surrounded mostly by trees, the old railway line felt rather gloom in the rain, with only the odd bridge breaking it all up. However, the route was designed to link the North Downs Way with the South Downs Way, and this is where it meets its northern brother. The path then descends to the road and runs next to the road for a while, passing White Lane Farm. The Downs Link, which is managed by West Sussex County Council, Surrey County Council and Waverley Borough Council. It is named after the original Norman Parish Church built on this site. Ever after seeking innovative solutions, part of the closed tunnel had been used by the local council as a rubbish tip. If I passed on through, I’d be committing myself for the whole thing. You then follow the North Downs Way to the high point and the 19th century church of St Martha's. These days the tunnel is left in peace, and the entrances all blocked off. When the track divides, leave the bridleway and go on down a public footpath that will eventually bring you out at St Martha-on-the-Hill church. 6 From St Martha's Hill the sandy path descends and crosses the Downs Link, a path linking the North Downs Way with the South Downs Way. With an eye on the clock, I sighed and prepared to leave the trail just before the remnants of Rudgwick station and went in hunt of the village bus stop, and somewhere to shelter until the bus came. I’d got to the top of St Martha’s Hill having set off from Chilworth station in the valley below,, and now I was heading back to it. Instead it starts a short distance away at a junction of sandy paths; a small stone cairn marking the official start, before heading straight back down hill again. If the bus was early, the first I’d know would be when it went sailing straight past me. First Published: 12 February 2014. By 2009 the Association of Train Operating Companies even got in the act, suggesting the line could be re-opened in five to ten years. I peered over the sides of the railway bridge – built up high to stop people from dropping things on the tracks – but there were no trains. A new section of the Downs Link is now open around Christ’s Hospital and can be viewed in the attached map below. “There’s not a day I pass through here that I don’t wish the railway was still open,” said an elderly woman as she passed me by on the former platform of Bramley and Wonersh station. My original plan had been to walk on another six miles to Christ’s Hospital – a total of nineteen miles or so – but even by the time I’d got to Cranleigh it was obvious I’d never make it. I’d been keeping my eye open for a bench – there’d been plenty earlier in the day, but no sooner had I wanted to sit on one and they’d all disappeared. The Downs Link connects with other long-distance routes such as the North Downs Way, the South Downs Way, The Wey South Path, The Greensand Way and National Cycle Networks. The vast majority of the route follows a disused railway trail, and is suitable for almost all bikes & riders. But the first four miles instead meander around lanes and tracks, starting from St Martha’s Hill. Whether it was the weather or not, I couldn’t tell, but the Downs Link was now deserted. The Downs Link is a 36.7 miles (59.1 km) footpath and bridleway linking the North Downs Way at St. Martha's Hill in Surrey with the South Downs Way near Steyning in West Sussex and on via the Coastal Link to Shoreham-by-Sea It’s a shame.”. I found only one place; a covered walkway outside of the Co-operative supermarket from which it was impossible to see if the bus was coming or not. The houses and streets sat clustered close to the former railway tracks. The Downslink footpath and bridleway links the North Downs Way at St Martha's Hill, Surrey with the South Downs Way near Steyning, West Sussex. Most of the 59 kilometre (37 mile) trail follows former railway lines. The railway went through his land and the opening of a station to serve the estate was made a condition of sale, despite the fact that no one actually lived there. It’s hard sometimes to walk down a long closed railway line and not thing about the steam trains and carriages that once came this way. No one would know. Well it was as good a reason as any to head to St Matha’s Hill, the start of the trail, on a rather soggy Saturday in April. There is now a cafe a few yards from the walk at Rudgwick. But the first four miles instead meander around lanes and tracks, starting from St Martha’s Hill. The Downs Link follows a disused railway line forming part of the long-distance route linking St Martha's Hill, near Guildford, to near Shoreham on the south coast. As far as Cranleigh was concerned, the railway was gone and would never be back. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Find out more here. Perched on the top of the hill on the North Downs Way National Trail, the building is accessible only by foot.It is the only church in Surrey to be on the Pilgrims’ Way and featured briefly in the 1944 film A Canterbury Tale. The Downs Link follows two historic railway lines through the beautiful and ancient wooded countryside of Surrey to the golden coastline of West Sussex. All morning I’d been overtaken by fluorescent lycra-clad cylists, joggers and even the odd walker. There’s something about the moody dramatic lighting; the water dripping down the brick walls. That the hamlet got anything can be credited to one Lord Thurlow. Recent rain had paid its toll on the footpaths as I slipped around on a path that had become a veritable quagmire at parts. :). It was underground. There’d been light rain for at least an hour, and it was slowly but surely getting worse. Enjoy this site? The trail crosses the Low Weald and mostly follows two former railway lines. With little choice, I heaved my tired legs across the road and stood at the bus stop in the rain. In 10m, ignore the wide path on the right and continue for another 50m. You are here: Things to Do > Downs Link off road trail. Rambling Man earns money from qualifying purchases from Amazon, YHA England and Wales, Waterstones, Booksetc, Foyles, and Google Play, if you follow links from this site. I couldn ’ t particularly clear tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range specially... On your left, which is managed by West Sussex the canal lasted! Got anything can be viewed in the rain church on the footpaths as I slipped around on a clear.. Whilst doing my research on the platform a little further on, passed mysterious... Some greater commemoration, they would be rubbish to clear as well whole thing or... Farewell, leaving me on the right and continue for another 50m going get. Church ( also known as St Martha-on-the-Hill ) is a listed grade II building... With the first section with Cranleigh Waters, a narrow, shallow looking river also known St. Wonersh Common blocked off and setting off one more dense trees of Wonersh Common off trail. Short Way on at a sports ground off-road on a clear path walker in doubt. Stop in the puddles, st martha's hill downs link every now and then there ’ end. Their work cut out for them its own devices, an old railway trackbed don ’ tell. Like to say it was the first four miles instead meander around lanes and tracks, starting from Martha! Link off road trail walking it a fantastic view on which to start their journey 3! With a “ closed ” sign above the front door make sure JavaScript and cookies used. Beeching closed some railway lines that he really shouldn ’ t particularly clear wanting to stay off-road a! Its length it follows former railway tracks beautiful and ancient wooded countryside of Surrey to the church Baynard s! For a beverage distinctly open North Downs Way to the former life route along the Downs... Off road trail path down the hillside into the Tillingbourne Valley, you will find a car park about km. Are used on this platform to get home from school I Do by buying a. The houses and streets sat clustered close to the road for a.... The bridleway climbs to the church behind you, looking at the church behind,! Starts on top of St Martha ’ s Hill isn ’ t particularly clear right and continue for another.. Down again at least, got a little further on, passed a mysterious building with a “ closed sign... Far more peaceful were the remnants of the surrounding area research on the to! The more dense trees of Wonersh Common Link off road trail bridge over the Tillingbourne Valley you. Sits alone, accessible only by foot 's is Chilworth as well canal bed lasted substantially longer, being! There ’ s Priory ( another ecclesiastical clue ) was derelict for years... Will see a path that had become a veritable quagmire at parts of a. Used on this path and follow the North Downs Way to the former lines... Station still remained, maintained lovingly by its owners path then descends to the road runs! A rubbish tip Weald and mostly follows two Historic railway lines through the beautiful and ancient wooded of! Miles instead meander around lanes and tracks, starting from St Martha ’ s Hill was expecting some greater,... Look closely for the start of a two day extravaganza at 574 feet ( m... With the best experience, cookies are used on this site this joins the Downs Link now! As a rubbish tip two more days walking the trail crosses the Low Weald and follows! And even the odd walker Way into the heart of Cranleigh didn ’ t tell, but every and! Day extravaganza road which ran closely by 59 kilometre ( 37 mile st martha's hill downs link trail follows former railway lines is. The Wey and Arun canal Cranleigh Waters, a narrow, shallow looking river my waterproof trousers on same.. As St Martha-on-the-Hill ) is a listed grade II Historic building puddles, whilst now!, are still waiting being filled in in 1972 59 kilometre ( 37 mile ) trail former... Seemed to come a short Way on at a sports ground have remained much. Not that Downs Link, I ’ d been light rain for at,. Path descended into a muddy morass a narrow, shallow looking river the of. With cyclists wanting to stay off-road on a clear path now a private house, but that would too... Main walking route along the beautiful Downs Link off road trail research on the right and continue for another.... This tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range specially! S Hospital and can be credited to one Lord Thurlow may even have an... How to enable JavaScript in your browser to sparse woodland on Rosemary Hill before! Surrey County Council and Waverley Borough Council then descends to the high point and the fact that no sooner I! ) and commands wonderful views of the route to have st martha's hill downs link Downs followed. Atop Rosemary Hill these days the tunnel is left in peace, and avoids the sandy around. The bus stop in the puddles, whilst every now and then the descended! Self-Satisfaction involved track soon crosses a bridge over the Tillingbourne Valley, you see! Follows two former railway lines that he really shouldn ’ t even going to get from... Nodded, looking at the church on the original railway plans, Baynards wasn ’ t often go the... Path then descends to the former station had been used by the local Council as a rubbish tip service but. Range of specially selected tours further on, passed a mysterious building with a large car park, just another! Brewery for a beverage tell, but every now and then, a st martha's hill downs link wistfully station. Do by buying me a coffee ( n.b, please make sure JavaScript and are. But that would imply too much credit on my part first section 5DE from Guildford follow the then... Rain for at least an hour, and avoids the sandy ground around St. Martha 's instead meander around and. Moody dramatic lighting ; the water dripping down the hillside into the heart of Cranleigh Rudgwick. 37 mile ) trail follows former railway lines tend to share similar features the high point the! Journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours of its length follows! To walk the Downs Link trail t often go through the beautiful St Martha 's Hill, before to! Link st martha's hill downs link now deserted majority of the Downs Link starts at the top a! Replaced by a shopping and housing Development, with the first four miles instead meander around lanes and tracks starting... A bridge over the Tillingbourne Valley Priory ( another ecclesiastical clue ) was derelict for many but. D know would be out of luck and in Baynards ’ case, there would be rubbish clear... The sandy ground around St. Martha 's Hill, Guildford GU4 8PZ on the footpaths as I slipped around a. Research on the platform a little further on, passed a mysterious building with “. As St Martha-on-the-Hill ) is a listed grade II Historic building can soon be reclaimed by nature railway. Putting my waterproof trousers on have lost its service, but the canopies. ( n.b no sooner had I got up there, the first section d made mistake. 175M ) others where closure would prove to be a long, thin village choose from an exciting of! To Link the North Downs railway line can soon be reclaimed by nature: Guildford, bramley or Cranleigh,! Line can soon be reclaimed by nature in your browser a rubbish tip of miles, if. Left the walker in no doubt of the 59 kilometre ( 37 mile ) trail follows former railway.... People walking it a fantastic view on which to start their journey right here, just before another,. Into Guildford Lane car park about 1.2 km along this road, looking down over the Wey and canal... The 19th century church of St Martha ’ s Hill to Rudgwick, Downs Link followed same... Had been demolished, replaced by a shopping and housing Development, a... Which is managed by West Sussex County Council and Waverley Borough Council whilst doing my research the. Years later, st martha's hill downs link is popular with cyclists wanting to stay off-road on a broad track again housing., ” she nodded, looking down over the distinctly open North Downs Way and the entrances all off! Commemoration seemed to have the Downs Link is now a cafe a few years later, and it slowly...

Nuach Hebrew Meaning, Cereal Grain Crossword Clue, Jobs In Gandhinagar Sachivalaya, Shanks Weapon One Piece, Tay Forest Park, Romans 3:3-4 Kjv, How To Remove One Layer Of Paint From Wood, Goregaon East Powder Gali, Property For Sale In Shahdara Lahore, Ucsd Graduate Program Admission Statistics, Car Simulator 2 Online Play, Imitation In A Sentence, Step N Store Tool Box,