With colder weather on its way, the benefits of enjoying a walk in the winter can’t be overstated. The views of frosty fields, bright skies, fresh crisp air and endorphins flowing make this one of our favourite times of year to get out and about.
We’ve put together some of our favourite walks - all set within the amazing countryside of the South Western Railway region, and easily accessible from one of our stations. They range from lost in the wilderness to the heart of the town – but they all start or finish somewhere inviting and warm, with a bite to eat and a hot drink to revive you.
Difficulty guide
1 muddy boot - flat for the most part, with refreshments and comforts available all along the route
2 muddy boots - the odd stile to climb or the occasional hill
3 muddy boots - many stiles, muddy paths and decent hills
From Putney station walk down the high street and turn right to get to the Thames. Once you get there, head left. There’s a path on either side of the river most of the way, so when you come across a bridge you can cross, if you wish, and enjoy the well-loved landmarks as you wander along what is essentially the course of The Boat Race. You’ll spot:
Fulham’s home ground, Craven Cottage;
the unexpected rurality of the London Wetland Centre;
the suspended wonder of Hammersmith Bridge;
Chiswick Eyot and the Leg O’ Mutton (the first an island, the second a disused reservoir also known as the Lonsdale Road Reservoir);
Duke’s Meadow;
the railway bridges at Barnes, Chiswick and Kew; and
Oliver’s Island (named after a legend that Oliver Cromwell once hid out there).
Eventually you’ll get to Kew Bridge with a station on the north side, but there’s also Kew Gardens just here, a perfect place to continue your walk with a treetop stroll and the banana plant in the Palm House. Find out more about the Thames Path.
Guildford station circular
Pewley Down
Our nearest station:Guildford Muddy boots: 3 Distance: 4.5 miles
This scenic walk starts and finishes at Guildford station – just short walk itself from the busy town centre, making it ideal for a post-lunch stroll. Leave the station and head towards Guildford Castle on the east of town. From here, taking a look around the castle if you like, head back to Castle Street and on to Pewley Hill. This steep walk through Guildford’s sleepy suburbs leads you straight to Pewley Down.
At the down, head through and take in the amazing views of the valley and the woods. Go east along the track and then, as you join the path in Chantry Wood, turn west and head back through the woods. Eventually, you’ll come to Shepherds Way which will lead to Shalford Park and a path back to Guildford via the river. This is a beautiful route that shows you everything that Guildford and its surrounding countryside has to offer. And with four fast trains from Waterloo every hour, it won’t be the last time you come here for a wander.
The Royal Walkabout
The Copper Horse - a statue of King George III
Windsor & Eton Riverside to ‘The Copper Horse’: The Long Walk
Taking in the majestic Windsor Castle and the Great Windsor Park, this is one of those walks that could easily be expanded into a whole day out if you feel like it.
Arriving at the station, head for the Castle which you’ll glimpse between the buildings. Keep an eye out for the ‘Long Walk’ information signs, follow them, and you’ll be on your way before you know it. The Long Walk itself is a tree-lined avenue that stretches for 2-and-a-half miles and makes for the most excellent easy-going stroll (the trees are Horse Chestnut on the inside and London Plane on the outer). At the far end is ‘The Copper Horse’, in actual fact a statue of George III.
Commissioned by his son, George IV – who detested his father - it bears the ironic inscription “the best of fathers” (but only in latin, of course). It’s suitable for all types of walker, especially as bicycles and motor vehicles are banned. Once you get to the horse you can either turn back, or press on to any of the Great Park’s many other attractions. Find out more about the Windsor Great Park walk.
Don’t be fooled by the start of this walk – the views once you get underway can’t be beaten. The easiest way to navigate is to locate Park Street opposite the station and walk down it until you come to a car park on your right. Cross it diagonally and you’ll find yourself coming out by the lake. Cross Westham Road bridge with the marina on your right, turn right and you’ll see cycle path signs ahead of you. You’re heading for Portland and you’re now on the Rodwell Trail. You’re actually following the bed of the old Weymouth to Portland railway, now turned into a green route that links with the National Cycle Network.
From here the walk really opens out. A brisk walk of two-and-a-half miles with stunning coastal views takes you to world-famous Chesil Beach. Beyond that lies Portland and Henry VIII’s castle to discover, and there’s even a stretch to take you up to Easton for those who love a good, long walk before turning back for home. There are info points all along the way with fascinating local history.
This challenging meander gets you some of the most spectacular sea views on the Island, taking you along the top of the cliffs from the Tennyson Monument (and a challenging climb to the top of the Downs to start you off!). When you reach the monument, turn right, heading along any of the coastal clifftop paths - and aiming for the aerial mast in the distance. The walk takes you to the Needles, where you can stop for a bite to eat before heading back toward the monument, or continuing on to beautiful Freshwater Bay and a place to stay. Find out more about the Tennyson Down trail.
From the FA Cup Final and Chelsea Flower Show, to free outdoor activities like scenic bike rides, wildflower wandering and more, here’s what’s on in May in London and the South West.
