Exploring Surrey's Commons and (optional) RHS Garden Wisley

This is a relatively easy and flat 7-mile circular walk which takes us through Wisley & Ockham Commons, east of Woking in Surrey. The area, including Chatley Heath nature reserve, is managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust and encompasses over 800 acres of woods, open water, bog, and heathland. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is part of a European Special Protection Area.

During the walk we shall see the Chatley Heath Semaphore Tower built in 1822, and the only restored surviving tower in a line of signalling stations that once stretched from Whitehall in London to the Royal Dockyard in Portsmouth. It is now self-catering holiday accommodation managed by the Landmark Trust.

We shall also see the eerie Grade II listed Samuelson Mausoleum built for Sir Bernhard Samuelson (1820 – 1905). It is situated hidden and overgrown in the woods and takes the form of a temple with a ribbed dome. The architrave includes inscriptions in Latin, Greek, and English. We shall also cross the old Wisley Airfield which is a former wartime airfield requisitioned from farmland. The site has a wealth of history with the runway in use between 1942 and 1973. The land was supposed to be restored to agriculture; however it has remained abandoned, and the runway is now full of cracks and moss.

After the walk there is the option to visit and have lunch at the stunning RHS Garden at Wisley which is one of Surrey’s most popular outdoor attractions welcoming around one million visitors each year. Covering 240 acres, it is home to some of the largest plant collections anywhere in the world, and includes the famous tropical glasshouse, containing a large array of exotic plants, and RHS Hilltop which is an impressive exhibition space.

Entry to the garden is free for RHS Members and 1 guest. Otherwise, it costs £14.95 excluding Gift Aid. Visitors who arrive by public transport and can show their train or bus ticket can gain entry to the garden for £11 excluding Gift Aid. Please note the garden shuts at 3.30pm in the winter.

There is no charge to visit the garden centre where you can find plants, gifts, and homeware. You can also visit Wisley Café for free which is located at the entrance and sells tea, coffee, and snacks. There is a restaurant and additional cafés inside the garden.

COVID-19 – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:

• Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
• You must also immediately self-isolate and not attend the event if you or someone in your household or support bubble shows coronavirus symptoms or tests positive. Read the NHS self-isolation guidance.
• OutdoorLads strongly encourages all attendees to take a rapid lateral flow test immediately prior to attending an event. This will help to keep everyone safe. Order free Rapid Lateral Flow Tests.

All images were taken by the leader.