Exploring Winkworth Arboretum’s exotic trees and shrubs
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This is a circular walk from Godalming train station (easily reached from London Waterloo by train in about 40 minutes) to visit the colour-filled collection of trees and shrubs at the National Trust’s Winkworth Arboretum.
Winkworth is spread over 95 acres and has more than 1,000 different species of trees and shrubs (many rare specimens) with some lovely trails making for a good walk at any time of the year. There are two lakes with a picturesque boathouse, open areas, and a wetland area. It is the vision of Dr Wilfred Fox, an amateur gardener and botanist, who acquired the land in the 1930s, and bequeathed it to the National Trust in 1952. Entrance to the arboretum is free to members of the National Trust, otherwise the standard adult admission is £11.00 or £12.10 with Gift Aid.
The walk is mostly along bridleways and lanes returning along the River Wey towpath. At the end of the walk there will be an opportunity to wander the quaint streets of Godalming (an ancient market and coaching town), visit the picturesque Saint Peter and St Paul Church, see the Phillips Memorial Park and have a drink at The Star – an award-winning pub that dates to the 1700s.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
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Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, is asked not to attend.
All photos were taken by the walk leader.
What to bring
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Bring a picnic lunch.
There is a small tea-room at Winkworth Arboretum which serves hot and cold drinks and light snacks.