Guildford Ramblings: Newlands Corner – Secret Woods

Published on: 8 Feb, 2015
Updated on: 8 Feb, 2015

Words and pictures by Kay Hiatt

The popular beauty spot Newlands Corner is not far from Guildford’s bustling town centre, yet it commands some of the best views over the Surrey Hills and is a great place to start a walk.

The view from Newlands Corner is possibly one of the best in southern England overlooking the delightful Tillingbourne Valley and St Martha’s Church on its sandy ridge.

It is enjoyed by walkers of all ages, artists, photographers, dog owners, families who might like to enjoy a walk and a picnic, people who just want to enjoy the view and motorcycle owners, whose Biker Guide describes this as “good for snacks and plenty of parking”, and I can make a personal recommendation for the chips and bacon rolls bought from the cafe, delicious when eaten in the fresh air!

So a group of 36 brave-hearted Guildford Ramblers arrived by 10.30am on a very wet and cold, late January Wednesday morning at the far end of the large car park.

The walk took in some secret woods!

The walk leader, Lynne, told us we were off to explore the secret woods around Newlands Corner, taking in part of the North Downs Way, some lesser known paths in the woods over Clandon Downs, round Merrow golf links and through yew tree groves.

A cheering piece of text.

Very soon we came upon a cheering text to boost our spirits!

Unusual beech tree.

And then continued through the woods only to see a most unusual sight – a pair of large beech trees that had somehow joined together by a lower branch reaching out and eventually growing into the other – a co-habiting twosome, joined at the hip?

Timber piled up up beside a muddy path.

We continued along some very muddy paths, skirting a long winding path bordered by large piles of timber, possibly felled by the Forestry Commission. But as you can see, members of Guildford Ramblers were well equipped to deal with all hazards.

We were soon greeted by a rather misty but splendid view overlooking the North Downs, and then took a break for coffee and snacks – and the sun briefly come out too

Clematis Travellers Joy.

I took the opportunity to search for plants of interest and did manage to find some Old Man’s Beard, or Traveller’s Joy, grey to match the mist!

Fungi Peziza Vesiculosa.

And later on spotted some strange fungi with holes in the centre – a search on the web gave me this name: Peziza Vesiculosa – fungi that can withstand frost and are poisonous – they certainly didn’t look good to eat.

Making tracks through the woods.

We continued our walk, crossing the busy A25, watched over by our very efficient walk leader, Lynne. Then walked alongside a large beech plantation, quiet and misty, a peaceful experience in our busy lives. Then past the golf course and a group of large foreboding yews.