But the Estate’s decision, which it says has “not been taken lightly… to support land management requirements, safety, privacy, and the long-term stewardship of the estate”, has deeply saddened the chair of St Catherine’s Village Association (SCVA).

See also: ‘Not Much to Report’ Following Initial Meeting with Loseley Estate on Blocked Permissive Path

Lorimer Burn has personally used the path, normally twice a day, for exercise and to walk his dogs. He has reported strong local feelings about the closure. Numerous residents have regularly used the path to enjoy the rural atmosphere and spectacular views. Burn said: “I fear that this will not be the end of the matter.”

Residents in Onslow Village have also voiced their disappointment, and even anger, over the closure.

The Loseley statement in full reads:

Statement Regarding Closure of Permissive Footpath

The Loseley Estate confirms that the permissive footpath on land at The Mount/Hoggs [sic] Back has now been closed.

The route was always provided on a permissive basis, meaning public access was granted at the landowner’s discretion rather than as a permanent public right of way. Following careful consideration, the closure has been implemented to support land management requirements, safety, privacy, and the long-term stewardship of the estate.

In particular, the tenant farmer needs to farm the land fully up to the field boundaries. This is essential to maintain the viability of the holding and to ensure the land can be managed efficiently and safely.

Map that accompanied Loseley Estate’s press release with labels added. Red dotted lines show public rights of way. Click on image to enlarge.

We recognise that the path has been valued by many local residents, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and we appreciate the strength of feeling expressed by the community. This decision has not been taken lightly. Our priority is to ensure the land can be managed responsibly while balancing environmental, operational, and privacy considerations.

Walkers are encouraged to continue enjoying the extensive network of existing public footpaths and bridleways in the surrounding area, many of which offer views across countryside within the local Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) [now renamed National Landscape].

We remain committed to being a considerate neighbour and to constructive engagement with local stakeholders. In response to feedback, with local residents wishing to enjoy the views, the Estate will be creating three new viewing points from a slightly elevated position adjacent to the existing public right of way (see attached plan) that has a much more suitable surface.

Seating will be installed at the central viewpoint to allow visitors to rest and enjoy the surrounding landscape. We will continue to work with the local community to support access to the beautiful Surrey Hills.

These works are expected to be completed within the next one to two months, subject to ground conditions.

Cllr Angela Goodwin

Cllr Angela Goodwin who, together with the chairmen of the SCVA and the Onslow Village Residents’ Association, met the Loseley Estate Manager on Monday (February 16), seemed taken aback by the Loseley statement, telling The Dragon: “I’m personally a little surprised to read this press release as we asked for other options to be considered.”

Having seen the statement Lorimer Burn said: “To say I’m disappointed, doesn’t begin to reflect my feelings about this.

Lorimer Burn

“There is an element of generosity from the Estate in their preparedness to construct viewpoints, but this does not address the need to actively be “in” the environment, rather than sitting on a bench and looking at it.

“This is at least 30 years (my experience) of local custom and activity which has now been shut down. I fear that this will not be the end of the matter. I would like to say much more, but do not wish to stoke feelings any more than necessary.”