Loseley Estate Proposes New Path to ‘Enhance Public Access and Protect Farmland’

Published on: 27 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 29 Mar, 2026

The view from Hog’s Back path, currently blocked, denial of which has stirred a passionate public reaction. OVRA

By Martin Giles

Following strong public reaction to the closing of a fieldside path by the Guildford end of the Hog’s Back, Loseley Estate is proposing the creation of a new path that will still give public access to views southwards over the Surrey Hills.

Loseley Park’s estate manager, Jim Heroy, said the estate had received further correspondence from members of the public. “Many expressed that they miss the views previously accessible from the path and highlighted the importance of the route for their ‘mental health and wellbeing’.

“Concerns were also raised that the originally proposed viewing areas could become fixed ‘destinations’ rather than part of a natural walking experience, and that such areas may attract antisocial or potentially illegal activity.”

See also: Campaigners Cautiously Welcome New Path Proposal

The decision to propose a new path follows a meeting on Friday (March 20), between the owner of the Loseley Estate and manager Jim Heroy. All available options are understood to have been reviewed, including proposals to fence the former path.

Loseley estate manager Jim Heroy in his mid February meeting with Cllr Angela Goodwin and (not pictured) chairs of the St Catherine’s and Onslow Residents’ Associations.

In a statement, the manager said: “After careful consideration, the estate believes it has identified a solution that balances public access with the needs of the land and tenant farmer.

“Loseley Park is committed to ensuring that the magnificent southerly views remain accessible to local residents and visitors, while also protecting agricultural land and livelihoods.”

The proposed solution is the creation of a path running from the existing bridleway to the edge of the tenant farmer’s field.

The estate believes this approach will:

• prevent damage to crops
• avoid reducing the farmer’s working land
• remove the need for intrusive fencing
• allow walkers to continue enjoying the landscape along the field boundary.

The plan of the proposed new path. Loseley Estate (click on image to enlarge)

And Loseley Estate also plans to enhance the area by opening up the views and improving the surrounding environment for both current and future generations.

The area marked red on the plan donates the wide path.

Adjacent to the recently installed dead hedge, a traditional living hedge will be planted and carefully managed at a height that preserves the views. This will support local wildlife while showcasing traditional countryside craftsmanship.

New beech avenue to honour late Queen

In addition, an avenue of 70 beech trees will be planted, running east to west. In honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the new route could be called Elizabeth Avenue, with one tree representing each year of her reign.

The new path will be closed annually on April 21 to mark her birthday. Annual closure of the path will emphasise its permissive status.

Comments on this news are being sought and will be added to this article. Please check back.

Share This Post