This event is fully booked. If you wish to have your name on our waiting list, please let us know via email or contact form.
5th May 2024, 10:30 - 12:15
Holmwood Common is a hidden gem just south of Dorking. Dappled woodland and sunny clearings greet you – beautiful countryside for walking, horse riding and cycling. The common is fairly flat and ideal for all to explore.
We will start our exploration from Fourwents Pond which was dug out from much smaller ponds in 1876 to provide water for animals on army exercises all over the common.
The walk itself wanders through a mainly wooded area on a path which has been created to make it easier to enjoy the common. We will see the workers’ cottages that have largely been present since the 18th Century. Many of them have been enlarged and are now beautiful houses. There were also a number of inns and lodging houses which remain but not in their original form. The ford has been a watering place for animals for hundreds of years.
On a small detour from the main route, we will be able to see across to the Dutch House designed by Lutyens and where Emmeline Pethick Lawrence, the suffragette, lived with her husband Frederick. Also to Sun Dial House which was used to give suffragettes a place to stay and recover after they had been in jail. We will have another short detour to North Holmwood where you can still see the route of the original road.
The Common is an extensive area allowing us to enjoy the quiet, natural features as well as discovering some of the history of the people and villages of the locality over several hundred years.
Unfortunately there are no amenities in the way of refreshments or toilets on the common. There are plenty of options in nearby Dorking or it is a 5 minute drive to the village of Newdigate.
Obedient dogs are welcome.
This walk is a relatively easy walk of approx. 3 ½ to 4 miles (6 Km) with some gentle slopes but no stiles. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Please wear suitable clothing for the prevailing weather conditions and strong footwear. Everywhere is extremely wet at the moment and although the path is predominantly prepared, there are parts where it is soggy.
The cost is free but you must book your ticket by pressing the brown button below.
Deadline for booking is 3 May 2024
Any enquiries please contact us at info@surreyhillssociety.org.
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