Distant Cathedral

As you approach the end of the outward, or westerly leg of the walk you will see the spire of Shalford Church on your left and, on the horizon to the right, Guildford’s Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which is situated on the top of Stag Hill. An open competition for its design was won in 1932 by Sir Edward Maufe, but the building of the cathedral was interrupted by the war and its aftermath and it was not consecrated until 1961. Guildford and Liverpool are the only cathedrals in England to be built on new sites since 1250.

When you later turn right, just before the quaint Chantry Cottage, for the homeward leg, you will be going through Chantry Woods, and here you have a choice. You can either take an extremely pleasant woodland walk in an area much frequented by "natural trail" enthusiasts or, by keeping to the more open, southern side of the woods, you will have spectacular views to the south.

After a steady climb uphill on a very wide and sandy path you reach St Martha’s Church. This is on the Pilgrims Way, which once ran from Winchester to Canterbury and dates from Saxon times. The original chapel, in which the pilgrims stopped to worship, was left derelict for many years, following the gunpowder explosion in the 18^th century, but was rebuilt in 1848. By the gate on the eastern side of the church is the grave of the actress Yvonne Arnaud, whose name is given to the famous Guildford theatre.

At this point you are back on the North Downs Way: your route all the way back to Newlands Corner. As you climb Albury Downs look over your right shoulder and you will have views equal to any in the country. In just one panoramic glance you can see most of the well-known Surrey Hills and will realise why I love walking in Surrey every weekend.

Refreshment possibilities are excellent on this walk. There is a hamburger stall in the Newlands Corner car park which offers a limited range of food and drink at modest prices. There is a hotel, The Manor at Newlands, which has a bar open to non-residents, serving real ale and snacks. In addition there are two cafes. About a third of the way through the walk you pass close to the Percy Arms at Chilworth, where the menu is varied. Should you decide to visit Shalford, you will find an inn, The Sea Horse, there.