Welcome to Capital Walkers, the friendly London Ramblers group for people aged 40+. We walk every weekend and usually at least once during the week.
The Milford to Haslemere walk offers a glimpse into Surrey's hidden treasures. We will ramble through its remote heathland, woodlands, and the mystical Devil's Punchbowl.
The walk starts at Milford railway station, and soon after, we arrive at Bagmoor Common Nature Reserve’s heathland. We will walk through National Trust land, sandy bridleways through ancient woodlands, and the colourful heather, gorse, and bilberry of the heathland.
We will have lunch in the village of Thursley, just next to its pub. Please bring a packed lunch as we will only stop for a short while.
While the path in the morning is almost flat, the wonderful woodland gets quite hilly in the afternoon, with a few ascents and descents. The most demanding one is through Hindhead Common to the Devil’s Punch Bowl. At its top, a brief stop is a must, and we will take the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea or an ice cream at its café (and use its facilities).
From the café, we will follow the Greensand Way with fine views out towards the South Downs, finally arriving at Haslemere train station. Conveniently, there is a pub/restaurant in front of the station where we can quench our thirst (with a train status screen inside!).
Ever wondered how the Devil’s Punch Bowl got its name? According to legend, the Devil would jump from hill to hill at the three ‘Devil’s Jumps’ near the village of Churt. This tormented Thor, God of Thunder, who lived at nearby Thor’s Lie (Thursley). When Thor tried to strike the Devil with thunder and lightning, the Devil retaliated by scooping up a handful of earth and hurling it at Thor. The depression that remained is the Devil's Punch Bowl.
No booking required.
The finishing time is an estimate only and will be dependent on a number of factors such as, weather, the speed at which the group walks and the number of breaks taken.
Travel:
Take the train from London Waterloo, departing at 9:45 and get off at Milford at 10:38. There are three return trains an hour from Haslemere at .00 and .32 and .36 past the hour.
Buy a return train ticket to Haselmere.
Milford Railway Station
Haslemere Railway Station
