Farnham, Waverley Abbey and 'Gladiator Wood'

Join us for a late-summer adventure through Surrey’s enchanting landscapes, where history, legend, and blockbuster cinema collide. We’ll wander riverside meadows, visit the fabled Mother Ludlam’s Cave, explore the haunting ruins of Waverley Abbey, climb to sweeping hilltop views, and wander through the tall pines of Bourne Wood, famous for Gladiator, Harry Potter, and more. We’ll finish back in Farnham for a well-earned drink in a locally renowned pub full of character.

SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)

Distance: 22km/14miles circular route
Ascent: 400 metres
Duration: 6 hours walking
Grade: Moderate, along good paths with one short steep climb.

COST AND LOGISTICS

Cost: £10
Meet: 10am Farnham Station
Hike start: 10.10am Farnham Station
Hike finish: 5.30pm Farnham Station / William Cobbett pub

Recommended morning trains from London
08:54 Dep: London Waterloo
09:55 Arr: Farnham

Recommended train ticket
Off-Peak Day Return to Farnham

HIKE DESCRIPTION

We’ll begin in Farnham, walk along the River Wey and through quiet fields until we reach the entrance of Mother Ludlam’s Cave, where legend tells of a white witch who would lend household items to locals… but curse those who failed to return them.

From here, the trail hugs the river again toward the atmospheric ruins of Waverley Abbey - England’s very first Cistercian monastery with its weather-worn arches.

We’ll then head up Crooksbury Hill, where wide-open views spill across Surrey’s rolling hills. From here, our path dips into pine wood, close to Frensham Little Pond and on to the micro brewery and cheese producers at Pierrepont Home Farm.

We will then wander into majestic Alice Holt Forest, with its towering trees and dappled light that leads us to Bourne Wood, famous as the backdrop for Gladiator’s thunderous opening battle, as well as Harry Potter, Wonder Woman, and War Horse.

The final stretch takes us deeper into the woods before heading back to Farnham for a celebratory drink in a local pub full of character, or a train home, if you prefer.

PRICE INCLUDES

• Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid.

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Travel costs
• Lunch, drinks or any refreshments
• PayPal fees

RECOMMENDED KIT LIST (complete list)

• Packed lunch and snacks
• Suitable hiking shoes or boots
• Water - 2 litres recommended
• Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!)
• Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece
• Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino

REVIEWS
Trip Advisor | Facebook | MeetUp

CANCELLING/REFUNDS
If you can no longer make the hike, please update your RSVP to say 'No', to allow others to buy your place. If the hike is full, we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com after the event, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund.

QUESTIONS
If you have any other questions, please check visit our FAQ page. If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page.

We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted.

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