Farnham, Waverley Abbey and 'Gladiator Wood' - 22km
Details
Join us for a late-summer adventure through Surrey’s most 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 lose ourselves in the towering pines of Bourne Wood, famous for Gladiator, Harry Potter, and more. Finish back in Farnham for a well-earned drink in a cosy pub.
DESCRIPTION
We begin in the market town of Farnham, where cobbled streets give way to the gentle flow of the River Wey. The riverside path winds through quiet meadows until we reach the shadowy entrance of Mother Ludlam’s Cave - a place whispered about for centuries. 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 toward the atmospheric ruins of Waverley Abbey - England’s very first Cistercian monastery with its weather-worn arches.
Climbing steadily, we reach Crooksbury Hill, where wide-open views spill across Surrey’s rolling hills. From here, our path dips into fragrant pine woods before leading us to the still waters of Frensham Little Pond, where dragonflies skim the surface and sandy banks meet heathland.
We will then wander into majestic Alice Holt Forest, a realm of 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. Standing here, it’s easy to imagine the clash of swords or the swoop of a hippogriff overhead.
The final stretch takes us deeper into the woods before circling back to Farnham for a celebratory drink in a local pub, or a train home, if you prefer.
SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)
Distance: c 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: Waterloo Station 8.40am or Farnham Station 10am
Hike start: 10am Farnham Station
Hike finish: 5.30pm Farnham Station / Local pub
Recommended morning trains from London
08:54 Dep: London Waterloo
09:55 Arr: Farnham
Recommended train ticket
Off-Peak Day Return to Farnham
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.
Sponsors
Farnham, Waverley Abbey and 'Gladiator Wood' - 22km