The best walks and hikes around Chatley Heath
4.6
(1179)
10,521
hikers
619
hikes
Hikes around Chatley Heath explore a landscape of varied terrain within the Wisley & Ockham Commons. The area is characterized by a mix of expansive heathland, ancient woodland with mature pine trees, and wetlands surrounding the lake of Boldermere. The trails consist of well-marked paths, with some sandy or uneven sections, offering a range of walking experiences.
Best hiking trails around Chatley Heath
- The most popular hiking route is the Samuelson Mausoleum – Samuelson Mausoleum loop from Wisley, a 3.3 mile (5.3 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to complete. This easy walk leads through the woods to the historic Samuelson Mausoleum.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Samuelson Mausoleum – Samuelson Mausoleum loop from Wisley, a moderate 5.4 mile (8.7 km) path. This longer version of the route provides a more extensive exploration of the area's woodland scenery.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Walsham Lock and Weir loop from Pyrford, a 4.8 mile (7.7 km) trail leading through the surrounding countryside, often completed in about 2 hours.
- Hiking around Chatley Heath is defined by its mix of heathland, dense woodlands, and lakeside paths. The network of trails provides options suitable for different fitness levels, from short, gentle walks to longer routes.
- The routes in Chatley Heath are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,000 reviews. More than 10,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Chatley Heath's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
3.7
(3)
17
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
18
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(3)
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(10)
37
hikers
7.82km
01:59
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
4.06km
01:02
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Classical style mausoleum in woodland. Once used in an episode of Doctor Who.
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Excellent pub with a well known reputation, stopped here for a quiet drink. A really good rest point if your doing long distance along the canals and riverways into London from the south.
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The pretty Walsham Lock and Weir have a scenic setting 1 km north of the village of Ripley in Surrey. The lock has several notable features and is surrounded by tranquil and picturesque flood meadows and by Pyrford Golf Club. These attributes make it well worth a visit. Walsham is the last surviving turf-sided lock on the Wey Navigation. This means that it operates as a flood lock and has its lock gates always open unless the River Wey is in flood. If there is a flood the lock gates are closed to force water over the nearby Walsham Weir and down along the River Wey. Two further unusual features of Walsham Lock are first that it’s situated on a slight bend such that its top and bottom lock gates do not quite align with each other. Second, its adjacent pleasant lock-keeper cottage is the last remaining fully-manned lock cottage on the Wey Navigation. The original lock-keeper cottage was built in 1653 and the current one dates from 1896. The Walsham Weir and its roaring water marks where the River Wey Navigation separates from the River Wey. The two waterways do not rejoin again downstream until Weybridge. The Walsham Weir is the main Weir on the Wey Navigation downstream of Guildford. When crossing the former horse bridge over the River Wey by the Weir you should look out for the entrance to a naturalised fish and eel pass channel route. This 170 m long channel has a reduced water flow compared to the Wier so that fish and eels can make their way upstream on the River Wey.
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A well laid out entrance to Wisley Gardens. Check the website and Facebook page for when the trees are in bloom.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park to access the trails at Chatley Heath?
There are several car parks available for accessing Ockham and Wisley Commons. A popular option is the Boldermere car park, which is conveniently located near the Ockham Bites café and has toilet facilities. It's advisable to arrive early on weekends as spaces can fill up quickly.
Are the walking trails at Chatley Heath suitable for dogs?
Yes, the mix of open heathland and woodland trails is great for walking with dogs. However, as Chatley Heath is a nature reserve with ground-nesting birds like the Dartford warbler and other wildlife, it's important to keep your dog under close control, especially during nesting season (typically March to August).
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in the area?
Absolutely. The area offers many gentle paths perfect for a family outing. A great option is the Hiking loop from Wisley, which is a relatively short and flat walk of about 4 km, making it accessible for all fitness levels.
What are the trail conditions like?
The trails are quite varied. You'll find everything from well-marked paths to more rugged tracks. The soil is predominantly sandy, which helps with drainage, but some sections, particularly in the woodlands and near the wetlands, can become muddy and uneven, especially after heavy rain.
Can I see the Semaphore Tower on a walk?
Yes, the historic Semaphore Tower is a prominent landmark and a focal point for many routes. For a walk that features this 19th-century signal tower, consider the Wisley Common loop from Wisley. This trail offers a good tour of the common and views of the tower.
Are there any pubs or cafes for refreshments after a hike?
Yes, for a convenient stop, the Ockham Bites café is located right at the Boldermere car park. If you're looking for a pub, you'll find several options in the nearby villages. It's best to check local listings for the most current opening times and offerings.
What historical sites can I see besides the Semaphore Tower?
The area is rich in history. On your walk, you can discover the ornate Samuelson Mausoleum tucked away in the woods. You can also explore parts of the old Wisley Airfield, where nature is reclaiming the former runways, creating a unique landscape.
What kind of wildlife might I spot at Chatley Heath?
Chatley Heath is a haven for wildlife. It's a nationally significant site for dragonflies and damselflies around the ponds. Birdwatchers might spot rare species like the hobby, nightjar, and Dartford warbler. The woodlands are also home to blackcaps, garden warblers, and wrens.
How many hiking trails are there around Chatley Heath?
There is a vast network of trails to explore, with over 600 routes mapped on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls to more challenging, longer hikes, ensuring there's a path for every type of walker.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Chatley Heath?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the beautiful and varied scenery, from the open, heather-covered heathland to the peaceful ancient woodlands and the serene paths around Boldermere lake.
Are there any good viewpoints in the area?
While much of the terrain is relatively flat, the open heathland provides a wonderful sense of space with long-distance views across the landscape. For more dramatic hillside views over the region, you might consider visiting nearby spots like the highly-regarded Pewley Down or Holmbury Hill.
Most popular routes around Chatley Heath
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