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Rail to Trail in Surrey’s Countryside

New video series showcases adventures in Surrey’s countryside by train

A new series of short films is shining a spotlight on how easy it is to explore Surrey’s countryside using public transport, thanks to funding from Great Western Railway.

Filmed over several months at a range of scenic locations, the videos highlight the accessibility and beauty of the county’s green spaces.

Whilst travelling by train why not listen to Ambles and Rambles a free podcast where local experts share they knowledge and love of Surrey's countryside.

Discover Newlands Corner by train

Plan your visit

  • Begin at Wokingham Station and travel to Guildford Station via Great Western Railway services
  • Exit Guildford Station and head toward the Friary Bus Station
  • Take the Compass Bus 25 from Guildford to Newlands Corner
  • Get off the bus at Newlands Corner, beside the Plucky Pheasant Cafe
  • Carefully cross the road to enter Newlands Corner (Albury Downs) car park
  • Visit the Discovery Centre where you can learn more about Newlands Corner as well as interesting facts about the local area. You’ll also discover a series of videos to inspire you to visit more of Surrey’s countryside
  • Choose a self-guided trail from the information board in the car park; Acorn, Dormouse or Deer trail. This group chose the Acorn (easy access) trail
  • Follow the coloured waymarking discs
  • Arrive at the Ancient Yew Tree Boardwalk. The woodland of ancient yew trees and mighty oaks provide a home to roe deer and dormice, whilst the chalk grassland is a carpet of wildflowers in the summer, providing a habitat for many species of butterfly, orchid and insects
  • Continue along your chosen self-guided trail to the car park
  • To return, retrace your steps from Newlands Corner (Albury Downs) car park to get back to Guildford station

Other information

  • For more details on Newlands Corner, including maps and visitor information, visit our Newlands Corner webpage.
  • You can also visit Newlands Corner by bus. The Compass Travel Service 25 stops at Newlands Corner on the Shere Road.
  • There is also a Surrey Connect Bus Service to Shere Road, Newlands Corner. Surrey Connect is the ideal way to access Surrey’s countryside. This convenient on-demand bus service is available to all, making Surrey’s countryside more accessible for those without access to a car or who want to choose a more sustainable option. Book your journey via the Surrey Connect: on demand bus service. Select Central North as the territory, and Newlands Corner Car Park as your bus stop.

To plan your own countryside adventure, visit Great Western Railway.

Discover Chinthurst Hill by train

Plan Your Visit

  • Begin at Guildford railway station and travel to Shalford railway station via Great Western Railway services
  • Exit Shalford station to walk along Kings Road and continue along Christmas Hill until you reach the entrance to the track for Chinthurst Hill on your right
  • Arrive into Chinthurst Hill car park
  • Choose a self-guided trail from the information board in the car park; Bluebell or Tower trail. This group chose the Tower trail.
  • Follow the coloured waymarking discs
  • Arrive at the summit of Chinthurst Hill and discover wonderful views on a clear day from the base of an impressive stone folly
  • Continue along your chosen self-guided trail to the car park
  • To return, retrace your steps from Chinthurst Hill car park to get back to Shalford station

Other information

  • For more details on Chinthurst Hill, including maps and visitor information, visit our Chinthurst Hill webpage.
  • You can also visit Chinthurst Hill by bus. Compass Travel Service 32,  stops at Rice’s Corner (at junction of New Road/ Christmas Hill).
  • To plan your own countryside adventure, visit Great Western Railway.

Thanks to Surrey Youth Voice for their participation in this video.

Discover St Martha's Hill by train

Plan Your Visit

  • Arrive into Chilworth Station via Great Western Railway services
  • Walk toward Chilworth C of E Infant School, you will see signs for the public footpath 578
  • Follow the footpath and veer right toward Chilworth Gunpowder Mills
  • Join Bridleway 252 until it intersects with footpath 257
  • Walk up footpath 257 (please note this is an uneven and steep path), which will lead you up to St Martha's Church
  • Explore St Martha's Church
  • Follow the yellow waymarking discs for the Church self-guided trail to explore around St Martha's or follow the orange waymarking discs for the Deer self-guided trail for a longer walk to Newlands Corner
  • To return, retrace your steps from St Martha's Church to get back to Chilworth station

Other information

  • For more details on St Martha's Hill, including maps and visitor information, visit our St Martha's Hill webpage.
  • You can also visit St Martha's Hill by ordering the Surrey Connect: on demand bus service. Select Central North as the territory and St Martha's Hill as your bus stop
  • To plan your own countryside adventure, visit Great Western Railway

Discover Norbury Park by train

Plan Your Visit

  • Arrive into Dorking Deepdene Station via Great Western Railway services
  • Walk to Dorking Main Station (short 4 minute walk)
  • Order the Surrey Connect: on demand bus service using the app. Select Central North as the territory and Fetcham car park as your bus stop
  • Arrive into Fetcham Car Park in Norbury Park
  • Choose a self-guided trail from the information board in the car park; Butterfly, Hazel, Fox, Dog walking or Sensory trail. This group chose the Butterfly trail.
  • Follow the coloured waymarking discs within the park
  • Stop by Wild!About…Coffee mobile caterer, based at the woodland hub. Open Thursday to Sunday, 9am to 3pm.
  • There is an accessible compostable toilet located close to the woodland hub at the sawmill.
  • Continue on your walk and you will come to a viewpoint with sweeping Surrey Hills views
  • On your return to Fetcham car park, order the Surrey Connect Bus to return to Dorking Main Station.

Other information

  • For more details on Norbury Park, including maps and visitor information, visit our Norbury Park webpage.
  • Fetcham Car Park is also a short distance from Bocketts Farm Park, a family-run working farm offering hands-on fun for all ages.
  • To plan your own countryside adventure, visit Great Western Railway.

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