The Route
Newlands Corner sits on the chalk escarpment of the North Downs above Guildford, with views south across the Tillingbourne Valley and the Weald beyond. The walk leaves the car park heading east along the ridge, then drops south through Albury Downs and Sherbourne Farm into the valley below.
The descent brings you to Shere, a village of timber-framed houses, a Norman church, and the Tillingbourne stream running through the centre. Shere has appeared in several films, including Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and The Holiday. From the village, the return route climbs back through Silent Pool – a spring-fed chalk pool of striking clarity – and through Albury Warren back to Newlands Corner.
What You'll See
Newlands Corner itself is one of the best free viewpoints in Surrey. The chalk grassland along the ridge supports cowslips, wild marjoram, and several species of orchid. The descent into the valley passes through mixed woodland, with bluebells in spring and good autumn colour.
Silent Pool is a small, deep spring pool where the water is so clear you can see the bottom at several metres' depth. The pool has attracted myths for centuries; the Victorians loved it. Shere village is worth time – the church of St James dates from about 1190, and the village stores and White Horse pub make good stopping points.
Getting There
Newlands Corner car park (GU4 8SE) is on the A25 east of Guildford. Parking is pay-and-display. Chilworth station is about 2 miles from Shere, so you could do the walk one-way using the train. The visitor centre at Newlands Corner has toilets and a café. Shere has pubs and a tea room. The paths are generally well-drained on the chalk, but the valley sections can be muddy in winter.
