The Route
This easy circuit crosses two of the best-preserved heathland commons in western Surrey. From the Webb Road car park, the path heads south across Milford Common, following sandy tracks through heather and scattered birch. The ground is generally flat and the paths are well-defined, making this one of the more straightforward walks in the area.
The route links Milford Common with the larger Witley Common to the south, passing through a mix of open heath, birch scrub, and small ponds. A boardwalk section crosses the wetter ground between the two commons. The return leg loops back through the western edge of Witley Common, following the old coaching route before heading north to the start.
What You'll See
These commons are among the best heathland wildlife sites in Surrey. Nightjars arrive from Africa in May and their churring call is one of the defining sounds of a Surrey summer evening. Woodlarks sing their distinctive descending song from exposed perches. Dartford warblers, compact and dark, flit between gorse bushes year-round.
Mare Hill Common, part of the Witley complex, is one of the best sites in England for the silver-studded blue butterfly. The sand lizard, one of Britain's rarest reptiles, also breeds here. In late summer, the heather turns the commons purple. The purple emperor butterfly – large, iridescent, and elusive – breeds in the woodland patches.
Getting There
Webb Road car park is off the A283 south of Milford. Free parking. Milford station (Southern Railway) is a short walk from the start. Dogs should be kept on leads during nesting season (March to July). The paths are mostly sandy and drain well, but the boardwalk sections can be slippery when wet. No facilities on the route – Milford village has shops and pubs.
