Burpham Summer Walks are FREE, organised by Burpham residents for Burpham residents. We go out if it drizzles but not if it pours. If you write to secretary@burphamca.org.uk, we will put you on a circular that warns you by email first thing in the morning if the walk is postponed.

Saturday 15 June

Chilworth Powder Mills

This early industrial site is an easy walk along the ruins of a gunpowder factory strung along the Tillingbourne river, dating back to the 1620s. At each stop, we will learn about the stages of gun-powder production as it progressed along the line of buildings, getting riskier at each stage. The site is unusual and of historical interest, but it is also beautiful and hushed, nestled in woodlands. Chemical engineer Graham Rutherford and wife Liz will lead the way. Meet at 10.00 at the junction of Blacksmith Lane and Halfpenny Lane in Chilworth on the edge of Guildford. Park in either road.

Saturday 29 June

Frensham Ponds

We will take a circular walk around Frensham Little Pond including lovely views over Frensham Great Pond and a visit to the Robertson memorial. We will also be shown around Lowicks, a beautiful weekend cottage designed by Voysey, and courtesy of the current owner. Mainly flat with a modest incline to the house. Niels Laub will guide us on our way.

Saturday 6 July

Painshill Park

The glorious gardens of Painshill Park in Cobham were created by Hon. Charles Hamilton in the C18th, inspired the grandeur of Italian landscapes. But they contain a surprise: purpose-built follies such as the Crystal Grotto, the Ruined Abbey and even an entire home-made Alpine valley. Entry is £10 each if we go as a group but just tell us if you are un-waged and we will cover costs. We have a world expert in follies – Andrew Plumridge – to guide us around the flat pathways. Park in the car park, and meet up at the ticket office at 10.00. Beware of a slight delay at the M25/A3 roadworks. Let us know if you wish to join the group via secretary@burphamca.org.uk.

Saturday 20 July

Whitmoor Common

We will pick our way across the sandy heath of Whitmoor Common and take the boardwalk through the marshy low-land area. We can take in, at a modest distance, the woodland house once owned by Prime Minister Lloyd George, then visit the romantic graveyard of St Mary’s church on the edge of the common. There we will visit the 1000-year old church in the company of the Rector and look at some stunning grave monuments. Park in the Salt Box Road car park (not Brittens Pond ). It is midway between Worplesdon Road and the junction with Grange Road. 10.00 start from the car park.

Saturday 27 July

The Wey Navigation

Starting at the car park at the end of Bowers Lane at 10.00, we will walk up England’s oldest canal – the navigation- passing England’s first lock then on to Stoke Mill, now the home of the Surrey Advertiser, but previously a corn mill. We will be taken on a rare tour of the building. Afterwards we will return via the the board walk in Riverside Park.

Followed by…

Saturday 27 July

The village tea party

Starts: 12.15 After the walk along the Wey Navigation, we will head for the Village Hall in Burpham Lane for a free outdoor tea party of scones and jam, tea and cake. We will be joined by Burpham Community Association residents who have not been able to walk with us this year.