Tilford & Waverley Abbey
Children will enjoy exploring the ruined abbey and paddling in the river on this walk.
The river in Tilford makes a good place to paddle
The Basics
Time: 1 hour each way
Distance: 3 km km each way
Terrain: Woodland paths which are uneven in places, gentle inclines, a small amount of road without pavements, a revolving kissing gate
Pushchair: No, some of the paths are really uneven following rain in the winter. A small revolving gate into the abbey grounds also prohibits access
Dogs: Yes, but on leads around the village and the abbey
Refreshments: The Barley Mow Pub on the green in Tilford, where you can also get take away wood fired pizzas or Waverley Abbey House has a café open to the public
Toilets: None, unless visiting the pub
Public Transport: There is no public transport to this location
Parking: Free car park in Tilford beside the bridge or on road parking around the green (Postcode: GU10 2BU - W3W: observers/dime/kings)
Waverley Abbey House opposite Waverley Abbey has a café open to the public
This walk is a linear walk as the only reasonable options for making it a circle involve walking on busy roads with no pavements. But with two fantastic locations at either end, there is something to entice the whole family in each direction. We begin in the pretty village of Tilford beside the village green. Here there is a pub which serves wood fired pizzas and a medieval bridge over the River Wey where the water is just the right depth for a paddle. Shady wooded paths and bridleways then take you to Waverley Abbey. These free to explore ruins are set in a charming location by the river and opposite the fine Waverley Abbey House.
The Route
From the village green, walk over the bridge with arches and take the path on your left once on the other side. This is a narrow path with fields to the left. Almost immediately, look out for a WW2 pillbox. The path gently rises up under the trees before coming to a T-junction with a paved path. Turn left here.
Pass by a property with a stable block to your right. At a fork, chose the right hand path. When you arrive at Sheep Hatch Farm, bend right with the path and then cross the lane onto the stony path opposite.
Walk through a private woodland for a short while and then follow the path as it gradually heads downwards and ‘sinks’ beneath two high banks. At the bottom of this, where there is a T-junction and a large metal gate ahead, turn left.
Follow this path (muddy in winter) passing some rhododendrons, before eventually coming to a road.
Turn left and follow the road. There is no pavement, but there is a narrow section to the side where you can walk. At the bend, we suggest crossing to walk along the verge. Go left with the bend in the road, crossing a junction and then going over a weir in the river. Just past this weir, you will spot the entrance to the abbey on your left. The abbey is free to enter at any time and is set in a beautiful meadow. We recommend making this a picnic and resting spot before heading back the way you came to Tilford, where you can cool off in the river beside the bridge and get a drink from the pub across the green.
Did you know?
Waverley Abbey was founded by a small group of monks from France who settled in this quiet spot by the River Wey in 1128.
Tilford is home to the well-known tree, The Tilford Oak. At around 800 years, it is slowly declining and has had to be lopped and patched up with metal sheets. You can see the tree to the side of the village green.
