Banstead - Surrey walks

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine December 2011

Ancient woodlands, varied bird life and a number of nature trails make Banstead a perfect walking destination – and with the opportunity for a pub lunch detour also thrown in, who could resist?

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Footnotes: all you need to know
Start/finish: Holly Lane Car park (free)  Grid reference: 273 582  Map: Ordnance Survey, Explorer 146  Length of walk: This walk should take no more than two-and-a-half hours at an easy pace. There are some inclines and a few easy stiles  Route: Holly Lane, Ruffett Wood, Canons Farm, Ambrose Cottages, Perrotts Farm, Banstead Wood and Holly Lane  Food/drink: The Ramblers Rest (01737 552661) has provided respite for many a walker  Also nearby: Kingswood Golf and Country Club, which was designed in the 1920s by the five times open champion, James Braid. A little bit of Provence can be found near Banstead at Mayfield Lavender where fields of purple still dominate  Recommended by: Epsom and Ewell Ramblers  Next month: We visit Haslemere

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Once famed for its ‘wholesome air’, Banstead village was recommended by London doctors as a resort for their patients in the 1600s. Meanwhile, horse racing was introduced on Banstead Downs in 1661 and Samuel Pepys mentions going to see a race there in his diary of 1663.

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An ancient woodland, Banstead Wood has beautiful stretches of nature trails screened by towering trees on either side. Shown above in the snow, the area was once owned by Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

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Canons Farm is a popular area for birdwatchers, with regular winter species including barn owl, woodcock and brambling. The Canons Farm and Banstead Woods Bird Group host regular guided walks. For more details, e-mail canonsfarmbirds@hotmail.co.uk.

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In 1940, Kingswood Warren and St Monica’s, on the other side of the railway, were bought by Legal & General as offices and residences for staff evacuated from London. In 1947, L&G transferred all their activities to St Monica’s with Kingswood Warren eventually being bought by the BBC to house its Research Department. Kingswood Warren is now being transformed into a luxury housing development.

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A short diversion off the walk takes you to The Ramblers Rest, sister pub to the likes of The Wotton Hatch in Wotton and The Seahorse in Shalford, where you can expect log fires, comfy seats and good food.

Why not share your reviews and photos from this walk below and suggest your own favourite Surrey rambles by sending an e-mail to matthew.williams@surreylife.co.uk

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