Abbeys, Woodlands, Witches Caves and Country Houses of the River Wey

Trip Highlights

• Explore a derelict abbey dating back nearly 1000 years
• Visit the famous and picture postcard Tilford village green

• See an 800 year old oak tree

• Visit a cave supposedly lived in by a White Witch Mother Ludlam

• Explore Tilford Woods and see where Gladiator and many other films were set

• Idyllic hiking along the banks of the River Wey through woodland paths


Starting in the historic and attractive Georgian town of Farnham we'll go on a woodland valley trail via Mother Ludlam's cave (according to legend, home to the White Witch of Waverley), past Moor Park House, and then on to explore the site of Waverley Abbey ruins (founded 1128) and to see the grand Waverley Abbey House set in front of a lake. Our trail will then pass the famous cricket Green at Tilford set in the delightful landscape of the River Wey and flanked by two medieval stone bridges and then onto the Bourne Woods. Tilford Green is a superb example of a traditional village green from a long gone era - with a cricket pitch, pub and two medieval stone bridges. We'll then head on to visit an 800 year old oak tree (26 foot - 8 metre girth) before making our way back to Farnham. We'll also pass a farm where we see pigs (and often baby piglets). The Bourne woods has an interesting mix of heathland and coniferous trees and it's beauty has drawn filmmakers for films such as Gladiator, Robin Hood (2010), Harry Potter and the Half Blood Princess, War Horse and at least 15 others - we'll be walking through the area where these were filmed!