Shabden and Upper Gatton Parks Circular Walk
This page is about Shabden and Upper Gatton Circular Walk, a circular walk which is one of our special Millennium Trails collection of walks.
Walking the Shabden and Upper Gatton Parks Circular Walk is a true adventure! If you want a day out that will exercise your mind as well as your legs, then this is the walk for you.
Every turn, it seems, reveals glorious views across picturesque valleys. Woodland and meadow are plentiful, as are bird song and the buzz of insects.
The walk starts south of Chipstead at the car park behind Elmore Pond and Chipstead Heads Recreation Ground.
A taste of the country
You certainly leave the urban sprawl behind on this walk, apart from a few farms and pretty country cottages, you are not going to come across any built-up areas.
You won't find yourself completely cut off from civilisation, there's a tea shop and a pub on route.
As soon as you begin the walk you come across Elmore Pond Cottage dated at 1680 and this sets the historic tone for your journey ahead.
Journey back in time
The walk will lead you over open countryside past an 18th century cottage and on to woodland and copses with beautiful wild flowers that change with the seasons. You may find that a few of the hills are a bit challenging.
In the midst of this wonderful countryside, miles from anywhere, you come across a quaint tea shop, with old fashioned service and a good selection of cakes, sandwiches and hot snacks.
Continuing, you will have a rare chance to see the superb landscaping of Capability Brown at Gatton Park and further joining the main Millennium Trail for a couple of miles.
Special scientific interest
You will pass a pub on your walk named The Well after the medieval well in its garden. Your walk has more splendid countryside on offer including a Site of Special Scientific Interest at the Long Plantation and Shabden Park Farm.
You will be nearing the end of your walk and as you approach Elmore Pond you might contemplate which of the other circular walks you would like to do next.
Remember, there are six in all and each one offers its own unique look at the marvelous countryside on your doorstep.
Map and walk information
Last updated : 16/11/2010
