Key Features of the Fox Way

• Length: About 39 miles (63 kilometres).
• Route: The trail forms a circular path that starts and ends at Ripley Village Green, looping around Guildford, Surrey, making it convenient for access and planning.
• Terrain: The path traverses a mixture of woodland, farmland, and riverside paths, with some suburban sections as it nears Guildford. The terrain includes gentle hills typical of the Surrey countryside, making it suitable for walkers of moderate fitness levels.
• Typical Duration: It can be completed in 2-3 days, but with its loop structure, it’s also easy to tackle in shorter sections for day trips.

Highlights of the Fox Way

• Guildford: The historic town with its beautiful cobbled High Street, castle ruins, and vibrant cultural scene sits at the heart of the circuit, and its railway stations make useful link points.
• St Martha’s Hill and Church: Offers panoramic views over the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• Ripley Village: Known for its historic buildings and a popular stopping point for cyclists and walkers, Ripley has a welcoming atmosphere with cafes and pubs.
• Clandon Park: Although damaged by fire in 2015, the grounds of this National Trust property offer lovely walks and a glimpse into the area’s history.
• Shere and Gomshall: These charming villages are ideal for exploring quintessential English countryside settings, with Shere featuring in several films.

Planning Your Walk

• Accommodation: There are various options around Guildford and along the route, including guesthouses, B&Bs, and hotels. For those looking to complete the route over several days, planning where to stay in advance is advisable.
• Transportation: Guildford’s train station connects directly to London and other major cities, and the route makes use of the four railway stations around Guildford. The circular nature of the path offers flexibility in starting points if using a car.
• Supplies: Guildford and the larger villages on the route have shops where you can stock up on provisions. However, carrying enough water and snacks for the day is recommended.
• Waymarking: The Fox Way is marked with a yellow disc showing a fox head, a crown and the route name, but not as extensively as more established national trails. Having a detailed map or a GPS app is essential, especially on the less well-defined sections.
• Weather and Clothing: The weather can be variable, so waterproof gear and good walking shoes are essential. Layering is also recommended to manage changes in temperature throughout the day.

Tips for Walking the Fox Way

• Pace Yourself: While not particularly challenging, the rolling terrain and distance make it important to pace yourself, especially if attempting to complete the route in a few days.
• Local Highlights: Take time to enjoy the local attractions, historic sites, and natural beauty along the route. The villages offer delightful stops for food and rest.
• Respect the Environment: Stick to the path, leave no trace, and be considerate of wildlife and livestock.
• Safety and Navigation: As some sections can be remote, ensure someone knows your plan and expected return times.

The Fox Way offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes of Surrey, from bustling historic towns to tranquil countryside, making it a great option for weekend hikers and serious walkers alike.

From the Route Creators

In planning the start and end points of each stage of the route I have made full use of the local railway and bus networks, and also checked that there are sufficient car parking facilities.

Full details of each stage of the route are contained in The Fox Way, a 28-page, fully illustrated booklet produced with the help of my friends Win and Bob King. This booklet is available to download for free and includes sketch maps of each part of the route, but several sections are difficult to navigate and we recommend you to use Ordnance Survey map ‘OS 145 – Guildford’, together with a compass, in order to get further enjoyment from each walk.

Although we have walked in the area for over 30 years we were amazed at the new things we saw when walking the circuit for the first time. The countryside and the views are so different at various times of the year so we would encourage you to do the walk in all seasons. Once you have completed the circuit in one direction, walk it again in the reverse direction and surprise yourself with the many new things you see.

For details of local train and bus services please refer to the following web sites:
National Rail journey planner
Trainline
Guildford and area bus services

I hope you enjoy the walks.