Top 11 Natural Monuments around Tongham

This path is generally pretty quiet and really flat.

The sandy paths make for great walking conditions all year round.

These concrete obstacles were constructed from 1941 during the Second World War and were intended impede the movement of invading German tanks and other armoured vehicles. They constitute perhaps the best surviving example of dragon’s teeth emplacement in Surrey. They are so well preserved that some people even wonder if they are post-war imitations created for TV or a film programme! These defences descend the slope through Thorneycroft Wood to the edge of a channel of the River Wey. They comprise five rows of dragon’s teeth which take the form of flat-topped pyramids made of reinforced concrete. Some of these pyramids are capped by jagged bits of metal that would have supported wire tangles to obstruct passage between and over the dragon’s teeth. Nearby there are also at least three rifle pits formed with cement-filled sandbags.

Legend has it that this sandstone cave was the home of a local white witch known as Mother Ludlam. Before this tale, the spring bubbling up in the cave was used as the water source for the nearby Waverley Abbey in the 13th century. The cave is now gated to protect the community of bats that live inside but you can read lots more about the history of the cave on this information board near the entrance.

The excellent Guildford Castle Grounds are unique, interesting and well worth visiting during a hiking, cycling or running tour. The Grounds are famous for their excellent flower displays in the valley that surrounds the Castle Keep. Other free attractions include the remains of Castle walls, passageways, a Victorian bandstand (where music concerts take place), a delightful 17th century bowling green bordered on one side by specimen beech trees, an impressive war memorial and a life-size statue of Alice Through the Looking Glass. Guildford Castle Grounds has a fascinating history. The Castle is thought to have been built either by William the Conqueror or by one of his barons soon after the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The Castle has been used as a Royal Palace, a prison and as a private residence. The grounds at the Castle were opened as public gardens in 1888 to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. You might wish to explore the Guildford Castle Grounds or to simply admire its scenery during a stop for a snack and a drink. However, should you have time, you may also wish to climb the Castle Great Tower via its spiral staircase. This will give a panoramic view of Guildford and its beautiful surrounding countryside, and provide an appreciation of why the Castle’s location is strategically good.

Make sure to stroll through the historic grounds of Guildford Castle whilst visiting this wonderful city. The 11th-century castle sits atop a hill in Guildford, providing some picturesque views across the surrounding countryside. The gardens of the castle are beautifully pristine and feature a multitude of colourful flowers and a moat. The castle grounds are free to enter, and if you want to go inside the castle itself, a small fee of under £5 will be required.

Thursley Common is a National Nature Reserve. Full of wide open heathland and home to a variety of wildlife including over 20 species of dragonfly and damselfly, nightjar, osprey and woodlark. There are sandy tracks and boardwalks, although the boardwalks were damaged by wildfire so are gradually being rebuilt. It is a quiet and beautiful place to hike.

Anti tank dragon teeth