4.6
(3598)
26,839
hikers
1,102
hikes
Hikes around Ockham explore a landscape of expansive heathland, ancient woodlands, and open meadows in the Surrey countryside. The terrain is generally low-lying, with routes following waterways like the River Wey and circling features such as Bolder Mere, a large woodland lake. The area's trails are a mix of sandy paths on the commons and riverside footpaths.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
4.7
(33)
73
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(7)
63
hikers
14.4km
03:54
210m
210m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.6
(8)
59
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(14)
56
hikers
7.90km
02:00
20m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(10)
37
hikers
7.82km
01:59
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Wait for dry weather, as this section is a swamp in the winter
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Nice section of gravel along this section of the scenic River Wey Navigation Path The path is 20-mile (32 km) long altogether and is a continuous navigable route from the River Thames near Weybridge to Godalming
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Excellent pub with a well known reputation, stopped here for a quiet drink. A really good rest point if your doing long distance along the canals and riverways into London from the south.
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Papercourt Lock is a delightful lock situated in a tranquil and picturesque rural setting on the River Wey Navigation between the villages of Send and Ripley in Surrey. The Lock is accessible only by foot. With its water tumbling bay, pleasant lock-keeper cottage and surrounding fields and meadows, the Lock is a scenic place to visit and to photograph. Papercourt Lock was opened in 1653 and had a rise of 8 feet (2.44 m). It was originally located closer to the lock-keeper cottage but was rebuilt in its current position when the tumbling bay was added to help with water management. The present lock cottage dates from 1922. When visiting Papercourt Lock please be aware that the water meadows immediately downstream of Papercourt Lock may flood after excessive rain. When this happens this stretch of the Wey Navigation and its footpath will be inaccessible.
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The pretty Walsham Lock and Weir have a scenic setting 1 km north of the village of Ripley in Surrey. The lock has several notable features and is surrounded by tranquil and picturesque flood meadows and by Pyrford Golf Club. These attributes make it well worth a visit. Walsham is the last surviving turf-sided lock on the Wey Navigation. This means that it operates as a flood lock and has its lock gates always open unless the River Wey is in flood. If there is a flood the lock gates are closed to force water over the nearby Walsham Weir and down along the River Wey. Two further unusual features of Walsham Lock are first that it’s situated on a slight bend such that its top and bottom lock gates do not quite align with each other. Second, its adjacent pleasant lock-keeper cottage is the last remaining fully-manned lock cottage on the Wey Navigation. The original lock-keeper cottage was built in 1653 and the current one dates from 1896. The Walsham Weir and its roaring water marks where the River Wey Navigation separates from the River Wey. The two waterways do not rejoin again downstream until Weybridge. The Walsham Weir is the main Weir on the Wey Navigation downstream of Guildford. When crossing the former horse bridge over the River Wey by the Weir you should look out for the entrance to a naturalised fish and eel pass channel route. This 170 m long channel has a reduced water flow compared to the Wier so that fish and eels can make their way upstream on the River Wey.
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The Lovelace Bridges were built by William King, 1st Earl of Lovelace (1805-1893) on his estate in the 1860s. Fifteen bridges were built to facilitate the transport of timber by horse-drawn carts. The bridges were built where the tracks crossed existing bridleways or roads.
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The main car park for accessing the commons is the Boldermere car park (KT11 1NA). It's a convenient starting point for many trails, including those that circle the lake, and has facilities available. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea.
Yes, the area is very popular for dog walking. The expansive heathland and woodland of Wisley and Ockham Commons offer plenty of space. However, it's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with ground-nesting birds and grazing livestock, so you must keep your dog under close control and follow any local signage, especially between March and September.
Absolutely. The landscape around Ockham is generally flat, making it great for families. For a gentle and scenic walk, consider the Walsham Lock and Weir loop from Ripley. It follows the calm waterways of the River Wey and is a manageable length for most abilities.
Yes, you can reach the area by public transport, though it may require some planning. The nearest train stations are Horsley and Effingham Junction. From there, you can connect to local bus services that stop near the commons, or it's a short taxi ride to the main trailheads.
The heathlands and woodlands are a haven for wildlife. The area is a nationally important site for dragonflies and damselflies, especially around Bolder Mere. Birdwatchers might spot rare species like the Dartford warbler, woodlark, and nightjar. Keep an eye out for the vibrant purple heather in late summer.
Yes, combining a walk with a pub visit is a popular local activity. The village of Ripley, in particular, is a great starting point. Many trails along the River Wey, like the Walsham Lock and Weir loop from Pyrford, can easily be started or finished in Ripley, which has several well-regarded pubs for refreshments.
The trails vary. On the commons, you'll find many paths are sandy and can be uneven, offering a bit of a challenge. In the woodlands and along the River Wey, the paths are generally flatter and more compact. After heavy rain, some low-lying areas, particularly near the river, can become muddy.
Definitely. A key historical landmark is the Chatley Heath Semaphore Tower, built in 1822, which is the only restored tower of its kind. Many trails on the commons lead to or pass by it. You can also see the ruins of the 12th-century Newark Priory from paths along the River Wey.
Many of the main paths on Wisley and Ockham Commons are sandy and uneven, which can be difficult for pushchairs and wheelchairs. However, the towpaths along the River Wey Navigation are generally flatter and wider, offering a more accessible option for enjoying the waterside scenery.
There is a vast network of trails to explore. On komoot alone, you can find over 1,100 routes in the region, ranging from short, easy strolls to more challenging day hikes. This includes everything from heathland loops to riverside paths.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the beautiful and varied scenery, from the open, heather-clad heathland of Wisley Common to the peaceful, shaded paths along the River Wey. The mix of nature and accessible history is another frequently mentioned highlight.


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