Around Horsell Common
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"A contrasting walk of natural woodlands and modern technology."
Walk directions
Facing the notice board in the car park, leave the car park via the track to the right and, on emerging from the trees, at a crossroads of paths, continue straight ahead. At a second crossroads, turn right towards a metal gate and some houses.
Turn left here. Go past the houses and, as the gravel drive curves to the right, continue straight ahead along the public footpath. On meeting a pair of cottages, pass them on your left. Leave Horsell Common and enter McLaren Park, past an information board, following a well-marked Fairoaks Airport Just beyond the McLaren Park is Fairoaks Airport. The walk passes close to the end of the runway, so aircraft may be low overhead. The airport was established around 1931 and was requisitioned by the Air Ministry in 1936. The control tower and other buildings were constructed the following year. It was used throughout World War II as a training base, after which it was occupied by various flying clubs. Its future is uncertain as a planning application to build new homes on the site is under consideration. footpath. When the path forks, keep to the right. One of the McLaren buildings can be seen on the right. The path leaves the park and curves left over a wooden bridge, crossing The Bourne river, and through a gate. Go straight ahead through a small piece of woodland before the path emerges onto the small, private airfield of Fairoaks Airport. The path goes straight across the airfield, close to the runway, and light aircraft may land or take off near you.
Near the windsock, where the footpath crosses a concrete track, you continue
straight ahead, walking between trees. This path widens as it nears houses on
the right; as Bonsey’s Lane, it goes ahead to meet the A319 Chertsey Road.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Broad, well-surfaced paths on Horsell Common, but some bridleways can be muddy
Landscape
- Heathland and woodland on Horsell Common, more open across McLaren Park and Fairoaks Airport
Dog friendliness
- Dogs can run free on Horsell Common, but lead required in McLaren Park and at Fairoaks Airport
Parking
- Horsell Common car park, Shores Road (maximum stay 2 hours)
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
The common at Horsell was originally part of Windsor Great Park – when it was known as King’s Waste – and over the years it passed into private hands. The Earl of Onslow eventually leased it to the Horsell Common Preservation Trust, which later purchased the land, and it is now a Site of Special...
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Surrey is one of England’s most wooded counties, with over a quarter of the landscape designated as an official AONB and plenty of history evident in the countryside. You’ll find sandy tracks, cottage gardens and welcoming village inns, and on the fringe of Greater London you can picnic in Chaldon’s hay meadows, explore the downs at Epsom, or drift idly beside the River Thames.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
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Great Fosters
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The Mandolay Hotel
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Places to eat nearby View all
