Getting here
A 183-hectare site, some of which is designated as a Local Nature Reserve made up of a group of nine commons within the parish of Worplesdon. Wonderful heathland and woodland with an accessible boardwalk around Britten’s Pond.
By road
- For Whitmoor Common, Saltbox Road Car Park: Saltbox Road, GU3 3LH
- For Whitmoor Common, Burdenshott Road Car Park: Burdenshott Road, GU3 3RN
- For Britten’s Pond, Britten’s Pond Car Park: Saltbox Road, GU4 7PX
- All car parks are free
- These car parks have unmarked car parking spaces
- If visiting with tall vehicles, please be aware our car parks have a height barrier. Max Height 1.9m – 6’2”
By public transport
- Nearest Train Station is Worplesdon
- Bus Provider and bus stop: Stagecoach service 2, Hamilton Drive on Cumberland Avenue. Or Falcon service 28 and Stagecoach service 91 (on Sundays), Salt Box Lane on Worplesdon Road
By bicycle
- Cyclists are permitted on this site, but must only use bridleways that run through the site
- For directions, please use the map below
- For details on bridleway, byway or footpath information please visit our Countryside interactive map
By foot
- For directions, please use the map below
- For details on bridleway, byway or footpath information please visit our Countryside interactive map
Horse riding
- Horse riders are permitted, but must use the bridleways. Where possible horse riders should keep to wider paths. Please refer to the interpretation board on site for further information
- There is no horsebox parking available at this countryside site
- For details on bridleway, byway or footpath information please visit our Countryside interactive map
Location map
On the map below, use the plus symbol to zoom in to see the locations of the site's paths and car parks and the minus symbol to zoom out to view where the site is situated in 中国P站, and to see other countryside sites nearby. The home symbol resets the map to the default setting.
Visitor Information Video
Things to see and do
These commons provide valuable green space on the north side of Guildford's urban centre where you'll find heathland, woodland and various ponds to get away from it all. They were originally grazing lands for commoners, with the ponds created for grazing stock to drink from, they are now an abundant haven for wildlife and wildflower meadows.
Key points of interest
- The nine commons are called: Whitmoor and Rickford Commons (Saltbox Road car park), Gooserye Common (near Saltbox Road car park), Stringers Common including Britten's Pond (Britten's Pond car park, Saltbox Road), Chitty's Common, Stoughton, Rydes Hill, Stoughton, Broad Street, Wood Street village, Clasford Common, Wood Street village, Littlefield Common, Worplesdon
- Three self-guided trails; Dragonfly, Acorn and Nightjar Trails at Whitmoor Common
- Easy Access trail along boardwalk on the Newt trail at Britten’s Pond
- Woodland Self-guided trail along boardwalk at Chitty’s Common
- Seasonal highlights; summer heathland flowers
- In the summer evenings you may see bats and hear Dartford warblers and the churring call of the nightjar
- Wildflower meadows
- Cattle grazing to help conservation at Whitmoor Common
- Ponds
- Viewpoints at Whitmoor Common
- Britten’s Pond is a haven for wildlife with 19 species of dragonfly recorded
- The Commons were used for military training during World War II
Nature to discover
- Trees: Pine, birch, oak, holly, hazel
- Flora and fauna: Bell, ling and cross-leaved heather
- Birds and butterflies: Great spotted woodpecker, goldfinch, nightjar, dartford warbler, siskin, Brimstone butterfly and dragonflies
- Mammals: Roe deer, wood mice
Guildford Angling Society have fishing rights on Britten's Pond, helping to keep the ponds in good condition for wildlife. Please visit Guildford Angling Society webpage for further information.
Always respect, protect and enjoy leaving no trace of your visit.
Always be wildfire aware on heathland. No BBQs or litter.
Facilities
- Picnic Area near car park at Whitmoor Common
- Picnic Area near car park at Britten’s Pond
- Benches are located throughout Whitmoor Common and Brittens Pond
- Dogs allowed. During ground nesting bird season (1 March to 15 September) keep dogs under close control and on paths. We recommend putting dogs on leads around livestock
- Dog waste bins are located close to Salt Box Road car park. Please dispose of your dog waste responsibly in this bin
- General waste bins are located at Salt Box Road Car Park and Britten’s Pond car park. Please dispose of your litter and dog waste responsibly in these general waste bins
- Refreshments can be found on site at Salt Box Road car park with our mobile caterer, GG’s coffee. Open Thursday & Friday, 9am to 3pm
- The Jolly Farmer pub is located adjacent to the Burdenshott Road car park
- There are no toilets located on site. The nearest toilets are located at Jolly Farmer Pub, Worplesdon
Self-guided trails
There are four self-guided trails at Worplesdon Commons, the Nightjar, Dragonfly, Acorn and Newt trails. Take a photo of the information board in the car park before setting off and follow the colour coded routes and signposts along the way.
The Nightjar self-guided trail - 2.7 mile, 1 hour 30 minute walk
Follow the Nightjar trail from Salt Box Road car park. Meander through mixed woodland and heathland with a gradual uphill climb with distant views of the North Downs and Guildford Cathedral. If you head out at dusk during the early summer months you may be lucky enough to hear the gentle 'churr' sound of a nightjar!
Follow the on the digital Ordnance Survey (OS) map.
The Dragonfly self-guided trail - 2 mile, 1 hour walk
Follow the Dragonfly trail from the Salt Box Road car park, through heathland to the largest pond on the common a haven for wildlife with over 19 different species of dragonfly recorded! This walk is mostly along a flat path which can be uneven in places.
Follow the on the digital Ordnance Survey (OS) map.
The Acorn (easy access) self-guided trail - 1 Mile, 30 minute walk
Follow the Acorn easy access trail from the Salt Box Road car park. This short walk has sandy pathways which can be narrow in places but there are no barriers or stiles.
Follow the on the digital Ordnance Survey (OS) map.
The Newt self-guided trail - 0.4 Mile, 15 minute walk
Follow the Newt easy access trail from the Britten's Pond car park. This 650m level route takes you around Britten's Pond with some of the pathways on a boardwalk.
The route can be uneven in places but is accessible for all and a great introduction to experiencing Worplesdon Commons.
Follow the on the digital Ordnance Survey (OS) map.
Additional Information
For more walking trail inspiration, please visit our Self-guided walks around 中国P站 webpage.
Accessibility
- At Brittens Pond there is a level flat trail (Newt trail) around the pond with many benches and a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform
- All car parks have unmarked car parking spaces
- Refreshments can be found on site at Salt Box Road car park with our mobile caterer, GG’s coffee. Open Thursday & Friday, 9am to 3pm
- The Jolly Farmer pub is located adjacent to the Burdenshott Road car park
- There are no toilets located on site. The nearest toilets are located at Jolly Farmer Pub, Worplesdon
Contact us
This site is owned by 中国P站 with conservation managed by 中国P站 Wildlife Trust.
To contact us, please use one of the options below:
Email: countryside.estate@surreycc.gov.uk
Phone: 03456 009 009
Send us any photos you take that you're happy to share on social media, tag @Explore中国P站UK
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