Chobham Common Walk

The latter parts of the walk takes you on to Chobham Common, very little of which is enclosed. Apart from its dissection by the M3 motorway row of pylons, it remains much as it has been for hundreds of years.

Chobham Common is a wild and boggy expanse of colourful heather and gorse, with clumps of pine trees dotted around, and it is steeped in history. While you are on the common you pass near to Bee Farm. This is a reminder that until the year 1215 local parishioners were expected to pay 20 shillings and supply 10 pounds of beeswax annually in order to have the right to bury their dead in the village churchyard, instead of having to take them to Chertsey Abbey.

Chobham Common is especially important for wildlife. The endangered and increasing rare water vole can be found here though it is best to leave it in peace. Additionally, the Common is a nationally important breeding area for European nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler. Reptiles and amphibians have been recorded, including adders and sand lizards. Insects, many specialised, including rare spiders, ants and butterflies, also have a presence here.

Also on the common, you can discover an obelisk commemorating the visit by Queen Victoria in 1853, to review troops who were then occupying much of this area. Surprisingly, although this is a relatively vast expanse of open land, it has never been taken over by the armed forces, as has many of the heathland areas of the Surrey and Hampshire border.

If you have time, a visit to Chobham village centre is well worthwhile. It can be reached by walking half a mile down the road from the starting point at the Four Horseshoes pub.

The village of Chobham has retained its character more happily than many others in heavily populated Surrey. A few minutes stroll along the short High Street will bring you close to many historic architectural structures. Most notable is the parish church of St Lawrence dating from 1080. This has an impressive sarsen stone tower that is 52 feet in height.

It is also worthwhile to visit Cobham Forge, the farriers where many of the tools and equipment necessary for the local equestrian industry can be seen in manufacture.