Downs Link

About the Downs Link

The Downs Link follows the disused Guildford to Horsham railway line forming part of the long-distance bridleway route linking St Martha's Hill, near Guildford, (on the North Downs Way) with Botolphs, near Shoreham, (on the South Downs Way).

The Waverley part of the route is fairly level with a firm surface suitable for:

cycling
riding
walking
wheelchairs (although the surface can be rough in parts, especially after rain).

Refreshments are available from villages and pubs along the route.

What is the route like?

The route forms a green corridor linking various ancient semi-natural woodlands, mainly on Weald clay. The route is predominantly wooded with views across adjoining fields, but also includes small meadow areas and wetland features including Cranleigh Waters and parts of the old Wey and Arun Canal, which runs alongside in places.

How do I access the route?

There are many opportunities to join the Downs Link for walkers, cyclists and horseriders, mainly from statutory rights of way. To find these, have a look at the relevant Ordnance Survey map (see below for sheet numbers).

Parking

If you are driving, you can park at various locations close to the route. The nearest access points to a road are:

Bramley old station (TQ 459451)
Cranleigh Village Way car park (follow signs to Leisure Centre) - this is Pay and Display (TQ 058388).

Travelling by bus

Arriva bus routes 42 and 44 run from Guildford to Cranleigh via Godalming (approximately hourly service). NB: Does not run on Sundays or Bank Holidays.

Arriva bus routes 53 and 63 run from Guildford to Cranleigh via Bramley (several per hour). Hourly service on Sundays.

Please visit Surrey County Council's Bus timetables pages for more information.

Links to other paths

The Downs Link also links with other long-distance routes including:

the Greensand Way
Sussex Border Path
the Wey South Path.

Maps

A new route guide, covering the entire route, is available to download in two parts, as the Downs Link Route Guide and map , on West Sussex County Council's website. This new publication, produced at the end of 2009, is also available in printed format from West Sussex County Council.

The whole route is covered by OS Explorer (1:25,000) sheets 145, 134 and 122, which show up to date information.

Site designations

Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) - part
Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS) - part
lies within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Volunteering opportunities

We organise regular volunteer work parties. For further information, please refer to the Action for Wildlife page.

Who owns and manages the Downs Link?

The site is managed by Waverley Borough Council, with ownership split between Waverley Borough Council and Surrey County Council.

The section managed by Waverley Borough Council is 13.7 km long (8.5 miles) and runs from the A281/Trunley Heath Road to a point 600m south of Cox Green Road, Baynards. The site extends to 24.75 ha (61 acres).