Just Hike: 12km Lovelace trail, West Horsley Place & Sheepleas

Explore 12km of the famous Lovelace trail (Jubilee trail) with several ornate bridges via the shady forest of Sheepleas.

We start at the grounds of West Horsley Place, a Grade I listed mediaeval manor house and estate of incredible beauty and historical significance, and film set (Ghosts, BBC), a perfect place to start (or end) a hike with coffee and refreshments.

Our walk takes us to the Lovelace Bridges and Sheepleas; a blend of ancient and recent woodlands, scrubs and grassland located on the chalk slopes of the North Downs. Sheepleas Nature Reserve is a gem in the Surrey Hills. It is not well known and feels mystical and away from civilisation. Lord Lovelace, once owner of the East Horsley Estate, was an enthusiastic forester. To ease transport in the hilly woods he constructed tracks with horseshoe shaped bridges. Of these, 10 bridges still remain. Summer is an ideal time to visit and keep cool on this shady and leafy walk, as it can get muddy in the winter.

Adjacent Sheepleas nature reserve is a gem in the Surrey Hills, not well known and it feels mystical and away from civilisation. Finally, we will end the hike in the grounds of West Horsley Place ,a perfect finish for coffee and refreshments and a hidden gem in the Surrey Hills.

Jen (AKA ‘Tree Jen’), a keen hiker and qualified Lowland Leader will be your guide. Jen loves to tell the story of the woodland and how trees connect, communicate and adapt to their environment.

Meet / park: West Horsley Place Car park, Off Epsom Rd, West Horsley, Leatherhead KT24 6AN, Google Map link here What3Words venues.design.nation (free of charge)
Difficulty: Moderate/challenging, some steep descents, some overgrown paths by road side.
Duration: Approx 3.5-4 hours ( Plus cafe at end)
Bring: Suitable and comfortable clothing, drink, snacks, money for cafe
Facilities: At West Horsley Place (start and end of walk)
Hiking Guide: Jen Slade