The Three Villages Walk
A historical tour linking Windlesham, Bagshot, and Lightwater.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours (longer if you stop for refreshments)
Distance: 4.8 miles (7.7 km) circular route
Difficulty: Moderate (mix of public footpaths, woodland trails, and crossing the A322 twice)
Start/End Point: St John the Baptist Church lay-by, Church Road, Windlesham (GU20 6BL)
Before You Start
📌 Note: Parking is available in the church lay-by when there are no services or events. Please stick strictly to the public footpaths, particularly when crossing the Windlesham Golf Course.
*Map generated via AI for experience purposes only
The Route & History
Leg 1
Windlesham to Lightwater (Via the Arboretum)
Directions: Turn left outside the Church and walk past Birch Hall on Church Road. Turn right into Rectory Lane and follow it to the end, taking the footpath sign into the field. Cross the motorway bridge, go straight through the kissing gate, and join the footpath leading into the Windlesham Arboretum
Directions: At the cross track, go straight over. Once past the pond, turn right at the footpath sign. Follow the path as it crosses the Windle Brook via a small wooden bridge. Turn left at the junction heading towards the motorway.
Directions: Continue straight ahead past the properties onto South Farm Lane. When the lane meets the A322, turn left and use the crossing point to cross the dual carriageway carefully
Hidden History: The Windlesham Arboretum was created from 1957 onwards by Major William Spowers. Look to your left by the coded entry gate along this stretch to catch a glimpse of his memorial statue of Pegasus.
Leg 2
Through Lightwater Country Park
Directions: Walk down The Avenue adjacent to the A322, following signs for Lightwater Country Park. Turn right into Lightwater Cemetery. Walk down the main path between the large bay trees to enter the park woodland.
Directions: Follow the main path diagonally across the clearing, passing a large clump of rhododendrons on your right. Head through the gap in the fence, take the path down the hill, and go straight at the cross track to walk between the two lakes.
Directions: Follow the shoreline of Hammond's Pond past the benches. Turn left at the small jetty, bear right away from the water, and head uphill past the grazing area and the sports center.
Hidden History: These 143 acres were originally part of Bagshot Heath and were used by the monarchy for hunting back in the 17th century.
Leg 3
Lightwater to Bagshot
Directions: Turn right onto the track level with the sports center, bear left at the end, and use the footbridge to cross back over the motorway. Take the center of the three paths towards the Connaught Park estate, which brings you out onto Whitmoor Road.
Directions: Cross the road, follow the footpath past the Curley Park Rangers Football Club, and turn left at Connaught Junior School. Head down to Bagshot Green, turn left, and follow the road as it bends right toward Guildford Road.
Leg 4
Bagshot Station back to Windlesham
Directions: Turn left at the post box on Guildford Road, use the Zebra Crossing, and walk under the railway viaduct arch. Turn right into Wardle Close, then right onto the pathway alongside the tracks leading to Station Road.
Directions: From the station, turn left onto Lory Ridge. Take the steps on the right up to the railway footbridge, cross over, and walk past the garages on Fremantle Road. Look for the kissing gate in the grass verge and take the steps up to the A322.
Directions: Cross safely and follow the clearly marked public footpath onto Windlesham Golf Course. After crossing two fairways past the clubhouse, join the track passing Hall Grove School. Pass the lake, cross the final bridge, and exit straight ahead onto Church Road. Turn right, walk past the Half Moon pub, and you are back at the church.
Hidden History: Bagshot Station and its viaduct were built in 1878. Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales famously used this line when visiting the Duke of Connaught at nearby Bagshot Park.
Recommended Pit Stops
The Halfway Mark:The coffee shop at Bagshot Station is open daily for drinks and snacks.
The Finish Line: Reward yourself with a drink or meal at the Half Moon pub on Church Road just before arriving back at the church.