The Golf Course & Valley End Walk
A journey across the fairways of Sunningdale Golf Course, the historic hamlet of Brick Hill, and returning via Valley End's peaceful paths.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Distance: 4.6 miles (7.4 km) circular route
Difficulty: Moderate (includes gentle uphill walking and a mix of public footpaths, woodland tracks, and golf course crossings)
Start/End Point: The public car park to the right of the Brickmakers Arms, Chertsey Road, Windlesham (GU20 6HT).
Before You Start
📌 Note: Parts of this trail cross the active playing fairways of Sunningdale Golf Course. Please stay strictly to the designated public footpaths, keep an eye out for golfers, and ensure dogs are kept under close control.
*Map generated via AI for experience purposes only
The Route & History
Leg 1
The Ribsden Estate to Sunningdale Golf Course
Directions: With your back to the main road at the car park, follow the public footpath sign visible on the left-hand side. Walk directly uphill alongside the boundary garden of the Brickmakers Arms.
Directions: Continue following the footpath straight ahead, passing Ribsden Cottage, Little Ribsden, and Upper Ribsden (note that this section can occasionally be a bit overgrown). Shortly after passing Upper Ribsden, turn left at the T-junction and keep going straight on, ignoring a path that joins from your right.
Hidden History: The Ribsden buildings you are passing were built on the grounds of the historic Ribsden House estate (dating to the late 1870s). In 1911, it was purchased by Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria, who moved here to be close to her brother, the Duke of Connaught, at nearby Bagshot Park. During her time here, she utilized cottages on the estate to run charitable convalescent homes.
Leg 2
Crossing the Fairways
Directions: Pass through the trees, cross a small wooden sleeper bridge, and look for a yellow-topped post. Follow the line of these yellow markers across the second fairway, heading toward the edge of the woodland directly ahead. Follow the marked path through the trees until you exit the golf course grounds onto a wide gravel track.
Directions: Follow the path until it opens out directly onto Sunningdale Golf Course. Walk straight across the first fairway, aiming for a small gap in the trees on the opposite side.
Hidden History: Opened in 1901, Sunningdale Golf Course was laid out across the undulating, sandy terrain of the local heathland. The gravel tracks running through this section were historically used by horse-drawn carts transporting materials for local brick-making.
Leg 3
Through Brick Hill to Valley End
Directions: Turn right onto the wide gravel track. Follow it as it leads you into the historic hamlet of Brick Hill. Continue along the main road through the hamlet until you reach a junction with a public footpath sign on your left, pointing down a set of steps
Directions: Go down the steps and follow the footpath into the woodland. This trail will guide you all the way down to a small footbridge crossing the Windle Brook. Cross the bridge and follow the path up the opposite bank, which opens out into the peaceful community of Valley End.
Hidden History: Brick Hill owes its name to the rich clay deposits found in the soil here. From the 18th to the early 20th century, this small community was a bustling hub for local brick-making, supplying building materials for many of Windlesham's older properties.
Leg 4
The Return Journey via Valley End Bridleway
Directions:Turn right onto Valley End Road, walking past the historic local school and church. Continue along the road as it becomes a designated public bridleway, cutting a straight line through the surrounding fields and woodland.
Directions: Follow this peaceful bridleway for roughly a mile as it heads back toward Windlesham. The track will eventually bring you back out onto Chertsey Road, just a short walk away from your starting point at the pub.
Recommended Pit Stops
The Finish Line: Treat yourself to a well-earned drink or a hot meal at the Brickmakers Arms pub right at the end of your walk.