Thought you might like a break from electioneering. So, I’m going public on an idea to create a safe and good quality countryside path for walkers, cyclists and the disabled around the Pirbright ranges. I mentioned this idea to one of the discussion groups at the recent Deepcut village consultation, and thought it worth describing my idea in greater detail.
I live in Lightwater, from where I frequently walk across Brentmoor Heath to West End and back. I also walk in the opposite direction alongside Red Road up to Heatherside. The thought occurred to me, wouldn’t it be good if there was a good quality path from Lightwater to Heatherside, onto Deepcut, along the Basingstoke Canal to Brookwood, then to Bisley, onto West End, and finally back to Lightwater. A circular countryside and heritage trail in the heart of Surrey Heath.
Briefly, the advantages of this path are that it:
- Lets residents from any village walk or cycle to any other village safely away from road traffic.
- Promotes the healthy option to walk or cycle over use of the car.
- Connects the villages, not only through the circular path, but culturally too. I don’t think there’s bus route that follows my suggested route, and the road journey takes in the difficult Gapemouth Road.
- Offers enormous tourist potential. The path could promoted, both nationally and regionally, for people to enjoy the lovely Surrey Heath countryside. Tourism provides opportunity for small local business in the villages, particularly Deepcut, Bisley and West End, to service tourists, walkers, and cyclists with car parking, refreshments, and comfort stops, and more.
- Puts Surrey Heath on the cultural and tourism map.
- Integrates the Basinstoke Canal into the Surrey Heath countryside experience.
I haven’t settled on a name for the path, others I’m sure are more creative than me. I’ve sort of given it the name Surrey Heath Countryside & Heritage Trail. I’m told that it’s 12 miles around the Pirbright Ranges, which is too much to walk in one day, expect for the supremely fit. And so, I think four quadrants to the walk would be best. Each part offering its own unique heritage and countryside experience. Heatherside with views from Chobham Ridges, Deepcut with its ’Tin Church’ and Canal; Bisley with the NRA; West End with Brentmoor Heath and the Saxon barrows; and finally Lightwater with Folly Bog and Hangmoor.
Much of the path exists and is substantial. But, there are gaps and the surface quality varies too. What is needed is the paths being joined up, and the missing parts created to make the path circular. Enough for now. I’ve more walking and investigating to do.
Tim Dodds, Borough Councillor for Lightwater
Just seen this idea. I have several times walked a circle around Pirbright ranges from my home in Frimley Green largely following this route around the ranges. The main issue would be possibly making paths bigger/wider through the important heathland which needs to be discouraged. There is also a risk that smokers will use the path and start fires which the heath is obviously vulerable to. If the route could avoid those risks I would be fully in favour.
I like that idea a lot – I would use such a path / route for running and cycling, plus family Sunday strolls.
I like that idea too.
Tim, your really onto something here. Its clear it has great support. Well done.
David
The DELPHI Trail, nice one. I knew I was no good at creating names for things. Tim
I like the idea and it could be part of the Deepcut plan to include such a path. Deepcut, Lightwater,Pirbright Heatherside with an I on the end(for Investigate) could be the DELPHI trail.
It would make a good round walk or have opportunities to be done in parts as suggested
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What a great idea – will any part of the suggested route go anywhere near Brookwood Railway Station? If so, it might become a popular route for commuters to cycle to the station. Also great training for runners.
Cost is obviously a major part if this project even gets off the drawing board. I agree this has to be accessible to all but if it can’t all be accessable then at least a large part must be. At last a Cllr who is in touch with what locals want.
Hugaby, Deachy, & Rider
Thanks for positive views. The key to success is the quality of the path as each of you have said. Unfortunately that’s where the expense is. However I’ve already heard of one way of stabilising surfaces. I’ve quite a bit more research to do, hopefully soon, before I put it to the authorities. Oh, and I mustn’t forget to talk to the Army.
I’ll keep you all posted. Rgds, Tim
A good idea. The path would need to be made fairly smooth for wheelchair use though. Better than the Basingstoke Canal tow-path for instance. Perhaps up to the same standards as the paths in Frimley Lodge Park. Is that possible?
I think this is a fantastic idea and very ‘creative’. I do hope you can get the necessary support. One ‘plea’ and you have mentioned it, please ensure that the footpaths are suitable for the diabled and to the same extent for parents with pushchairs and prams.
Good work
I also think this is a superb idea and one that is totally in keeping with the “sustainable” theme that came out of the Deepcut Planning event.
Hugaby is right to ‘plea’ to ensure footpaths are disabled friendly and for parents with push chairs.
Tim, your on to somthing here. How do we make sure this stays in the agenda?