Winkworth Arboretum: woodland and Rowe’s Flashe lake

A 3.7 km circuit through Winkworth Arboretum’s hillside woodland, wetland boardwalks and the paths around Rowe’s Flashe lake. Allow about two hours for the steep sections, steps and stops among the trees. Spring blossom and bluebells, summer shade and autumn leaf colour all give this Surrey arboretum a reason to visit in different seasons.

Start inside the visitor car park off Hascombe Road and go to the welcome centre for admission. Follow the northern woodland paths, then the wetland boardwalks towards the lake. Continue around the eastern and southern lake paths before returning along the western shore and climbing back towards the upper arboretum and welcome centre. Use the plotted route at the many junctions. This circuit combines paths on the National Trust’s June 2026 map, rather than following one colour-marked trail throughout.

The grounds are hilly. Expect narrow winding paths, roots, steep slopes and several flights of steps. This circuit is suited to walkers comfortable with uneven ground; ask at the welcome centre for the shorter accessible upper-arboretum route if you need gentler terrain. Wear shoes with grip, take care on wet boardwalks and leaves, and keep back from the lake and stream edges. Dogs must stay on short leads throughout the arboretum.

Admission and parking are paid, with National Trust members needing their individual membership cards and parking check-in. The welcome centre has a café and toilets. Check current opening and last-entry times before visiting. The National Trust advises that the roads from Godalming station have no pavements and are unsuitable for pedestrians; use the bus or a booked taxi rather than walking that approach.

Route and access information checked against the National Trust’s June 2026 Winkworth map and current visitor information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/winkworth-arboretum/index