Blackborough Common Walks & Route Map

This is a lovely, easy walk perfect for a short stroll around Blackborough Common. At the start of the route, you'll find an information display on the old church notice board, offering fascinating details about the area's history.

Learn about the local whetstone mining, the nearby church, Blackborough House, and Blackborough Beacon, adding a layer of interest to your walk.

The trail meanders through beautiful woodland, providing peaceful surroundings and plenty of shade. Along the way, you'll enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding countryside, making this a pleasant and relaxing route for walkers of all abilities.

This lovely, varied walk offers a peaceful rural experience, guiding you through a mix of heathland, woodland, quite county lanes and open countryside. The route takes you through diverse landscapes, eventually leading you to the charming village of Bodmiscombe.

As you near the end of the walk and re-enter the common, keep an eye out for remnants of the old whetstone mining industry.

What might seem like a simple pile of stones to a casual passerby is, in fact, marked on old maps as 'Garnsey's Tower' - a relic that will intrigue the more curious visitor with its forgotten history.

There is some walking along a quiet country lane on this route, so please take care.

This slightly longer walk offers the same rich variety and interest as Walk 2, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of the historic whetstone miners.

The walk takes you through Blackborough Common, keep an eye out for the remnants of Garnsey's Tower, an intriguing relic of the area's mining past.

There are two steady uphill sections along the way, but they provide superb vantage points with wonderful views at various spots.

As you continue, you'll pass the site of some of the old whetstone mines, along with the chapel where many miners once worshipped.

The route takes you to Hill Gate where you'll be rewarded with wonderful views of the surrounding countryside before descending to the village of Saint Hill.

Continue across peaceful farmland and quiet country lanes back to the start of the walk.

There is some walking along a quiet country lane on this route, so please take care.