A 4-mile circular walk, lowland heath with rare wildlife, and several historic sites give Pirbright a variety of points of interest. The Pirbright circular walk starts in Pirbright village and passes through fields, woodland and heathland. For planning a trip, walking, nature and local history are distinct themes to explore.
Circular Walk and Footpath Network
The Pirbright circular walk is a 4-mile circular route starting in Pirbright village. It passes through fields, woodland and heathland. Its circular route and distance make it a clearly defined option for spending time outdoors. In addition, a network of footpaths connects farms with the church and village centre. These offer different kinds of walking: the circular walk is a single route of a stated length, while the network provides links between specific local destinations. You can therefore decide whether you prefer a clearly defined circuit or paths between village destinations.
Heathland and Military History
The Pirbright Ranges are among the largest remaining areas of lowland heath in Surrey. The area is rich in heathland wildlife, including many rare species; access is restricted. Another option is the Pirbright Military Heritage Trail. It follows existing public rights of way (PROW) and permissive paths around the Pirbright Danger Area (PDA). Its 13 information boards cover the safe use of MOD land, military history and ecology. The distinction between the area and the route matters when deciding what to visit: access to the Ranges is restricted, while the Trail follows existing public rights of way and permissive paths.
Church and Local History
The Church of St Michael and All Angels was rebuilt in 1784 and welcomes visitors daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Its churchyard is home to the impressive granite tomb of journalist and explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley. The Pirbright War Memorial was unveiled in 1920 as a First World War memorial; a plaque commemorating the Second World War was added later. The memorial is Grade II listed. Cowshot Manor is a former hall house dating from the early 16th century, with 17th-century extensions. Together, these dated buildings and memorial sites span the early 16th to the 20th century: Cowshot Manor represents an earlier architectural history, while the church and war memorial mark later periods.
Getting There and Planning Your Visit
Stagecoach bus route 91 serves Pirbright Green. If you are considering this connection for your journey, check the timetable before travelling. You can also take into account the Church of St Michael and All Angels’ daily visiting hours, from 10 am to 4 pm. The bus route concerns getting there; the visiting hours provide a time frame for a church visit.
Discover more destinations: Betchworth, Dorking, Egham, Reigate, Shepperton, Seale, Sunbury-On-Thames, Hersham
For the broader travel overview: Surrey.
