Chessington, The Forest and Epsom Common

The successful 18th-century novelist Frances Burney often visited Chessington Hall. Nearby, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and its zoo were established in 1931 in the grounds of Burnt Stub Manor (originally built in 1348 as an archery school, later captured by Cromwell's troops during the Civil War and reduced to a 'burnt stub' before being rebuilt in 1660).

Throughout the walk, paths and lanes are shaded by magnificent oak trees (many of them pollarded). Leaving the forest, the route follows a bridleway crossed by a Roman road, reaching Stew Pond (an old fish pond surrounded by woods).

Horton Country Park is a wooded recreation and amenities area occupying an upland watershed between tributaries of the Hogsmill River. Much of the park is left completely natural without artificial fertilizers, providing rich meadows and thistles that attract butterflies such as tortoiseshells.

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.