Liphook to Fernhurst circular walk

Discover the wooded weald and remnants of an iron cannon making era.

Mainly forested paths (muddy when wet) and public roads. One stile and one steep hill at Stanley Hanger.

Getting Here

By bus: There are regular services to Liphook and Haslemere, visit traveline.info/se

By rail: The nearest railway stations are Liphook and Haslemere. Visit nationalrail.co.uk

Points of Interest

Fernhurst Furnace

The remains of Fernhurst Furnace, also known as North Park Furnace, are some of the best preserved in the Sussex Weald. It is believed the site was in use between 1614 until 1777 when the iron industry flourished here in the 17th and 18th centuries using local ore, charcoal and water power.

The untouched nature of the site and the rural surrounding make it hard to imagine the production of cast iron, tools and cannon once happened here. It was effectively the beginning of the Industrial Revolution and even though there are many ‘hammer/furnace’ ponds throughout East and West Sussex, many people know little about the great historical and social importance of this bygone industry.

Directions

1. Exit Liphook Station bearing left on the road. Turn left on the Portsmouth Road.
2. After the Links Tavern turn left onto the byway. At the other side of the railway bridge continue straight ahead on the footpath, then turn left on the Sussex Border Path. At the fork turn left and continue to the road.
3. Cross the road and continue on Highfield Lane turning right onto the first bridleway.
4. Turn right onto the Serpent Trail and follow Trail markers to Iron Hill car park. Turn left, then right at the bridleway T-junction and continue to the road.
5. Turn left along the road, taking the first footpath right and continue into the woods. Turn left at the footpath junction, then right at the bridleway. Cross a small brook and continue until the bridleway bears right.
6. Take the footpath left through the gate. Continue along the field edge, through a gate and merge onto the bridleway.
7. Continue across the Fernhurst Furnace dam, along the bridleway to the wood and out into a narrow field. Continue until you emerge beside Lower Lodge Farm and the candle factory.
8. Turn right at the road and at the next junction follow the road to Lynchmere. After 600 metres turn left on the footpath, then left at the footpath T-junction. Continue through the woods passing a cottage, then at the T-junction turn left and follow the path.
9. Turn right at the next junction and continue up the hill. Pass Stanley Farm and continue through the gate beside the cattle grid. At the bridleway T-junction turn left and follow bridleway signs until you reach the road.
10. Cross the road and follow the pavement back to Liphook, cross the railway
    footbridge and turn right down the steps to return to the station.