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Explore local wildlife and history on this scenic walking route between Chessington South Station and Malden Rushett.
CHESSINGTON SOUTH - MALDEN RUSHETT WALK
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Discover the links between Chessington South and Malden Rushett along the Kingston upon Thames borough boundary. Choose between short walks (2.5 mi - 3.5 mi) and long walks (3.5 mi - 6 mi) cutting off in alternate routes through the various farms and wooded areas.
THE 'GHOST' RAILWAY
In the 1930s the Southern railway company planned to extend the Chessington branch line starting at Motspur Park to Leatherhead. A station was planned for Malden Rushett, this was intended to complement the associated ribbon development and housing estate that would have seen the line on the east of the Malden Rushett crossroads.
This “Ghost” railway line extension and housing development did not progress due to the outbreak of World War II.
Following the cessation of hostilities in 1945 the new greenbelt policy was introduced with stricter town and country planning laws. These laws prevented the planned development and railway line completion to Leatherhead.
HOW TO GET THERE
Train - South Western railway between
Vauxhall and Chessington South.
Bus - Between Kingston Town centre -
Chessington South 465, 71
Car - Parking is available at Epsom Common
Car park, Chessington World of Adventures,
The Star - Malden Rushett, The Shy Horse
On your way around, follow this easy read guide and discover fascinating local history and wildlife. For further exploration, you can also join a number of walks, trails and parks connecting into the route.
Allow between 2 - 4 hours depending on your choice of route. Walking shoes or comfortable footwear recommended.
TELEGRAPH HILL
Within Rushett Common is Telegraph Hill - earlier known as Cabbage Hill – which was the site of a telegraph communication station on the Admiralty Shutter telegraph line. This used the shutter system to communicate between London and Portsmouth from 1796 until 1816. The buildings were small two-roomed wooden huts with a frame which held the six wooden shutters. The station was replaced by a semaphore station built at Claygate. In the 20th century, its height was slightly reduced to facilitate a water reservoir at its peak.
RUSHETT FARM
Rushett Farm has existed for hundreds of years. It is the home to light aircraft/aviator enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a very pleasant walk over ancient public rights of way – crossing the farmland between Ashtead Common and Leatherhead Road A243. Amongst the farm building is a pop-up coffee bar, at popular times - Wednesday to Sunday afternoon. Glamping facilities are also available at the site.
The Bonesgate stream rises at Malden Rushett in the far south of the royal borough of Kingston upon Thames. In the early years of the 20th century, the Bonesgate stream was known as ‘The Rythe’ a name which is today attached to a totally different stream to the west of the borough. The origin of the name ‘Bonesgate’ stems from the old English Bone or Bonne which would have been a proper name, and gate meaning a gap in a wall, hence a gap in a wall belonging to Bonne. The Bonesgate stream meets the Hogsmill River at Tolworth which flows down to meet the River Thames at Kingston town centre.
PRINCES COVERTS
It is 864 acres of a managed woodland, incorporating Oxshott woods and 60 acre wood. Prince's Coverts is named after Prince (later King) Leopold I of Belgium, who lived at Claremont Park, Esher 1 mile (1.6 km) north-west, which remains linked by a bridleway across Arbrook Common and Farm which has two white-painted metal coal tax posts. The Claremont Estate was purchased for the future King Leopold in 1816. He later acquired nearby common
land which became a shooting estate. This area became known as Prince's Coverts. Following his death, the estate was repurchased by the Crown since then, it has been managed by the Crown Estate.
ROMAN VILLA AND CLAY POND
The Ashtead Roman Villa and Bathhouse dates to the 1st and 2nd century AD. In the north of Ashtead Common a number of earthworks and other features surround the site. The villa is a rare type of corridor villa, with considerable evidence that it adjoined a large scale tile manufactory. A branch road from the Roman road Stane
Street approaches the site.
JUBILEE & SIXTY ACRE WOODS
Perhaps London’s most botanically diverse woodland, with many regionally rare species. The wood is also important for mammals and birds like Tawny Owl, bats and newts which can be found in nearby ponds. It is probably London’s best site for woodland butterflies. The white-letter hairstreak butterfly can be found here.
SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY
Whilst using this walking guide, you can arrive at Chessington South station and begin your journey here. There are several bus stops on the Leatherhead road that lead to several points on walking route.
Other walking routes:
Tolworth - Chessington walk
Tolworth - Malden Manor - Berrylands
Thames Down link
Hogsmill River trail - Kingston rail station to Malden Manor station
Hogsmill River trail - Malden Manor station to Ewell West rail station
Chessington Countryside walk
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