Bannet two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 60.00% of reviewers

Unfortunately you can no longer download this route's GPX file (which is why I only gave 4 stars and a "Maybe" recommendation). BanNet Three has just been added and which you can download a near identical version from the new route BanNet Four instead.

I walked as part of the 2025 National Parks Trail Challenge. What a lovely walk! Especially the middle section which is relatively wild rather than straight farmland. I started from Banstead but ended prematurely at the Star Lane bus stop in Hooley (405, TfL, nearest public transport to Netherne). I'd come down the very steep and frequently used path just four months earlier and after two hilly Slow Ways that day I wasn't keen to check for new and unlikely obstructions. FYI Netherne does have a small shop plus a badly publicised café in the cricket pavilion ///chest.rents.host on Fridays and Saturdays.

I decided to walk this route at the very last minute but without the GPX I hastily and inaccurately recreated it on my phone. So I went along a different path down Chipstead Downs to Outwood Lane, deviating for about 1km. That path had a steep and rough downhill part near ///pass.lift.like with some loose and slippery surfaces and a twisty scramble around fallen trees and high roots, I'm not recommending it. But it does go under the railway instead of using a level crossing and also goes alongside a rather lovely chalk grassland on the hillside (Photo 1). I found out later that Chipstead Downs, a local nature reserve (not sure who owns it) and that the attractive valley south of Outwood Lane is Shabden Park, owned by Surrey Wildlife Trust.

My other concern was walking along a bit of High Rd, south of Chipstead at ///hint.data.twins that had no visible pavement, where a thick hedge and brambles were growing over and into the narrow verge. At 6pm on a weekday the traffic was fast and busy and as the roadway is pretty narrow as was the verge and so when wide SUVs went past and then a large lorry it was uncomfortably close e.g. photo 2 and G Maps screenshot 3. While going through Chipstead Village Woodland immediately afterwards (which has several log circles for seating) I found out from dogwalkers that locals go through the adjacent (technically private) sports grounds instead, screenshot of Strava Heatmap attached as evidence of regular use by runners too. This small change is the only difference made to BanNet Three. The southern edge of the pitch has a deliberate and unlockable gap in the boundary fence (see photo) by a small pond (with a couple of benches). Photos show the pitch fence gap, pond (with bench) and view into the grounds from the road.

I did this walk again - from Netherne to Banstead this time. A good country walk with a short distances along a few quiet roads. The path up to Noke Farm is quite overgrown so long trousers are recommended! Trains pass the level crossing every half-hour and usually toot. M&S Food at Banstead and bus S1 and 420 to Sutton, 166 to Epsom and Croydon (via Coulsdon).

I walked this on a warm sunny afternoon, from Netherne On-the-Hill to Banstead. It had rained a little overnight.

From Netherne the route starts along a lit path (photo #1) and then heads down to cross the railway at Hooley where there is some pavement walking along quiet residential streets (photo #2). Soon it then encounters farmland and up a hill along the side of fields (photo #4). After a nice section through woodland (photo #5), there is a little stretch along a street with no pavement. But also few cars (photo #6). Soon the route goes up again along fields, open space chalk land (photo #7, #8, #9), and down the hill to cross a level crossing. On the other side, you then walk up, in some place steeply, through "meadows" with loads of wild flowers. I took a little rest here on a bench (photo #10). After the top of the hill, the route follows the edges of fields (photo #11) to end up on Holly Lane (photo #12) which leads into Banstead's village.

Good route connecting Banstead to Netherne.
This routes corrects the problems with Bannet one, and provides safe passage across the A23 at Hooley and up the hill to Netherne (last two photos).
Most of the walk is through lovely North Downs chalk farmland and woods, some ups and downs of course!
Good paths and easy to follow. There’s a railway crossing (photo) and few short stretches along lanes with no pavement (photo), but nothing dangerous.
There aren’t any intermediate refreshments, so take something along for a traditional fieldside picnic.

Good countryside walk. Some steep sections and vegetation. Only suitable for walkers. Shops at Banstead, at Hooley (BP garage at A23 traffic lights, Star Lane) and convenience store in Netherne. Cross A23 at traffic lights. Footpath up the hill to Netherne.

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