Hankley and Elstead Commons

Hankley & Elstead Commons are located on the Longmoor Training Area which is situated on the boundary of Surrey and Hampshire between the towns of Bordon, Liphook, Farnham and Guildford.

Site Description

The Commons represent some of the finest remaining heathland in Southern England and are nationally important for their bird, reptile and invertebrate populations. Elstead, Ockley and Royal Commons are part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. The commons are covered with heather, bracken and woodlands of birch and Scots Pine.

In 1996, the whole of the training area was given a 'Forest of Excellence' award by the Forest Commission, which reflects the exceptional management of the landscape, wildlife conservation, timber production and public access in the area. The training area is used for logistics and minor infantry manoeuvre exercises.

Access Opportunities

Public access is permitted along public rights of way across both Commons at all times. This includes two walks across the open heathland of Elstead and Royal Commons. In addition open access on foot is available in those areas delineated by the managed access symbol on Ordnance Survey Explorer maps. When walking in the training area you are requested not to interrupt military training and to observe the Byelaws.

There are parking areas at The Moat on Elstead Common, at the entrance to Royal Common and at Hankley Common. See "Related pages/documents" on the right hand side of this page for a map of the walk.

General Safety

• Please do not approach or pick up any metal objects
• Please note that no camping or fires are allowed
• Keep to the designated path. Where there are boardwalks these must be used and walkers must not walk on the surrounding ground
• Please keep dogs under proper control
• The pond on Royal Common is strictly out of bounds
• Some sections of the promoted routes may be boggy and very wet and might be impassable during certain seasons of the year. Slight deviations from the route may be necessary

For Further Information ……

For further information on access to the Commons telephone 01420 483331.

OS Map References

OS Landranger Sheet 186 (1:50,000)
OS Explorer Sheet 145 (1:25,000)