Length: 19.2km (12 miles) with the possibility to shorten further by taking a bus from Frensham Ponds or from Waverley Abbey.
Toughness 4 out of 10
Trains: 10.23 from London Waterloo (Clapham Junction 10.30, Surbiton 10.41) arriving Bentley 11.32
Return trains from Farnham run twice an hour, at xx:28 and xx.58 until 17:28, then 17:34, 18:28 and 18:34.
Buy a return to Bentley.
This walk takes you through Alice Holt Ancient Forest, Surrey Hills, Scotch Pine Forest, and remote heather filled heathland, Frensham Great and Little Ponds. Swimming is possible at the Great Pond where there is a beach area.
Lunch: There is a snack bar at Frensham Great Pond and a cafe at the Frensham Little Pond.
Two pubs are mentioned in the directions:
The Barley Mow Tilford Green, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2BU (01252 792 205) is located 12.6 km (7.8 mi) into the short walk and 19.4 km (12.0 mi) into the long walk.
The Bel and the Dragon Jumps Road, Churt is only passed on the long walk (01428 605 799)
(8.5 mi) into the
walk.
Tea: In Farnham, the following pubs are mentioned:
The Mulberry Station Hill, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8AD (01252 726 673,
The Lamb Abbey Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7RJ (01252 714 133.The William Cobbet, Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7QR (01252 726 281). Open all day every day.
l=swc.184
3 comments:
Latest information on Waverly Council and environment agency websites is that great pond is closed to bathers due to blue green algae.
Thanks. A shame, but good to know in advance.
N=17 set off from Bentley on this walk which offered lots of welcome shade from unaccustomed w=sunshine and mid 20s temperatures. A few people stopped for refreshment at the Bluebell Inn and later caught up with the others who picnicked on the beach at Frensham Great Pond. The water looked very inviting but none of us swam. We didn't see any warnings about water safety and some children were splashing about in it. Heather was out- great expanses of pale pink, just in bloom and patches of vivid purple here and there which looked a bit older. Frensham Little Pond looked very nice and less busy than the Great Pond. It too has a swimming area and the Tern cafe nesting in the shade by the edge of the pond. A good picnic spot. Three had taken the bus from the Great Pond, the rest carried on to Tilford and on the way a keen eyed walker spotted an Emerald butterfly (or was it moth) which allowed itself to be picked up and photographed. It was leaf-coloured and veined. Amazing camouflage. On to Tilford and the Barley Mow where 12 stopped for drinks in their garden. There is now a coffee shop attached to the pub which had some tempting cakes. After a pleasant sojourn there, we tackled the final stretch to Farnham where most caught the 17.28 back to Waterloo.
Post a Comment