Farnham to Frensham: A Tame Walk and a Wild Swim
26 people attending
4 places left
Frensham village: St Mary's Church dates from 1239 and contains many original features, despite restoration. There is also a large cauldron which allegedly either belonged to the local witch Mother Ludlam, or the fairies.
Frensham Great Pond, Frensham Little Pond and Frensham Commons: The lakes are 12th-century fishponds created for the Bishop of Winchester. The Commons that surround them are important SSSIs, home to Dartford warblers, sand lizards and nightjars, and managed by the National Trust. In World War II the ponds were drained, but they were subsequently restored and became a popular spot for London daytrippers in the past and the film and TV industry forever since. Waverley District Council run a cafe and toilets next to the Great Pond where the swimming takes place. Dogs are not permitted on the beach. See: http://www.waverley.gov.uk/info/200073/parks_and_countryside/693/frensh…
Bourne Wood: Silver birches and pines cloak a knoll in which a clearing affords lovely views over Farnham and surrounding woodland. Here, the Forestry Commission and RSPB have to balance the needs of nature, recreation and, notably, the UK film industry. See http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/englandsurreynoforestbournewood and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bourne_Wood for a list of films shot here.
Tilford: A delightful village situated at the confluence of the north and south branches of the River Wey. It has a triangular plan outlined by tile-roofed cottages and some fine Georgian houses. Edwin Lutyens designed the Institute, and there are an attractive pair of medieval bridges crossing the streams. We could visit the Barley Mow pub which dates from 1705. See http://www.thebarleymowtilford.com/.
What to bring
Bring swimming trunks and a towel if you intend to swim.
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and lots to drink with you before we set off. You can get refreshments at Frensham Great Pond cafe and at The Barley Mow in Tilford.