Frensham Little Pond
Farnham
Children will love the little beaches around the pond.
Lots of ducks and swans on Frensham Little Pond
The Basics
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Terrain: Flat, sandy paths.
Pushchair: The path around the pond is suitable for pushchairs, but you will need to miss out the path to Snowball Ridge.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome but should be on leads from May to September and they should not enter the water at any time.
Refreshments: Light lunches, hot drinks and snacks from The Tern Café with outdoor seating beside the pond.
Toilets: There are toilets behind the café.
Public Transport: Take a train to Haslemere station, then the Stagecoach 19 bus to St. Mary’s School in Frensham. From there it is a 25 minute walk to the pond.
Parking: There are two car parks along Priory Lane, free to National Trust members or £2/1 hour, £4/2 hours, £6/4 hours - Just Park app (Postcode: GU10 3BT - W3W: ///stylists.skirting.lavender). For our walk, we recommend using the first car park.
The medieval stone dam ahead
Many people will be familiar with Frensham Little Pond’s nearby big brother, the Great Pond, which provides a well-known inland beach and swimming spot. But just around the corner is this smaller version and the good news is that as swimming is not allowed here, nature thrives and the crowds are fewer. Easy to navigate paths will take you around the entire pond with a cafe stop along the way.
The Route
Exit the car park towards the information board and sign that says ‘cafe and pond walk’. Just as you reach the information board, turn right and walk upwards, soon coming to some rough steps cut into the hillside (people with pushchairs should avoid this path by continuing along the original path towards the cafe). At the top of the hill, take the first proper path to the left and walk along the ridge. There will be a couple of areas with benches where you can pause and enjoy the view down to the pond. Continue in a straight line along the ridge until you drop downhill through the trees.
At the bottom of the hill, you should see The Tern Cafe to your left and a beach ahead of you. Turn right and begin walking around the pond, always with the water to your left. At a sandy intersection of a number of paths, take the first left. The pond will disappear from view behind trees, but you should always stay on the path closest to the water.
You will eventually come to a small section of boardwalk over a bog. Follow the boardwalk and turn left at the end, once again keeping on the closest path to the pond.
When you reach a tall fence with open space beyond, turn left and walk with the fence to your right. The fence will then veer off to your right but you should keep close to the water on your left. The trees will thin and you will start to see the water again.
The next point of interest will be the Medieval dam at the head of the pond. Keep this to your left and cross over a little bridge. When you reach the lane, veer left and walk along the path that runs parallel to it. Cross the delivery track for the cafe and then when you reach the cross path, turn left for the cafe or go straight on for the car park.
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Did you know?
In 1940 the pond was drained to stop it being used as a recognisable landmark for enemy aircraft. The area was then used as a military training ground until it was refilled nearly a decade later.
If you liked this walk…
…try this one around Frensham Great Pond which has similar scenery, but you can swim in the water.
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