Bentley to Farnham walk

Alice Holt Ancient Forest, Surrey Hills, Scotch Pine Forest, and remote heather filled heathland, Frensham Great and Little Ponds (swimming)

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Date Option Post # Weather
Wed, 03-Jul-24 Bentley to Farnham (with shortcut to Tilford) 11 cloudy but warm
Sat, 06-Apr-24 Bentley to Farnham (with shortcut from Frensham to Tilford) 1
Wed, 09-Aug-23 Wednesday walk - Bentley to Farnham - using shortcut from Frensham Common to Tilford 17 sunshine
Sat, 10-Sep-22 Saturday Walk - Alice Holt Ancient Forest, Surrey Hills, Scotch Pine Forest, remote heather filled heathland, Frensham Ponds (swimming): Bentley to Farnham 4 cloudy initially then mainly sunny
Sat, 21-Aug-21 Saturday walk - Bentley to Farnham - Hopefully heather 12 It did not rain
Sat, 31-Oct-20 Saturday Walk - Ancient Forests and Heathlands: Bentley to Farnham 9 hard rain to 1 then improving to blue skies
Sat, 16-Nov-19 Saturday Walk: Bentley to Farnham 17 initally beautiful weather clouding over later
Sun, 12-Aug-18 Heavenly Heather en route from Bentley to Farnham 5 grey skies followed by light but persistent rain for a spell then drying out for the afternoon
Sat, 02-Sep-17 Bentley to Farnham - woodland, heather, maybe even a swim
Sat, 30-Jan-16 Saturday Second Walk - Hampshire-Surrey borderlands 20 lovely sunshine
Sun, 17-May-15 Sunday Second Walk - Surrey heathlands 6
Wed, 08-Oct-14 Bentley to Farnham
Sun, 27-Jul-14 Bentley to Farnham 12
Sandy

Length: 19.2 km (12 miles) 4/10 (or 26km, 6/10 for the full walk without a shortcut).

This walk was posted in April but train cancellations meant only one local walker made it to Farnham. So let's try again. It takes you through Alice Holt Ancient Forest, remote heather-filled heathland, Frensham Great and Little Ponds and Tilford village. At the time of writing, the Great Pond was open for swimming – check for the latest position here .

Trains: 0953 from London Waterloo (Clapham Junction 1000, Surbiton 1011) arriving Bentley 1102. If you running a bit late you could get the faster 1000 from Waterloo and change at Woking (1024/1030).

Return trains from Farnham run twice an hour, at xx:28 and xx.58. Buy a return to Bentley (Hampshire).

Lunch: There is a snack bar at Frensham Great Pond and a cafe at Frensham Little Pond. The Barley Mow Tilford Green, Tilford, Surrey GU10 2BU (01252 792 205) is located 12.6 km into the posted walk (19.4 km into the long walk).

Tea: The aforementioned Barley Mow could make a mid-afternoon refreshment stop. In Farnham, we usually end up in the Mulberry, Station Hill, GU9 8AD (01252 726 673) by Farnham station, but there are interesting options in Abbey Street across the A31, including the Lamb, GU9 7RJ (01252 714 133) and the William Cobbet, Bridge Square GU9 7QR (01252 726 281). Open all day every day.

Longer or shorter walk options: You could of course do the full 26km walk, taking in the interesting Flashes area, the Devil's Jumps and Hankley Common (but check the guidance on access to military land here). From Tilford, there is an alternative finish along the Greensand Way and North Downs Way (similar to the Haslemere to Farnham walk SWC 144), adding 600m but cutting out a steep ascent. The walk can be shortened by taking a bus from Frensham Great Pond (cuts out 10km) or, if you go by the Greensand Way, Waverley Abbey (cuts out about 3km).

For walk directions, map and GPX click here

T=swc.184



  • Wed, 03-Jul-24

    From Tilford followed the main route in reverse hoping to meet others but didn’t so took the shortcut loop back.

  • Wed, 03-Jul-24

    Sorry Southern Explorer, we all took the "Tilford shortcut". 10 started at Bentley - so making11 in all - but I'm afraid we lost track of one regular back-marker soon afterwards. He didn't make the hoped-for reappearance when we stopped so I hope he found the way OK. The rest all picknicked at Frensham Great Pond and two swam in cool calm water, having the cordoned-off swimming area to ourselves.

    When we got to Tilford, some remembered birthday drinks there on a previous outing, so all but one went in to the Barley Mow to partake of beer, cider or coffee and cake (there's a cafe beside the pub now). We opted for the finish through the Bourne, but the road at the start was very busy so might try the other route another time. 1658 train, with supplies for some.

    It was cloudy but warm .

  • Thu, 04-Jul-24

    The ‘back marker’was starting to come down with something and was walking even slower than usual. Didn’t help that he was deceived by the hidden turn off through Mill House and had to backtrack.Got to Frensham Pond for 2:10. Decided against continuing and got the 2:34 bus to Farnham.

  • Fri, 05-Jul-24

    Flashes, Hankley Common, and Devils Jumps would be stunning at the end of August when the heather is in full bloom.

Bentley to Farnham with shortcut before lunch (Frensham Little Pond to Tilford) and standard ending

Length: 19.2km (12 miles)

Toughness 4 out of 10

Trains: 09.45 South Western Railway Portsmouth and Southsea service from London Waterloo (Clapham Junction 09.52) change at Woking for the 10.28 South Western Railway Alton service, arriving Bentley 11.02

Return trains from Farnham are at xx:28 and xx.58 via Woking and at xx.04 via Guildford.

Buy a return to Bentley.

Alice Holt Forest Bridleway

This walk's notes mention some heathland and sandy soil so perhaps this is a good time to give it an outing. This shorter version takes you through Alice Holt Ancient Forest, Surrey Hills, Scotch Pine Forest, and remote heather filled heathland, Frensham Great and Little Ponds.

Lunch: The walk notes mention a few cafes and a pub along this short route:

  • Alice Holt Forest Cafe
  • The Indigo Bar and Lounge, Frensham Great Pond Hotel, 130m off the route at Bacon Lane, Frensham Great Pond, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 2QD (01252 795161)
  • The National Trust Tern Cafe at Frensham Little Pond. Outside seating.
  • The Barley Mow in Tilford (01252 792205) is 7.8 miles into the short walk. It's website says it is open until 3pm and to book a table in advance or phone if booking on the day.
  • Tea: Farnham town is just past the station. The Hotel does teas, has a nice garden and has always welcomed walkers in the past. There are also a few cafes and pubs dotted around so maybe stroll around and take a look. The walk notes mention these pubs:

    The Mulberry, Station Hill, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8AD (01252 726673)

    The Lamb, Abbey Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7RJ ((01252 714133)

    The William Cobbet, Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7QR (01252 726 281)

    Please remember that these walks are self led

    : for full details and to download your copy of the directions see the l=swc.184
    • Sat, 06-Apr-24

      All trains to Bentley cancelled today I'm afraid. Direct trains to Farnham don't seem to be running either (you have to change at Guildford)

    • Sat, 06-Apr-24

      An alternative 10 mile walk would be the farnham cirular.

      Farnham to Godalming (Book 1, walk 12) - as far as the Donkey pub then follow the second half of book 2 (CW2 Walk 12) back to farnham.

      https://www.walkingclub.org.uk/walk/farnham-to-godalming/index.html

      https://www.walkingclub.org.uk/walk/guildford-to-farnham/

    • Sat, 06-Apr-24

      Was aiming to drive to this walk. What alternatives are people doing?

    • Sat, 06-Apr-24

      Donkey pub has sign outside saying ‘closed’.

    • Thu, 11-Apr-24

      1

    • Thu, 11-Apr-24

      As far as I know, 1 person did the Farnham Circular and 2 did a walk around Guildord. So,0 for the posted walk due to all trains being cancelled.

    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

    • Mon, 07-Aug-23

      Latest information on Waverly Council and environment agency websites is that great pond is closed to bathers due to blue green algae.

    • Tue, 08-Aug-23

      Thanks. A shame, but good to know in advance.

    • Thu, 10-Aug-23

      17 set off from Bentley on this walk which offered lots of welcome shade from unaccustomed 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.

    Length: 26.0 km/16.2 mi [shorter options available, see below]
    Ascent/Descent: 416/429m
    Net Walking Time: ca. 6 hours
    Toughness: 6 out of 10
    Take the 09.00 Portsmouth Harbour train from Waterloo, change at Woking (09.24/09.30) onto the 08.48 stopping service from Waterloo to Alton (Clapham J 08.57, Surbiton 09.08). Train arrives Bentley at 10.02. Buy a Bentley (Hampshire) return.
    Return trains : xx.04 (change Guildford), xx.28 (direct), xx.34 (change Guildford) and xx.58 (direct or change at Woking for a faster connection).
    This is a varied walk on the Hampshire/Surrey border, incorporating ancient forests (Alice Holt Forest, Farnham Heath and Bourne Wood), some large and popular heathlands on Frensham Common (with several large ponds, one of which has dedicated swimming areas, and the Devil's Jumps) and the more remote Hankley Common, a large Scots Pine and heather-covered area including the heathland ridges of Kettlebury Hill and Yagden Hill, which make for some very scenic views.
    On Hankley Common you have an opportunity to explore a D-Day training site with a replica section of The Atlantic Wall and assorted other defensive structures. From the picturesque village of Tilford, north of Hankley Common, with its pub and cricket pitch on the green you follow quiet woodland paths and lanes (with the occasional steep ascent) to Farnham.
    Before embarking on this walk , please read the section on Managed Access on Hankley Common on the webpage.
    Dog Owners : On the Commons, dogs must be kept under close control at all times.
    Walk Options:
    Bus 19 (Haslemere to Aldershot via Farnham, hourly Mon-Sat) to/from Great Pond Car Park (after 9.1 km of walking) enables a very short walk or a late start or a circular or a ‘Lasso’-style route.
    A Shortcut from Frensham Little Pond to Tilford cuts out the Flashes area of Frensham Common with the Devil’s Jumps and all of Hankley Common. [cuts 6.8 km/4.2 mi and 136m ascent, rated 4/10].
    An Alternative Ending from Tilford along the Greensand Way and the River Wey cuts some steep ascents.
    Circular Walks or ‘Lasso’-style routes are possible by following the main walk route either from Bentley or from Alice Holt Forest or from Frensham Great Pond Car Park/Bus Stop to Tilford and reverse-walking a slight variation of the shortcut route back to Frensham Great Pond (16.5 km/10.2 mi for the Frensham Great Pond Circular, fully written up) or on to Alice Holt Forest (add 5.3 km each way, map-led to Alice Holt) or Bentley (add 8.3 km each way, map-led to Bentley).
    Lunch : Several options for elevenses (see the pdf) plus two principal pub stops.
    They are the Bel and the Dragon in Churt (13.7 km/8.5 mi, lunch served to 15.00) or The Barley Mow in Tilford (12.6 km/7.8 mi into the short walk, food served to 15.00, pizza thereafter).
    Tea : a café en route along the short walk, a pub and a village store in Tilford on all options, plus three pubs in Farnham at the end. See the pdf for details.
    For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here . T=swc.184
    • Sat, 10-Sep-22

      Just 4 walkers alighted at Bentley, 1 of those being a first-timer of sorts (he had been on a previous posted walk without seeing anyone else [Tring, I think]). The day was cloudy initially then mainly sunny .

      What we didn't get was mud, despite the heavy rain this week, on account of the mainly sandy soil and - presumably - the rain keeping bikes and horses off the wooded bridleways, so that the one very cautious walker that had brought gaiters (for those notorious bridleways in the woods) looked a bit sheepish.

      What we did get was loads of sailing boats on Frensham Great Pond, reasonable colours from the heather, some gorse and plenty of lovely birch trees, some deep sandy paths, dragonflies, one startled grown-up deer just 10m away, a baby slow worm (we think), a very large burnt-down area of heathland on Hankley Common (according to the www, it's been on fire three times in the July heatwave, at times needing the attention of 19 firecrews!), a far away concert of a rock tribute band as we were crossing Farnham Heath Nature Reserve (plus numerous art pieces scattered about there), and two delightful stops inbetween all that: a fine lunch at the Bel and Dragon, and a longish tea stop at The Barley Mow (minus the first timer, who marched on). And we then made the 18.28 with 5 minutes to spare. A very good day indeed.

    Length: 19.2km (12 miles) or 26km (16.2 miles) T=swc.184
    9.54 train from Waterloo (10.01 Clapham Junction) to Bentley, arriving 11.02
    Buy a day return to Bentley
    For walk directions click here, for basic details of the walk click here, for GPX click here, for a map of the route click here.
    If those who did the Alton walk last week can stand to take the same train again - only this time an hour later!!!! - then with a bit of luck this walk should hopefully deliver some decent amounts of flowering heather. Leastways, on the train back from Alton last week it looked as if the heather was coming out: but it is fickle stuff, and you can never guarantee.
    The walk consists of a start through the ancient woodland of Alice Holt Forest and then comes out onto the heathlands near Frensham Great Pond. The latter supposedly has a wild swimming beach, but every time I have passed it at this time of year there has been a sign up warning of blue-green algae.
    A little later, at Frensham Little Pond, on you have a choice of a longer route via Hankley Common (the 16.2 mile option), which includes various points of interest including a D-Day training site with a replica Atlantic Wall, or a more direct route (the 12 mile walk) to Tilford.
    There are pub lunch options on either walk, but quite late on. (I suppose that I ought really to post the 8.54am train, but thought I would be merciful...) As it is, on the short walk it is 7.8 miles to the Barley Mow in Tilford: if you don't shilly-shally too much you might plausibly get there by 2pm, and as far as I can gather it serves food till 3pm, and pizzas all afternoon.
    There also seems to be a snack bar at Frensham Great Pond (both walks: after 5.4 miles) and a National Trust Cafe at Frensham Little Pond (shorter walk only: after 6.7 miles)
    On the longer walk only it is 8.5 miles to the Bel and Dragon in Churt, which seems to serve food all afternoon.
    From Tilford there is a choice of endings, one more direct, the other reversing the start of the Farnham to Godalming walk in book one.
    For tea, Tilford has both its pub and shop (serving hot drinks and cakes, apparently) if you have not lunched there. Or in Farnham there three possible pubs not far from the station...unless you want to schlep into the pretty town centre, where there may be cafes, if you get there in time.
    Trains back from Farnham are at 28 and 58 past the hour
    • Fri, 20-Aug-21

      I am inclined to follow the travel advice on the walk: train closest to 09.00, if I can find it.

      Austen

    • Sat, 21-Aug-21

      Well, after the apocalyptic forecast It did not rain . Maybe a few drops at the start and a few at the Bariey Mow in Tilford, but that is it. I sweated in full waterproofs until lunchtime waiting for the lightening-riven deluges. They never came.

      Let’s get straight to the second bit of bad news for those of you who didn’t come: the heather was wonderful, absolutely at its best. Rarely have I seen such glorious swathes of purple, darker and lighter hues creating a kaleidoscope of colour.

      12 on the walk. Myself and another nature-loving companion got left behind, popping seeds on small balsam and seeing a rare Lesser Emperor dragonfly, among other delights. We also came across a nearly-free range piglet. He had slipped through the fence of his enclosure and had a chance to escape bacon-hood and be a wild boar. But then my colleague oinked at him and he fled terrified back to captivity.

      All this meant that we had a dim idea of what the other ten walkers were up to, but several seemed to lunch, as we did, at the kiosk at Frensham Great Pond (menu: beefburger and chips or vegan burger and chips), and I think most (all?) then went on to do the long walk. We two did the shorter one, and stopped for tea at the National Trust cafe by the Little Pond (it seemed rude not to). In the woods we told some young ladies where to go (Don’t tell the Duke of Edinburgh people).

      We met some of the longer walkers at the Barley Mow, which was doing its best to be a classic village pub - cricket on the green, locals talking about dogs. Almost as soon as we arrived the fast walkers pushed off. Nothing personal, I am sure.

      They went the direct way to Farnham. We two took the slightly longer valley route. By now the sun had come out and a very pleasant evening it was. Some faster walkers got the 6.27 train. We lingered in the Mulberry and got the 7.57.

    Length: 26.0 km/16.2 mi [shorter options available, see below]
    Ascent/Descent: 416/429m
    Net Walking Time: ca. 6 hours
    Toughness: 7 out of 10
    Take the 09.00 Portsmouth Harbour train from Waterloo, change at Woking onto the 08.54 stopping service from Waterloo to Alton (09.24/09.30).
    That train calls Clapham J at 09.01. Train arrives Bentley at 10.02. Buy a Bentley (Hampshire) return .
    Return trains from Farnham are on xx.28 and xx.58 (direct). There is also a xx.04, changing at Guildford.
    This is a varied walk on the Hampshire/Surrey border, incorporating ancient forests (Alice Holt Forest, Farnham Heath and Bourne Wood), some large and popular heathlands on Frensham Common (with several large ponds, one of which has dedicated swimming areas, and the Devil's Jumps) and the more remote Hankley Common, a large Scots Pine and heather-covered area including the heathland ridges of Kettlebury Hill and Yagden Hill, which make for some very scenic views.
    On Hankley Common you have an opportunity to explore a D-Day training site with a replica section of The Atlantic Wall and assorted other defensive structures. From the picturesque village of Tilford, north of Hankley Common, with its pub and cricket pitch on the green you follow quiet woodland paths and lanes (with the occasional steep ascent) to Farnham.
    Walk Options:
    Bus 19 (Haslemere to Aldershot via Farnham, hourly Mon-Sat) to/from Great Pond Car Park (after 9.1 km of walking) enables a very short walk or a late start or a circular or a ‘Lasso’-style route.
    A Shortcut from Frensham Little Pond to Tilford cuts out the Flashes area of Frensham Common with the Devil’s Jumps and all of Hankley Common. [cuts 6.8 km/4.2 mi and 136m ascent, rated 4/10].
    An Alternative Ending from Tilford along the Greensand Way and the River Wey cuts some steep ascents.
    Lunch : Several options for elevenses (see the pdf) plus two principal pub stops.
    They are the Bel and the Dragon in Churt (13.7 km/8.5 mi, food served to 17.00) or The Barley Mow in Tilford (12.6 km/7.8 mi into the short walk, food served to 15.00).
    Tea : a café en route along the short walk, a pub and a village store in Tilford on all options, plus three pubs in Farnham at the end. See the pdf for details.
    For walk directions, maps, height profiles, photos and gpx/kml files click here. T=swc.184
    • Sat, 31-Oct-20

      One of Britain’s largest spiders, the Great Fox-Spider, has been discovered on a Ministry of Defence training ground in Surrey, having last been spotted in 1993 on Hankley Common. It has 8 eyes and wraparound vision!

    • Sat, 31-Oct-20

      5 off the train and 4 car drivers, so 9, with the rain starting the very moment we stepped off the train and getting harder and not stopping until 1 o'clock. By then the lunchers on the full walk (3) had reached the Bel and Dragon, where we had very good meals and soaked up the fireplace-generated warmth. Meantime, the sky broke and it started the relentless improvement of weather to mostly blue sunny skies. The 2 picnickers on the main walk had already moved on and they caught the 16.28 train, us 3 the 16.58. 4 walked the short walk, cutting out Hankley Common. hard rain to 1 then improving to blue skies

      The ground: not very muddy at all, just as I had hoped, considering the amount of wet we've had. Mainly tarmac and cycle-track-ready gravel paths in Alice Holt Forest anyway, then two mud-prone stretches in the wood and along a bridleway from Frensham Mill to Great Pond, but they were not too bad, no slipping and sliding certainly, no depth to the mud. Plenty of standing water on the sandy heaths of course, but easy to navigate around and never a problem for boots. The rest of the woods were fine as well.

      The autumnal colours: very good. Alice Holt is mainly oak forest and conifer plantations but interspersed with plenty broadleafs so was lovely. The heaths were really interesting, with plenty of birch in colour, brownish grasses and reeds, even the dying bracken adding to the mix, so together with the dark purple heather, sandy soil and green conifers it was quite a picture, especially in the sun. Finally, the woods nearer Farnham were a fine mix of colours.

      Also: Massive numbers of mushrooms, almost everywhere. A gaggle of swimmers at Frensham Great Pond (where are the SWC swimming-aficionados when you need them?). No dog walkers while it was chucking down, but a handful of other walkers. No Great Fox-Spider spotted, maybe it was too sunny?

      All in: a fine autumn walk, I thought.

    Sat, 16-Nov-19 : Saturday Walk: Bentley to Farnham 17
    HollieB
    HollieB
    12.6 miles / 20.1 km - with shortcut before lunch (Frensham Little Pond to Tilford)

    This is a shorter version of a lovely walk through woodlands and heathland.

    Trains: Take the 9:53 from London Waterloo, arriving at Bentley at 11:02. If you miss this train, take the 10:00 and change at Woking (arrives 10:24, departs 10:30).
    Return trains from Farnham at: xx:28/xx:58.
    Buy a return to Bentley.

    Lunch: The Barley Mow, Tilford, 01252 792205. This is a late lunch stop, but food is served until 3pm.

    Click here for full details and walk directions

    T=swc.184
    • Thu, 14-Nov-19

      Aiming for the earlier train to walk the normal 25.2 km version. [09.00 W'loo, change Woking, Bentley 10.02]. Lunch pub after 13.5 km: The Bel and the Dragon in Churt. The last 2 km or so are along residential streets in Farnham, so will be fine for light.

    • Sat, 16-Nov-19

      3 off the early train in mostly sunny weather to 1 pm, then overcast. A few muddy bridleways in the woods en route but not overbearingly many, and the vast stretches across heathland were fine anyway (very fine far views from the heathland ridges today). Good leaf colour, plenty mushrooms: a good walk, and a good walk for the season.

      We had made good progress when the turnoff to the Bel & Dragon came up, so we strode on to the Barley Mow for lunch, assuming we'd bump into/be met there by walkers from the posted train, but just a couple turned in (and only to use the facilities). So we were behind after lunch and coffee and got to Farnham in good time for the 16.28, on which we met some (5) of the main group, who emerged from the Mulberry Tree. Others apparently had taken the 15.58. [Note: The Waverley Inn is now shut for good and currently disembowelled for being turned into a Day Nursery.]

    • Sandy
      Sun, 17-Nov-19

      I'm slightly unsure because of people's different starts and finishes, but I think there were 14 walkers on the standard train, making 17 in all, in initally beautiful weather clouding over later . Many of the 14 picknicked at Frensham Little Pond, but I think some went to the NT cafe and 4 walkers stopped for lunch late-on at the Barley Mow. I hope they found their way on to Farnham OK. 3 (?) improvised a slight short-cut from there to Tilford, and 2 of those then did the longer return to Farnham by the NDW, getting to the train in time to meet some of the rest of us . . . meanwhile 7 proceeded to Farnham via the recommended route and met a lost walker who we helped find the station. I was amazed to find we got there in time for the 1558, which 3, I think, made a bee-line for, leaving 4 of us to visit the Mulberry for a nice cup of tea/TEA/cider having deciding we didn't have time to venture further into Farnham before the next train. I think that leaves one person unaccounted for I'm afraid!

      This is one of my favourite walks and it was a most enjoyable day out, enhanced by all the variations and some nice bits I couldn't remember from previous outings. And indeed, lots of interesting mushrooms not to mention some free-range pigs.

    Stargazer
    SWC Walk 184: Bentley to Farnham via ancient forests, Frensham Ponds and remote heathlands T=SWC.184

    Length: 15.3 Miles or 24.5 km for those more metrically minded (for those wanting something shorter, a shorter version of 12.6 miles/20.1 km is available)

    Difficulty: 6 out of 10 (or 3 out 10 for the shorter version)

    Train: Take the 10:07 AM South Western Alton train from London Waterloo arriving at Bentley at 11:20. Return trains from Farnham are hourly and half-hourly until 22:30. Buy a day return to Bentley.

    This walk explores a variety of terrains from ancient woodland to remote heathland, including the very intriguing Devil’s Jumps….Most importantly for this time of year, the full route passes through Hankley Common which should be ablaze with heather….Other features include a swimming spot at Frensham Great Pond – however, please take heed of any warnings relating to algae bloom which tend to affect the pond in the late summer. More information and the walk instructions can be found here.

    This walk is suggested as a picnic walk….though, on the full route it may be possible to have a drink and late lunch at the Barley Mow in Tilford (01252 792 205) – open all day with food served until 16:00 on Sunday. On both versions there are also some café options for snacks along the way…..On arrival in Farnham, there are numerous options for post walk bevies and meals….the Mulberry near the station and the William Cobbett a short distance further on are two recommendations….See walk page for details….

    Enjoy the walk!
    • Mon, 13-Aug-18

      5 emerged from the train onto the platform and stepped almost directly into the surrounding woodland and countryside under grey skies followed by light but persistent rain for a spell then drying out for the afternoon . At the Visitor Center, the ranks split...one reconsidering options without a rain jacket, two doing the shorter option and two setting off on the longer main route for the Devil's Jumps.....This is a cracker of a heather walk...loads of the stuff encountered on the longer main walk and its extensive exploration of heathland...though, sadly, not really at its best this year -- some looking a bit like my house plants and back garden....somewhat parched....Although not really an ideal swimming day, disappointingly, the swimming hole had a number of signs warning of high levels of blue-green algae....so not even any paddling took place.....nonetheless, an enjoyable Sunday outing in good company....

    SWC Walk 184 - Bentley to Farnham
    Length: 24.5km (15.3 miles) but with shortcuts reduced to 20.1km (12.6 miles)
    Toughness: fairly flat, from what I remember (But see note ** at end of post)

    9.53 train from Waterloo (10.00 Clapham Junction, 10.11 Surbiton) to Bentley, arriving 11.02

    If you just miss the above train, the 10.00 Portsmouth Harbour train from Waterloo gets to Woking at 10.24, from where the above train leaves at 10.30

    Buy a day return to Bentley (Hampshire: not the one up north!!)

    For walk directions click here, for GPX click here and for details of the lunch options etc click here.

    Waterloo is (hopefully) back in action and the heather is (hopefully) in full bloom. Combining the two is this walk which is fairly wooded in the morning but crosses a large area of heathland in the afternoon. It also passes Frensham Great Pond where it may be possible to swim if there are no algal blooms - see the walk homepage for details.

    I have only ever done this walk (the shorter version) in January when it made an excellent and varied outing on a fine sunny day. Lunch arrangements are slightly unconventional. On that January day we lunched at the Best Western Hotel at Frensham Pond, which had a somewhat posh dining room but did pleasant food. It was table service so slightly slower than a pub, but that was more of an issue on a short winter day than it will be at this time of year. I see that in summer they also do bar food, including some meals, in their garden. They are also a popular wedding venue, so that may or may not be an issue today. Possibly phone them on 01252 795161 at the start of the walk to see if they can accommodate you.

    Otherwise there are cafes early in the walk in Alice Holt Forest and mid-walk at Frensham Pond - tea, cakes, soups and sandwich-type places as far as I can tell. The Barley Mow in Tilford, two thirds of the way through the walk, is more of an early tea option that a lunch one, as it stops serving food at 2.30pm.

    There is a shortcut from Frensham Little Pond to Tilford and a shorter (but more suburban) route into Farnham - this is the 20.1km (12.6 mile) version of the walk.

    Trains back from Farnham are at 28 and 58 past till late.

    ** The author rates it 7 out of 10 for the main walk, 3 out of 10 with the shortcuts. I did the shortcuts last time and 3 out 10 seems right for those, but such an increase in toughness for the main walk implies hills of Alpine proportions on the section beyond Little Frensham Pond. I see no particular sign of these on the Ordnance Survey map. T=3.184


    • Tue, 29-Aug-17

      For what it's worth I would have rated the two options as 6/10 and 4/10 (rather than 7 & 3). There are indeed no lurking Alpine hills on the longer version, but it is a fair bit hillier.

    Walker
    SWC Walk 184 - Bentley to Farnham
    Length: 18.7km, (11.2 miles)
    Toughness: 3 out of 10

    9.53 train from Waterloo (10.00 Clapham Junction) to Bentley, arriving 11.02

    (If you miss this, get the 10.00 to Woking, changing there for the above train, arriving 10.24, departing 10.30)

    Buy a day return to Bentley (Hants).

    For walk directions click here and click here for details of lunch and tea places.

    I have not done this walk and I am not even sure it has had a Saturday outing before. I was attracted to it by mention of heaths and sandy soils, hoping (possibly vainly) that these might be a bit less muddy.

    The walk seems to offer a mix of woods, heaths and more normal terrain. The 11.7 mile version of it involves doing the short cut to Tilford and the standard ending: I would not recommend the longer options at this time of year.

    It is a fair old walk (8 miles by my calculation) to the recommended lunch pub, the Barley Mow in Tilford (which serves food till 2.30pm, so at a reasonably brisk pace you should be able to make it) otherwise, earlier lunch possibilities (which may or may not be available or open) are mentioned in the walk details.

    (If anyone fancies getting the train an hour earlier to be more sure of getting to the lunch pub, they could indicate in a comment. I agonised about this, but figured an 8.53 train would put people off).

    The afternoon is short but hilly. Back in Farnham in addition to the listed tea places, walkers on the recently Farnham Circular recommended the Bush Hotel, which is a 3-400 metres down the main road into Farnham, on the left just past Sainsbury's (which is on the right).

    Trains back are at 28 and 58 past
    • Anonymous
      Sun, 24-Jan-16

      I've done this one previously. There was some road noise but otherwise I thought it a nice walk and there are sandy paths when you're up on the heathland.

    • Anonymous
      Thu, 28-Jan-16

      But most of the heath and sandy soils are actually just on the longer option of this walk. With the short cut you only get a bit at Frensham Common.

    • Sun, 31-Jan-16

      20 on this walk, one taking the train an hour earlier, who the rest of us briefly saw at lunch. This made a delightful walk in the lovely sunshine , with a long stretch on a tarmac path through a forest to start, dry sandy heaths after lunch, and only a few rather gloopy bits in between. Gradients were easy, the landscape varied, and in general the scenery really seemed to suit this time of year.

      The walk author materialised and negotiated lunch for ten of us at the rather posh Frensham Pond Hotel, which put up with our walking clothes and boots left at the door with good grace. They were alas a little slow to take orders and bring our starters (the fact that the walker who took the earlier train still did not have her meal when we arrived perhaps should have been a warning to us), so that we spent an agonising hour (I speak personally) staring out the window at the sunshine, feeling the best of the day was passing us by, and envying the sandwich eaters, who after a quick repast by the lake and a brief drink in the hotel bar, carried on. But the food when it came was delicious, the starter portions large, and the main courses very tasty: very reasonable for a fixed price of £15.50.

      Setting off finally at 2.45, we skirted the very scenic Frensham Ponds and passed over the magnificent heathland of Frensham Common, stopping for a brief refreshment at the Barley Mow in Tilford. The walk route into Farnham then went through more sandy woodland, with some considerable hills, about half of which we backmarkers negotiated in the dark.

      My conclusion is: great walk, but in winter get a 9am train to get to Tilford for lunch: or do it in August, when the pond would have nice swimming (there is a beach) and the heaths would be covered in heather.

    Chris L
    Chris L
    Extra Walk 184 – Bentley to Farnham
    Length: 25.9km (16.2 miles) Toughness: 7/10; or 18.7km (11.7 miles) Toughness 3/10

    10.07 Alton/Basingstoke train from Waterloo (Clapham Junction 10:15) arriving at Bentley at 11:20. Buy an off-peak day return to Bentley, and make sure you are in the Alton section of the train, which divides at Woking.

    Return trains from Farnham are on the hour and half-hour (journey time 1 hour 10 mins).

    This varied walk, taking in Surrey hills’ ancient forests, heather-filled heathlands and a swimming pond, has attracted some very favourable comments. The shorter version of the walk was done on its two previous outings, but today could be an opportunity for more ambitious walkers to try the longer option, which explores the remote Kettlebury Hill and Hankley Common. You don't have to decide which option to choose until you reach Frensham Little Pond 10.2km into the walk.

    The lunchtime options are not great, and it’s probably sensible to enjoy a packed lunch beside one of Frensham’s ponds or on Frensham Common. For a late pub lunch you must wait till you reach the Barley Mow (01252 792205) beside Tilford cricket green. This is 13.2km (short option) or 19km (long option) from the start.

    You will need to download the Walk Directions.
    • Mon, 18-May-15

      Sun 17th May: Extra Walk 184 – Bentley to Farnham

      6 on the walk on. Seemed quite a low number for such a lovely day. After a picnic lunch at Frensham Pond, the group split up; three taking the short-cut to Farnham, the other three keeping to the main route.

      -- Monbrain