The Route
This easy circular walk links Frensham Great Pond and Frensham Little Pond, two medieval fishponds created by the Bishop of Winchester in the 13th century. From the car park at Great Pond, the route follows the northern shore of the lake, passing the sandy beach that makes this a popular summer destination.
The path leaves the lake heading south across Frensham Common, open heathland dotted with Scots pine and birch. The terrain is flat and the sandy paths are firm underfoot. After about a mile, the route reaches Frensham Little Pond – smaller, quieter, and surrounded by reed beds that attract wading birds. The return leg crosses the common from south to north, following a different track back to Great Pond.
What You'll See
Frensham Great Pond covers about 26 acres and is one of the largest bodies of open water in Surrey. In summer, common terns nest on a raft in the middle of the lake. Grey herons, great crested grebes, and cormorants are present year-round. In winter, visiting wildfowl include teal, pochard, and occasional smew.
The heathland between the ponds is part of the Wealden Heaths Special Protection Area. Nightjars breed here in summer, Dartford warblers hold territory in the gorse year-round, and woodlarks can be heard singing from February onwards. Frensham Little Pond's reed beds are home to reed warblers and sedge warblers in summer. Dragonflies are abundant around both ponds from June to September.
Getting There
Frensham Great Pond car park (GU10 2QB) is off the A287 south of Farnham. Waverley Borough Council manages the car park (charges apply). The nearest station is Farnham, about 3 miles north. The terrain is flat throughout, making this suitable for most abilities. The beach at Great Pond can be crowded in summer but the common itself stays quiet. No café on site, but Frensham village and the Mariners pub are nearby.
