Frensham Great Pond

Frensham, Surrey

Easy Partial

4.8 km Distance

~1h 20m Duration

Heathland and lakeside Terrain

Partial Off-lead

Frensham Great Pond is one of the best summer dog walks in Surrey. The pond covers around 100 acres and dogs can swim freely along much of the shore - the beach section near the car park is particularly good for this. Sandy heathland paths surround the water and extend out across open heath, giving the walk an open, unhurried feel that is unusual this close to the M3.The terrain is sandy and well-drained, which means the paths stay firm in most conditions. This makes for good winter walking too: the heathland holds up far better than the clay paths common elsewhere in Surrey. The heather on the surrounding heath flowers in August and September, when the whole area takes on a purple-pink colour.

Sandy heathland paths surround the water and extend out across open heath, giving the walk an open, unhurried feel that is unusual this close to the M3.

One thing to be aware of: the pond is popular. The beach area is busy on summer weekends and Bank Holidays. Weekday visits, or arriving early, make a significant difference. This is a particularly good walk for water dogs who need a proper swim.

Seasonal notes

Tick season · Mar-Oct · Check after every visit

Good to know

Hazards Blue-green algae and dogs - what UK walkers need to know Hazards Grass seeds and dogs - what every UK owner needs to know Hazards Ticks on dogs: what UK dog owners need to know

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Before you go

Parking Frensham Great Pond car park, National Trust

Getting there Farnham station then bus to Frensham

Nearest town Frensham

Facilities National Trust cafe at the car park

Difficulty Suitable for all fitness levels

For your dog

Off-lead

PartialOff-lead in sections - check walk description for details.

Distance 4.8 km, typically ~1h 20m

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Frensham Great Pond gives you something rare in the Surrey countryside: a genuinely large open body of water where dogs can swim freely, combined with miles of surrounding heathland for the walk itself. The beach at the north end of the pond is sandy and gently shelving - the kind of entry that suits reluctant swimmers as well as the dogs that hit the water at a sprint. Check the National Trust and Surrey Wildlife Trust sites for blue-green algae notices before you go in summer; the pond is tested regularly and warnings are posted when conditions develop, but the risk is real. The surrounding heathland is off-lead and extends in several directions from the main pond car park. This is one of only two sites in Surrey where all six native reptile species are recorded, including adders - stay on the paths through the heather from April to September and do not let dogs investigate the scrubby hollows. The Frensham Pond Hotel has outdoor seating that takes dogs.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog to Frensham Great Pond?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Frensham Great Pond. Off-lead is permitted on the heathland and in the woodland areas. The pond itself is accessible for dogs to swim, but be aware of blue-green algae warnings during summer months - check for posted notices before letting dogs enter the water. Frensham Common is one of only two sites in Surrey confirmed for all six native reptile species, including adders. Keep dogs on a lead on the heathland during April to July to reduce the risk of adder encounters. Parking is available at the National Trust car park (charges apply for non-members).