Surrey's top dog walks
Every month, I’m lucky enough to go around the county checking out all of Surrey’s best dog walking spots. Below I’ve included a few of my favourites so far but for my full adventures I guess you’ll just have to keen an eye out for the mag. In the mean time, settle back and join me at my blog and if you’ve got some tips for future adventures, well don’t be shy about it, let me know.
Find out more about our favorite four-legged friend at Benson's blog
Alice Holt Woodland Park, Farnham
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The Dog Facts: Things you need to know
Going: Suitable for all ages and abilities
Ground: Could get muddy if wet, but you can stay on the made up routes
Contact: www.forestry.gov.uk/aliceholt
Parking: Pay & display
Special interest: Trees and woodlands
Disabled access: Yes
Where to eat: The Royal Oak Inn, Staffhurst Wood, which is a five minute drive south. The pub allows dogs and serves a great selection of homemade freshly cooked food, with meat from the local farm. Tel: 01883 722207.
Epsom Downs
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The Dog Facts: Things you need to know
Going: Quite hard, lots of fairly steep hills.
Ground: Could get muddy if wet, some paths very rutted. Sensible shoes needed.
Parking: Free.
Website: www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk (look at the leisure pages).
Special Interest: Do take a camera and take time to enjoy the views. Look for butterflies and wild flowers. If you like horses, go in the morning to see them exercise.
Disabled Access: Not suitable.
Where to Eat: More of a restaurant than a pub, The Fox and Hounds, Walton on the Hill, allows dogs on the patio. Tel: 01737 819001
Frensham Ponds, Farnham
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The Dog Facts: Things you need to know
Level of difficulty: Reasonably easy going over seven miles of footpaths.
Ground: Loose sand, so be prepared with good walking boots or shoes.
Parking: Free at Little Ponds – you pay at The Big Pond.
Information when there: There is a National Trust Information booth at The Big Pond.
Website: www.waverley.gov.uk/countryside(where maps and routes for walking are available for download).
Special Interest: Take some binoculars and look out for birds and insects.
Disabled Access: There is a wheelchair route - check on the website for details.
Where to Eat: The Duke of Cambridge Pub on the Tilford Road allows dogs on the patio. We had the Tempura Prawns with Chilli Sauce and Rocket Salad and a good bottle of house white wine. A perfect end to the day (tel: 01252 792236).
Foxley Woods, Purley
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The Dog Facts: Things you need to know
Going: Quite steep in places
Ground: Could get muddy if wet
Contact: www.friendsoffoxley.co.uk
Parking: Street parking
Special Interest: Trees and woodlands; wild flowers
Leith Hill, near Dorking
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The Dog Facts: Things you need to know
Going: Steep hills!Ground: Could get muddy if wet
Contact: 01306 711777 or www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Parking: Free in various car parks around the site
Special interest: A rhododendron wood and bluebells in May and June
Disabled access: No
Where to eat: There are light refreshments avaliable in the (non National Trust) servery when the tower is open. Otherwise, there's the King's Arms in Ockley. It doesn't take dogs, but the food is great. Tel: 01306 711 224
Nutfield Marshes, Nutfield
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The Dog Facts: Things you need to know
Going: Good wide paths, suitable for all levels. Ideal for children
Ground: Could get muddy if wet. But you can stay on the made up routes or cycle paths
Parking: Free either at the pub or Mercers Park: www.aquasports.co.uk
Special Interest: Birds (take binoculars). www.surreywildlifetrust.co.uk
Disabled Access: No
Where to Eat: The Inn on the Pond for good pub grub. We had Steak and Ale Pie and a bottle of Chenin Blanc wine. Tel: 01737 643000 / www.theinnonthepondnutfield.co.uk
Staffhurst Woods, Oxted
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The Dog Facts: Things you need to know
Going: Some hills but you can decide on your own route depending on your level of fitness
Ground: Could get muddy if wet but you can stay on the made up routes.
Parking: Free at St Silvan's Car Park
Special interest: The plants and trees and bluebells in spring
Disabled acess: None
Where to eat: The Royal Oak Inn, Staffhurst Wood, which is a five minute drive south. The pub allows dogs and serves a great selection of homemade freshly cooked food, with meat from the local farm. Tel: 01883 722207
Richmond Park, Richmond
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The Dog Facts: Things you need to know
Ground: Could get muddy if wet, and some paths are very rutted. But you can always stay on the made up routes or cycle paths
Parking: Free
Website: www.royalparks.org.uk (where you can download maps and adopt a tree or bird!)
Special Interest: The deer and birds
Disabled Access: Yes
Where to Eat: The refreshments booth at Pembroke Lodge car park. Sit in the woodland garden and enjoy a hot soup, toasted sarnie or drink. Take cash as credit cards are not accepted.
Information: There is an information hut in the Pembroke Lodge car park that is open at the weekends.
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