This months walk swim was from Farnham to Frensham, following Walk 4 from the Wild Swimming Walks book published by Wild Things Publishing. We really could not have picked a better day for it, a crisp Autumnal day with blue sky and brilliant sunshine, perfect for walking and wild swimming.

The intrepid party duly met at Farnham Station at 11:15am and, with a little local knowledge from James, soon turned off the A31 and into the Surrey countryside along the North Downs Way. First landmark was Moor Park House where in the 17th Century Jonathon Swift was employed; most famous for writing Gulliver’s Travels.

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Then, following the banks of the River Wey and past the pig farm, we continued on through Tilford and on to our first swimming spot. Not exactly the deepest of water, but great fun playing among the waving green fronds of water weeds. The current also provided a good workout, even though you didn’t really go anywhere.

Having hurriedly dried off, and warmed up, we continued our journey. This took us past Frensham Little Pond, across the heath (wonderful views from the top) and on to our second swim. The great thing about Frensham Great Pond is the beach. Proper golden sand, it’s like being by the seaside. A quick change back into costume and into the water at a glorious 11·1°C. Bit of a slimy bottom, but absolutely wonderful.

And we had the added bonus that the café was open, so some hot tea soon stopped the shaking before heading off to Bentley Station and home.

We would thoroughly recommend this walk and this is probably one of the best ones we have done from the book. The route is mainly by footpath with very little roads to cross, so it feels like a proper country walk. Maybe we’ll do this again next Summer. Don’t forget your bucket and spade.