Brockwell Swimmers went for our last 2017 monthly Swim/Walk from Farnham to Frensham Pond on Sunday 24th September. Originally planned for the Saturday, when it poured with rain, the rescheduling of the day proved fortuitous as we had near perfect walking conditions. Warm weather, bit of sun and a bit of cloud.

Ten of us, plus two canine companions, set off from Farnham Station following the sign post to the North Downs Way, soon diving off the main road onto the tree shaded footpath. Having done the same walk last year we soon recognised the route, following our noses rather than the map.

This is certainly one of the best walks we have tried so far from the Wild Swimming Walks book, with mainly footpaths and occasional minor road, which makes this a real country walk.

So to our first swim, which in reality was more of a paddle, in a very shallow River Wey, at an ice-cream head 12·4°C. Ouch! Good training for Lido Winter Swimming, plus the addition of waiving, bright green, river weeds.

Quick river bank picnic break and then off across Frensham Common heading for the ponds. This year we actually went the right way and passed the Little Pond which, despite the signs, was full of dogs.

Pressing on we finally ended up at our destination, changed back into swimming cossies and enjoyed the more pleasant 17·4°C waters of Frensham Great Pond. If you haven’t been there, it is really worth the trip, with sandy beaches and also a cafe for a hot drink to warm up afterwards.

So that’s our Walk/Swims done for this year. If you have any suggestions for 2018 please let us know.

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