Visit Farnham - Find A Walk in Farnham

If you enjoy walking, you have come to the right place because Farnham is fabulous for walking.

Here are some of the ways to get the most out of walking in Farnham and the surrounding countryside.

Self-guided town walks

Download the free Discover Farnham app from the App Store or Play Store and then choose from a selection of town centre-based trails themed around public art, trees and industrial heritage. 

As well as all the information you would expect about where to go and what you will see, the interactive map keeps you on track and gives handy hints such as how long each stage should take plus searchable features and a choice of map views. 

Illustrated guides for all the walks are also available to download from the town council’s website or on request from the council offices.  

Annual Walking Festival 

Visit in May to enjoy a different walk each day while you learn about Farnham and chat to locals. The programme always includes gentle, accessible and family-friendly walks and longer walks and more challenging gradients. The council publishes full details online ahead of the festival.  

Popular trails

North Downs Way: Beginning at Farnham, the 153-mile route heads all the way to Canterbury (but you do not have to walk it all at once). Explore the first section from Farnham for a gentle introduction. 
St Swithun’s Way: A 34-mile route between Winchester and Farnham that takes in parts of the Pilgrim’s Way through Hampshire and Surrey countryside. Stop at Alton for a shorter route (12 miles one way).
Blackwater Valley: Enjoy one of several walks starting in or near Farnham such as to Bentley or Aldershot (both 5 miles), taking you through pretty countryside with plenty of wildlife spotting.   
Surrey Hills to South Downs Community Rail Partnership: Self-guided walks that begin a short drive from Farnham and then take you off the beaten track. 

Places to visit for walks

You do not have to be a serious walker to enjoy Farnham’s gorgeous countryside and enchanting wildlife. Farnham has more than its fair share of parkland, heritage locations and woodlands to ramble around. 

• Alice Holt Forest: miles of trails, suitable for a short family stroll or a long invigorating walk.
• Bishop’s Meadow: over 30 acres of unspoilt meadow packed with flora and fauna.
• Farnham Park: once a medieval deer park, now a fantastic open space: walk, run, play, climb and picnic. The choice is yours. 
• Frensham Ponds: the ponds themselves are very popular so leave the ponds behind and explore the 1,000 acres of commons. Best to visit out of season.
• Rural Life Living Museum: visit for the history, stay for a walk. The museum is set in 10 acres of open space and woodland.
• Sculpture Park: Open every day of the year, a visit to the park takes you along a two-mile gentle walk through 10 acres of woodland and water gardens.
• Waverley Abbey: the River Wey meanders through this historic site, complete with romantic ruins and an ancient yew that was named 2022 tree of the year by the Woodland Trust.