Famous for its star-studded woods, featured in Harry Potter and War Horse, Farnham's natural beauty has taken the world by storm and captivated countless hearts.

Discover all that the surrounding areas of woodland, rivers, ponds and countryside have to offer, by embarking on an exciting walk through the landscape.

Here are five beautiful walks, to kickstart your adventure.

1. Bourne Grove and Bourne Wood Circular

Bourne Woods in the light of day.
Bourne Woods in the light of day. (Steve Parker on Flickr)

This beautiful 6.6km walk will take you on a journey through the famous Bourne woods, you may even recognise parts of the journey, the woods have made cinematic history, from Harry Potter to War Horse, you’ll be walking with the greats.

The walk begins from the village of Lower Bourne, through the captivating narrow-wooded lanes of Bourne Wood, to the Rural Life Centre and back in just under 2 hours. Along the walk keep a keen eye for rare animals, such as the nightjar, Dartford warbler, woodlark, and tree pipit.

Begin at the pub on Bourne Grove, in Lower Bourne. The pub has a large car park which walkers are welcome to use if they are using the pub for refreshments before or after their walk. Alternatively, you can begin and end at the small Bourne Wood Forestry Commission car park.

There are some slippery pathways and steep inclines, so take care on rainy days, always walk prepared.

North Downs Way: Farnham to Guildford

River Wey on a lovely summers afternoon.
River Wey on a lovely summers afternoon. (Peter Trimming on Wikimedia Commons)

If you’re up for a challenge, then this is the walk for you. This 19.3km allows you to enjoy the best of the Farnham countryside. Taking you through rolling hills, farmland, woodland, and riverside pathways, you’re exposed to a wide variety of scenic wonders, not a bad way to spend 5 hours.

Begin at the Farnham Railway station before passing the River Wey, Moor Park, Runfold Wood Nature Reserve, Totford Wood, Loseley Estate Nature Reserve, East Warren, and Piccard's Rough, ending at Guildford Railway Station.

For a full list of segments for this long-distance trail please see: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/north-downs-way-2

Frensham Ponds Circular

Frensham Little Pond, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Frensham Little Pond, creating a peaceful atmosphere. (Stefan Czapski on Wikimedia Commons)

If you’re wanting a relaxed walk or looking for something you can take the whole family on, consider this 3.1km circular trail which can be completed in under an hour, but take as long as you want to enjoy the beautiful trail.

This gentle walk brings the excitement in from the surrounding area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the wonder of Frensham Little Pond. There are many species of birds to spot, and dogs are also welcome.

To top off the walk, there is a local café perfect for refreshments, happy walking.

Waverley Medieval Circular

Celebrated medieval stone bridge spanning the River Wey at Tilford.
Celebrated medieval stone bridge spanning the River Wey at Tilford. (Colin Smith on Geograph.)

A history trip and a walk, what could be better? This 9.5km route winds its way through both historic towns and the ever-changing countryside. This walk gives you a perfect taste of classic British landscape, with woodland, mushrooms, cottages, and sheep.

If you’re looking for a peaceful 2-hour afternoon stroll, this walks the one. Begin by heading across the Tilford East Bridge, follow the road past Tilford and continue to Charles Hill. Then you will reach the Sands and climb up Crooksbury Hill, there is some slight steepness, but the views are well worth the climb.

Alice Holt Lodge Pond Walk

Alice Holt Forest showing off its beautiful colours.
Alice Holt Forest showing off its beautiful colours. (Jaydee! on Flickr)

For a short, but moderately challenging route, make your way to the Alice Holt Forest. With beautiful trees and peaceful waters, this walk is a great mid or end-of-week reset. The walk is structured in a figure of eight and gives you a great overview of the location, making sure you see all the highlights.

There is also a unique aspect to the trail, as you pass by some a section of the woods sculpture trail which makes for perfect entertainment for little ones, or older ones who still enjoy adventure. There is the chance to play on a giant owl, woodpecker, and butterfly.

Fury friends are also welcome on the track. Be careful of exposed tree routes and mud, it is recommended you bring appropriate footwear.