Circuit of Virginia Water

Surrey Walk

Maps

Ordnance Survey Explorer 160	Sheet Map	1:25k	BUY
Anquet OS Explorer 160	Digital Map	1:25k	BUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 175	Sheet Map	1:50k	BUY
Anquet OS Landranger 175	Digital Map	1:50k	BUY

Walk Route Description

Click image to see photo description.

This walk involves an anti-clockwise circuit of the lake at Virginia Water in Surrey and additionally includes a "there and back" detour to Savill Gardens and Obelisk Pond. The route is mostly on the level on clear paths with a few gentle slopes up and down and, as long as the ground is dry, a pair of trainers should suffice rather than walking boots. This is the easiest way of exploring this area and starts from the car park to the east of the lake (grid ref. SU9806880). However a longer version starting from the railway station that also explores the Wentworth estate is Walk 1714.

From the car park you will see a sign by the lake shore that indicates the way to particular landmarks. It also states that a circuit of the lake is four and a half miles long. Turn right and follow the path by the lake (which will be on your left) until you reach Wick Pond with the giant Totem Pole beyond it.

Taking the path to the right of Wick Pond and passing the Totem Pole leads to Obelisk Pond, the reason for the name being obvious due to the tall obelisk on the hill overlooking the pond. Follow the path along the dam then the path turns left to a grassy area on a slight hill with tall trees and picnic tables. Savill Gardens is nearby where there is a shop, a cafe and public conveniences.

Returning to the Totem Pole, the circuit of the lake continues by taking the path to the right which runs more or less parallel to the north shore of the lake in an east-west direction. There are stretches where the lake cannot be seen at all due to trees and shrubbery on the left. Botany Bay viewpoint provides one of the exceptions. Valley Gardens is passed on the right and is worth a digression to explore it. The path continues to cross a bridge, with Johnson's Pond to the right. The path ahead appears to have temporarily "lost" the lake for a few hundred yards before it reappears at Five-Arch Bridge. Beyond the bridge, a few yards further on, a path appears on the left through the trees and by following it you shortly reach the point where you round a corner and start heading back along the south shore of the lake. Two separate features to look out for on the path to the south of the lake are the Lepta Magna Roman ruins and the cascades, before returning the car park.

Walk GradingMore Surrey Walks

Other walks nearby

Walk 1714	Virginia Water & the Wentworth Estate	easy/mod	9.0 miles
Walk 1814	Staines to Windsor along the River Thames	easy/mod	9.0 miles
Walk 3259	Windsor Great Park Circular	moderate	10.2 miles
Walk 1385	Windsor & Runnymede circular	easy/mod	11.5 miles
Walk 2173	Hatton Cross to Uxbridge (London Loop)	moderate	10.3 miles
Walk 1381	Uxbridge to Ruislip	easy/mod	13.3 miles
Walk 1734	Hampton Court Parks and Gardens	easy/mod	6.5 miles
Walk 3420	Cookham to Gerrards Cross via Burnham Beeches	moderate	12.5 miles
Walk 3321	Denham Circular	easy/mod	10.0 miles
Walk 3448	Richmond Park and Petersham Circular	easy/mod	8.9 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

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