The Spotted Cow and Bourne Wood is a 4.1 mile loop trail located near Farnham, Surrey, England that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.
A circular pub walk from the Spotted Cow in Lower Bourne, a wonderful rural pub with great ales and wines, a varied menu and which welcomes dogs and children. The walk heads out through narrow wooded lanes to reach Bourne Wood, before passing through the woodland to reach the Rural Life Centre and then returning through the heath, forest and quiet village lanes. The walk has several climbs and descents throughout and most of the paths are unmade so can be uneven and quite muddy in winter and after periods of rain. There are no stiles and just a few gates. Some sections of the woodland and heath are grazed for conservation by rare breed cattle so take care with dogs. Approximate time 1.5 to 2 hours.
The walk starts from The Spotted Cow pub on Bourne Grove in Lower Bourne. The pub has a large car park which walkers are welcome to use as long as they are using the pub for refreshments before or after their walk. From Farnham take the A31 then turn left into Tilford Road past Farnham Station. Go straight ahead at the traffic lights (with Great Austins to the right) and then Bourne Grove is the third right (a sharp right turn signed to the Spotted Cow). Approximate post code GU10 3QT. If you don't wish to visit the pub, you can alter the route to begin and end at the small Bourne Wood Forestry Commission car park which is further along the Tilford Road, next to Waypoint 2-Forest Access Lane.
Lovely walk through woods and heathlands. Got lost following the directions about half way around though. Couldn’t park as the Spotted Cow pub was closed - the joys of lockdown. Quite a few hills to negotiate but would be great in the summer. Can definitely recommend.
lovely walk with lovely surroundings. felt fully immersed in the countryside.
Very good walk through Bourne Wood and Farnham Heath. The trail virtually all woodland or heathland with lots of heather. If you want to miss out the Spotted Cow stop then the Tilford Road car park is the better starting point. Be aware if you don't like climbing up and down hills I would avoid it, however the climb are not difficult but could be slippery in wet weather.
Lovely walk. Ideal for dogs as only a couple of places where they need to be on a lead. Be aware that the Rural Life Centre is closed so you can’t walk through their car park (which is part of the route) If you carry in down the road for about 400-600yds there is a public footpath on the right. If you take that and follow at about 2 o’clock, it will eventually bring you back on track. I’ve posted a picture of the route with the diversion in blue
love this walk, unfortunately the pub isnt currently open, but the shops at the end of the walk offers cool drinks and ice creams to replenish energy on the beautiful green. The walk is perfect for an afternoon walk. great views, plenty of wildlife, I've done this walk two times now and when the spotted cow opens I will do this walk prior to a nice roast dinner at the pub.
This would be a great trial to do when the Sun is out, It starts at a pub and ends at a pub, So you can get hydrated and rehydrated, I did this walk on a rainy afternoon, it was 7 km and took me 1.5 hours, Shame the put was closed due to Covid 19. It takes you through heathland Woodlands and little bit of road, These even a little up hill. I didn’t see anything too interesting but was a nice trial and would do again,
Dog friendly woodland walk with beautiful views. The autumn colours of the trees were lovely. Quite a few steep climbs and muddy in places. We finished our walk with a drink at The Spotted Cow.
Nice walk. I would caution that the path just after the rural life centre is overgrown with Heather. I don't know if that is riskier for ticks but you can go around it if you consult the map view.
Is there a missing bit between 1 and 2? No mention of Old Mans Hill? Other than that, clear instructions. ADMIN RESPONSE: Thanks for getting in touch and for the extra info you sent by email. So pleased you enjoyed the walk and that the GPS map put you back on track. We can confirm that there are no bits missing. You don't need to turn along Dene Lane, you just cross straight over to take the path ahead (a woodland path up steps which is designated a bridleway). Hope you continue to enjoy more walks!
This was such a great varied walk with plenty small climbs which made you earn your lunch. We had ours at the rural centre, it was no frills and very tasty. The description of the walk was spot on. Like another reviewer I would agree the whole route would have been very difficult to find on an OS map. This was my first time using this app and website very impressed and looking forward to some more of the walks in my area.