Waverley Abbey
This walk visits the ruins of Waverley Abbey in Farnham, Surrey.
There's some nice walking trails along the River Wey and around the site which is run by English Heritage. As well as the atmospheric ruins there's also a pretty serpentine lake to stroll along and a number of information plaques detailing the history of the abbey. They will tell you how it was originally founded in 1128 as the first Cistercian Abbey in England.
There's a car park near Waverley Bridge where you can pick up the trails to take you to the ruins.
The Greensand Way passes the abbey so you can extend the walk by following it north to the Moor Park Nature Reserve. Here you can look out for lots of water loving wildlife on the river. If you follow the trail south it will take you toward Tilford and the popular Frensham Ponds.
Postcode
GU9 8EP - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Waverley Abbey Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Waverley Abbey Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Waverley Abbey OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Waverley Abbey Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Spotted Cow is located just to the west of the abbey and a fine choice for some post walk refreshments. The pub is wonderfully located in a secluded setting and includes a 4 acre wooded garden. It's the perfect spot to relax outside on a warm day. You can find the pub at 3 Bourne Grove, Lower Bourne with a postcode of GU10 3QT for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The abbey is a nice place to take your dog for a walk and you'll probably see other owners on a fine day. It is advised to keep them on leads though. To the east of the site there's also some nice woodland trails to try. The Spotted Cow pub mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Head a short distance east of the site and you can enjoy a climb to Crooksbury Hill. There's some fine views over the North Downs from this viewpoint.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Waverley Abbey ruins
Waverley Abbey lake. View to the WW2 gun emplacement along the serpentine lake at Waverley Abbey
Bridge over the serpentine lake made with stone robbed from the Abbey ruins
Tank Traps. An unexpected find in the grounds of Waverley Abbey. Are these the type of tank trap known as 'Dragon's Teeth'? They are by the River Wey at SU898472.
The River Wey at Moor Park Nature Reserve
Little egret in the River Wey at Moor Park