As the days get shorter and frost starts to creep over verdant spines of gorse, an urge sets over many people to wrap up in something that vaguely resembles a combination of a coat and a duvet, then set out into nature. Enter Frensham ponds, a pair of small lakes and a haven for animals and dog walkers alike, the larger lake awash in the summer with pinpricks of colourful sails now bleak and icy, while the second is surrounded with rolling hills of sandy paths and dusky heathland. As an avid walker many weekends I revel in the glorious surroundings of the surrey hills and the expanses around frenshem are an all-time favourite of mine, as well as Joy Mcmillan, a local, who said "frenshem ponds are breathtaking and worth a trip for a sunday walk." As soon as you step out the sound of softly lapping waves and twittering birdsong fills the air and only increases to a symphony as you climb a small ridge that leads to the shore. Soon the ground levels out and the path starts to hug the shoreline, silver beams of light stream through the thinning canopy casting dappled shadows on the ground. Soon the trees throw their branches into an arch, escorting you into the forest, while a babbling brook runs at your side, gurgling and chattering. This semi flooded swamp region lies at the end of a mossy wooden walkway, spotted with verdant sponges now crinkled with crystals of ice. What I love so much about this walk is how much the landscape varies and within a kilometre of the swamp lies acres of evergreen forest meaning that even in the winter foliage lies thick all around like a cocoon of deep emerald. As the walk comes to a close, I like to look out over the water as the sun sets in a crimson ribbon, swans gliding on a crystal-clear pane, wind whistling through the trees and just reflect on how beautiful of a world we live in. To conclude, I agree with many people out there that nature is a cure to so many problems and if you need some time to think and just take in the beauty of your surroundings then this walk is for you.
