Eyeworth Pond
Children will enjoy all the potential animals to spot on this walk including highland cows, ducks, donkeys, ponies and deer.
Donkeys are one of the animals that you might spot around Eyeworth Pond
The Basics
Time: 1hr 10mins
Distance: 3.9 km
Terrain: Gravelled path, heathland, tarmac lane, mostly flat
Pushchair: Yes, on the first leg, but then return the way you came
Dogs: Yes, on leads around all the livestock
Refreshments: The Royal Oak, Fritham
Toilets: None
Public Transport: There is no suitable public transport to this location
Parking: Free car park beside pond (Postcode: SO43 7HJ - W3W: amending/marathon/inherits)
Part of the route is well surfaced for pushchairs
Eyeworth pond was created in 1871 to supply water to a nearby gunpowder factory, but these days it is a good spot for a picnic and to spot birds atop the lily pad covered water. Complete this walk with a visit to the renowned Royal Oak at Fritham.
The Route
From the car park, walk along the gravelled path, with the pond on your left, into trees. The trees will soon open up to heathland, where the heather is purple in late summer. Continue along the path until you eventually almost meet a road.
As the road comes into view, look for a path cutting through the heather to your right. This marks the point where things become tricky for a pushchair. If you can’t find the exact path, don’t worry, just head across the heath towards the minor road running perpendicular to the B3078.
Just before you hit the second road, you will see a wider grassy path heading off to your right. Take this path all the way back to the trees.
As you hit the trees again, aim for the corner of the field. Walk across the slightly boggy ground keeping the field immediately to your left. The path soon becomes more obvious and you should then follow it through the trees all the way to Fritham.
You will emerge beside The Royal Oak Pub. Turn right at the pub and follow the lane down towards the pond and car park.
Did you know?
Eyeworth pond was created in the nineteenth century by damming a small stream to create a reservoir of water needed in the manufacture of gunpowder at the nearby Schultze Gunpowder Company. The company was in operation until 1921.
If you enjoyed this walk…
…try this one near Burley which goes over Holmsley Ridge to Whitten Pond
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