Silent Pool and Albury Heath

Silent Pool is a spring-fed lake of striking blue-green water at the foot of the North Downs near Albury in Surrey, and this 4.8km circuit combines the pool with the surrounding heathland and mixed woodland of Albury Heath. The pool itself is small but atmospheric, its clarity and colour created by the chalk springs that feed it, and the surrounding woodland of beech, oak and birch transitions to open heathland with birch scrub and heather on the higher ground. The terrain rolls gently with just 75 metres of climbing, and the constant shift between enclosed woodland and open heath gives the walk more variety than its modest distance suggests.

This is a pleasant dog friendly walk with moderate off-lead potential through the heathland and quieter woodland paths. Leads are sensible near Silent Pool itself where other visitors gather, and through areas where livestock may be present on the heath. The pool is not suitable for dog swimming as it's a protected site, but the woodland streams provide water access. The heathland carries good scent from heather and birch, and the woodland floor is rich with leaf litter and fungi. Parking is available at Albury Heath car park and at the Silent Pool car park on the A25. The Silent Pool distillery nearby has a shop, and the Drummond Arms at Albury welcomes dogs. A walk with enough variety to feel rewarding despite its compact length.