Silent Pool and Albury Heath
Surrey
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.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.8 km (3.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Moorland, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Parking at Silent Pool Gin distillery
- Parking
- Free parking at Silent Pool (shared with gin distillery)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Silent Pool and Albury Heath dog friendly?
Silent Pool and Albury Heath is a solid choice for a dog walk, earning a rating of 8 out of 10. The 4.8km circuit combines woodland paths and open heathland, giving dogs plenty to explore, and the nearby Drummond Arms at Albury is also dog friendly if you fancy stopping for a drink or bite to eat afterwards.
Can dogs be off lead at Silent Pool and Albury Heath?
There's moderate off-lead potential here, particularly across the heathland and along the quieter woodland paths. It's worth keeping dogs on the lead near Silent Pool itself, where other visitors tend to gather, and in any areas where livestock may be present on the heath.
What should I know before visiting Silent Pool and Albury Heath with my dog?
The pool itself is a protected site, so dogs aren't able to swim in it , but there are woodland streams on the route where they can get a drink or a splash. Parking is free at the Silent Pool car park on the A25, which is shared with the Silent Pool Gin distillery, and there's also parking available at Albury Heath car park.
What’s Nearby?
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