Waggoners Wells and Ludshott Common
Hampshire
Waggoners Wells is a chain of three ponds in a wooded valley near Grayshott, good for a dog that likes to paddle, thought to have been dug in the 17th century as hammer ponds for the Wealden iron industry. The National Trust manages the ponds together with the neighbouring 285 hectares of Ludshott Common, a lowland heath and Site of Special Scientific Interest of heather, gorse, birch and pine on the high ground between Grayshott, Bramshott and Headley Down. This 8.9km circular walk from the free car park at the end of Waggoners Wells Lane winds between the ponds through beech and pine woodland before climbing onto the open heath of Ludshott Common, with around 233 metres of ascent and wide views over the surrounding Wealden countryside.
This dog friendly walk is one of the most popular in East Hampshire: the ponds are shallow and shaded for a paddle, the heathland tracks give a dog with good recall room to run, and there is no livestock to worry about. Ludshott Common is heathland habitat for ground-nesting birds and adders, so keep dogs to the paths in spring and early summer. The autumn colour of the beech trees around the ponds is a particular draw, and most stiles have a generous gap, though one near Bramshott is narrower. There are no facilities on the walk, so bring water and plan a stop in Grayshott afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.9 km (5.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Heathland, Lake, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- None on the reserve; cafes and pubs in Grayshott, a short drive away.
- Parking
- Free National Trust car park at the end of Waggoners Wells Lane (about 15 spaces).
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Waggoners Wells and Ludshott Common, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in HampshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Waggoners Wells and Ludshott Common dog friendly?
Waggoners Wells and Ludshott Common scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it's one of the most popular dog walks in East Hampshire for good reason. The three shallow, shaded ponds are ideal for a paddle, there's no livestock on the route, and the open heathland of Ludshott Common gives dogs plenty of room to stretch their legs. Most stiles along the way have a generous gap, though one near Bramshott is narrower, so it's worth bearing that in mind if you have a larger dog.
Can dogs be off lead at Waggoners Wells and Ludshott Common?
Dogs with good recall can enjoy plenty of off-lead freedom on the heathland tracks of Ludshott Common. That said, the common is an important habitat for ground-nesting birds and adders, so during spring and early summer it's best to keep dogs on the paths and close at hand to avoid disturbing wildlife.
What should I know before visiting Waggoners Wells and Ludshott Common with my dog?
There are no facilities on the walk itself, so bring enough water for both you and your dog before you set out. The circular route is 8.9km with around 233 metres of ascent, so it's a decent outing rather than a short stroll. Afterwards, Grayshott is a short drive away if you fancy a cafe stop or a pub lunch.
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