A tranquil wildlife-rich oasis with a feature central pool that was once used by abbots and monks to provide fresh fish whilst they were staying in their rest-house nearby.
We park close to the George Inn pub, and walk up Manor Road to the footpath next to Grangewood House. The path takes us between the houses and to the top entrance of the woodland where we begin our Abbots Pool dog walk.
This walk is so much fun for dogs and has plenty of variety including, a wooden bridge, hidden pathways, mature woodland, fallen trees, a series of pools to paddle and swim, water casscade and a bat cave!
The mature woodland includes massive oak and beech trees and an abundance of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, birds and bats. There are also picnic benches dotted around.
We explore the woodland paths and then visit the pool for a paddle.
The large central pool is covered in lilies, there are fish, and waterfowl nest on islands. The dam provides a deep area and cascade to lower pools.
As we prepare to leave Abbots Pool, someone arrives to enjoy an early morning wild swim.
This is a beautiful area and one of our favourite locations to bring dogs. They get very excited running along the paths and splashing about in the pools. It can get quite busy when the weather is nice but during the week it is usually very quiet and peaceful.
There is a small car park for Abbots Pool further along Manor Road, but if we spot a space close to the pub we find it easier to walk.
Next year I will post about the (secret?!) bluebell wood which is very close to Abbots Pool. Here are a few more photos from our visit:
