PASTIMES
Surrey’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine

Angling for the best

Fly fishing, a game of stalking, accuracy and passion, is now one of the UK’s most popular pastimes. It’s a perfect opportunity to get outdoors and connect with nature. essence finds out more.

Fly fishing is not just a great way to burn calories and exercise, it is also a perfect activity to help calm the mind, relax and let go of life’s stresses.

Surrey has an abundance of fly fishing opportunities, from beautiful stillwater lakes to the famous chalkstream, the River Tillingbourne, the county offers experiences for beginners right through to expert anglers.

Looking west, set in the picturesque Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nestles Albury village, near Guildford. The Duke of Northumberland owns the Albury Estate, through which runs the diminutive River Tillingbourne, en route to the equally beautiful River Wey.

Albury Estate Fisheries
On the famous Albury Estate sits the stunning Albury Estate Fisheries with four tranquil fly fishing locations. The Estate boasts three accessible lakes: Powder Mills, Vale End and Weston Fishery. The fisheries offer some of the finest fly fishing in the home counties and also in London at the Syon Park Estate site, also owned by the Duke of Northumberland. This site offers a unique opportunity to sample superb trout fly fishing on a small stillwater, only 40 minutes from Clapham Junction by overground train.

The Albury Estate Fisheries offer fantastic ‘Teach in Days’, which are all about giving a new angler a chance to spend the day learning the basics, from how to cast a fly rod to hopefully catching a fly-caught fish to take home and cook. These sessions divide into a morning (9am–noon) and an afternoon session (1–4pm), each running for three hours. Price per head is an extremely affordable £48 and includes instruction for the duration of the session, a one fish ticket, tackle and rod licence waiver for the day – offering a brilliant introduction to the world of fly fishing.
2019 Albury Estate Fisheries Teach in Days: April 26, May 10 and June 14. To book, visit www.alburyestatefisheries.co.uk


Orvis Farnham – Fly Fishing 101 and 201
Fly fishing is a sport in which the whole family can participate. For those looking for a great way to get together with friends or family, luxury fly fishing and outdoor lifestyle brand Orvis UK offers Fly Fishing 101 classes as a new activity to try. Looking more locally, these free classes are offered at the Orvis store in Farnham, just west of Guildford.

Learn fly fishing basics in one of Orvis UK’s free Fly Fishing 101 classes, introducing modern fly fishing to absolute beginners by making it accessible to everyone. The initial 60 to 90-minute, store-based class is regularly delivered without charge at Orvis stores across the UK from March through to October. Fly Fishing 101 (FF101) provide free lessons on fly casting and outfit rigging.

For those who have already completed an FF101 and are ready for the next step, join Orvis UK for a short outing on local water for a chance to catch that first fish! Fly Fishing 201 takes a more in depth look at rods, lines, tackle and casting so enthusiasts are well prepared to go fly fishing, knowing what is needed and how to use it. Price: £99 with all necessary equipment provided.

Keep an eye on www.orvis.co.uk for upcoming Farnham 101 and 201 tuition dates.

50/50 On the Water
Orvis UK’s 50/50 On the Water Campaign has an aim to inspire and celebrate women, to educate and to encourage an equal split of men and women on the riverbanks by 2020.

In celebration of this, Orvis run a schedule of ladies’ fishing days throughout the year, following the launch of the campaign.

Fly fishing is a great pastime and offers a retreat-like experience in a natural setting with the opportunity to meet new people, engage with conservation and get outdoors.

Date for the diary: Orvis UK is hosting a day’s fly fishing at the Craven Fishery in Hampstead Marshall near Newbury for women. Expert fly fishing tuition is provided, plus lunch courtesy of The Dundas Arms in Kintbury. Tickets for this fabulous day are just £50 and places are strictly limited. Email betty@zambuni.com to book or for more information.
Stacks Image 91723
Stacks Image 91687
Stacks Image 91732
Women’s and Men’s Ultralight Convertible Waders, available in petite, regular and tall for £325. A remarkably versatile, innovative wader designed in a lightweight package without sacrificing durability and performance. Incredibly comfortable, modern women’s fit offers superior performance without the traditional weight and bulk. Available from Orvis Farnham or www.orvis.co.uk
Stacks Image 91734
The Iconic Men’s and Women’s Le Chameau Chasseur leather-lined boot at £360. The Iconic Chasseur, a handcrafted premium leather-lined zip boot, is instantly recognisable. Available in a choice of eight calf fittings for an almost bespoke fit and perfect for days casting off the riverbank, combining style with practicality and comfort. Available from www.lechameau.com/GB
Stacks Image 91712
Stacks Image 91739
Men’s and Women’s Ultralight Boots at £179. As an integrated part of the Orvis Ultralight Wading System, the Ultralight Wading Boot offers exceptional performance and durability without the bulk and weight of a conventional boot. Available from Orvis Farnham or www.orvis.co.uk
Stacks Image 91744
Encounter Rod Outfit (including rod, reel and line) starting at £169. Instead of the term ‘entry level’, Orvis describe this rod as: “affordable awesomeness”. Built for the beginner to the hardcore angler, yet priced with frugality in mind, the series combines state-of-the-art design with a smooth, crisp performance. Available from Orvis Farnham or www.orvis.co.uk