Most Scenic Walks In Hampshire
Denny Wood
2. Roly Thompson. In the early 19th century, Rolvenden was the most important centre for paper making in Kent. At one time there were over 40 mills around this small village, which provided employment to the village folk and which formed a good part of the economy for many local families. Nowadays only a few papermakers remain on the site, but an annual Papermaking Fair has become a popular tourist attraction. The fair includes demonstrations of hand-made paper making, and offers opportunities to buy unusual crafts and gifts.
Being a relatively young forest at around 150 years old, the woodland is a mixture of oak and beech trees, This Is Hampshire (thisishampshire.co.uk). Somewhat surprisingly, the dominant tree in this area is not oak but beech, with oak trees making up just 10% of the species living in the wood. This is due to the geographical location, with the original beech trees growing on an area of land that was once part of Beaulieu River and as such took advantage of stronger sunlight that was penetrating deeper into woodland soil.
The route begins at the car park on the edge of the wood, with a straightforward mini-roundabout walk that steadily leads up to Fritham Reserve. At this point you’ll be able to see the full extent of Denny Wood from a different vantage point in addition to enjoying a great view of some native wildlife. As you continue your walk along this path, be sure to keep an eye out for landmarks such as Native Pines, and just try not to get lost in the beautiful surroundings.
We’re aware that this National Park is a UK hotspot for hunters, but Denny Wood makes it easy for those who favour non-human life as well – there are plenty of places to stop and admire the flora and fauna and, if you’re lucky, you could even catch sight of a few butterflies. In fact, the wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities make Denny Wood one of the best spots for bird watching in the UK with no shortage of species to observe.
The South Downs Way National Trail
The South Downs Way should really be visited and discovered in its entirety, but for those only able to explore the trail in parts, there are several possibilities. The South Downs Way runs from Winchester in the west, to Eastbourne on the coast, so there are options to break up your journey into manageable lengths. A great way to explore part of this fantastic trail is to follow it from Winchester for 22 miles. Here you will stroll through the stunning royal city of Winchester on its cobbled streets before heading west along the South Downs Way towards Petersfield, where you will need to stop for a lunch break in order to explore either the Orchard shopping centre or one of the local pubs in the area.
Then it’s another nine miles into Mid. The South Downs Way was designated as England’s first national trail, running between Winchester and Eastbourne. This trail offers visitors the opportunity to see some of the country’s most untouched landscapes, offering walks through idyllic villages and quaint pubs. Hikers will be provided with stunning views of the turquoise sea, which is easily spotted as the trail takes you down atop the white cliffs. These cliffs provide some of Europe’s best chalk beaches, allowing visitors to unwind during their walk.
Starting in Winchester, the South Downs Way leads south through Petersfield and continues to its end point which can be found in Eastbourne. The trail is open all year round and is suitable for both walkers and cyclists. It is maintained by Paths for All who aim to improve locations along the South Downs Way on a continuous basis. This allows visitors to enjoy new experiences along the trail each time they visit. How great is that?.
The South Downs Way was founded in 1951 and stretches for over 100 miles, starting in Winchester and finishing in Eastbourne. The trail takes walkers through the picturesque region of Hampshire, crossing the South Downs National Park. The South Downs Way is great for any type of hikers, from those looking to take a short walk to those who are taking several days to enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the trail. The South Downs Way is a National Trail which spans from Winchester to Eastbourne.
The Chawton Loop
The Chawton Loop is a must for Jane Austen fans visiting the area. The charming tour through the Hampshire countryside begins at Jane Austen’s House Museum, where you can pay your respects at the famous author’s grave and see some of her original manuscript writing before tracing her footsteps on foot (or by bike) around Steventon and Deane. Along the way, you will pass many places familiar from Austen’s most celebrated books, such as Chawton village green; Chawton House, the former rectory of which the Austens were extended tenants; the cottage where John and Fanny Knight lived with their 16 children; and her brother Edward’s house at Godmersham which also.
Back in the early 19th century, it was agreed that Jane Austen’s home in the village of Chawton, Hampshire did not have enough carriage space for visitors. Consequently, a loop of approximately 3 miles was laid out for her and her guests to travel in privacy, with the public road diverted around the villa by way of four corners (now known as the Austen Way). While you can simply walk the Loop any time you wish, many residents make sure to walk it at least once a year, usually on July 18th – just like Jane did.
For more than five years, I've taken the daily commute from my home in the village of Chawton to Bracknell. Walking down the steep hill on the evening of Sunday, December 13th, I was struck with inspiration for an unmarked Jane Austen walk I'd read about. I rearranged the terrain slightly, devised a route and, on Monday morning, sent it out to some friends in the Jane Austen Society as follows. The Chawton Loop is a circular walk taking in the key sights of Jane Austen's life, including her home at Chawton House and the site of her brother James'cottage at Noar Hill.
The route passes through rolling Hampshire countryside and affords some glorious views across the Vale of Winchester. The trail route can be found within Hampshire's South Downs National Park and follows a largely traffic free route which offers an array of views, wild flowers and wildlife all while passing through Southampton, Eastleigh, Basingstoke and Brighton on its way. Whenever I visit Denny Wood, I always go armed with my trusty binoculars and camera. The planning application was determined by Croydon Council on 13 October 2009.
Shipwrights Way
Walking and cycling tracks criss-cross the whole length of the route, making this a huge family-friendly option. The path really comes to life at the northern end, around the picturesque Castle Hill with breathtaking views over Hamptonshire. The far end of one section of trail can be accessed by a short walk from Shipwrights Quay, where youll find a pub. Another convenient route is to park your car at the Shipwrights car park, ideally suitable for disabled drivers.
From here its just a short stroll to Crouch Street in New Milton and then onto the Old Butter Market to pick up the track again on your return journey. The Shipwrights Way isn’t just a particularly pretty, long-distance trail. It’s an official route that was created in a joint effort by the National Trust and Hampshire County Council, before being awarded the status of both a National Trail and a Wayside Trail. There are now three official trails, named after the original title, however only Shipwrights Way has received accreditation by the Countryside Agency.
