Top 5 Walks in Hampshire

To truly get a feel for a place, you have to explore it on foot. However, Hampshire hosts over 3,000 miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways across its National Parks alone - that’s a lot of walking. To help you out, we’ve pulled out our five favourite walking routes in the county - between them, you’ll find something for everyone.

Walk in the footsteps of literary legend Jane Austen through her former home in Chawton and the neighbouring village of Farringdon. Start at Jane Austen’s House, the place where she spent the last eight years of her life, which is now a museum dedicated to the author. She completed and rewrote her six beloved novels while living here with her mother, sister Cassandra and their friend Martha Lloyd. From here, take a 4.5 mile walk through the villages and across the countryside fields that so inspired Austen’s work.

Getting there: Car parking is available in Chawton village.

Showcasing the beautiful Meon Valley, this trail is the perfect introduction to the South Downs National Park. Once a railway route linking rural communities with Fareham and Alton, the Meon Valley trail takes in 11 miles of picturesque Hampshire countryside. Among the flattest walks in Hampshire, the route is suitable for cyclists, walkers and even pushchairs - although an 11-mile, non-circular route may be a lot for little legs.

Getting there: Car parking can be found off Station Road in West Meon. There are also regular bus services to West Meon and Wickham.

Whether or not you’re familiar with the life and works of writer Edward Thomas, this 4-mile walk is a picturesque circular walk starting in the nearby village of Steep. Starting at Steep Church, which contains a commemorative window, experience the same beautiful Hampshire countryside that inspired Thomas’ best works. Pause to take in panoramic views of the South Downs National Park at the top of Mutton Hill - a walk Thomas would regularly tread.

Getting there: By rail, head to Petersfield railway station for a 30 minute walk to Steep Church. By car, there is limited car parking on Church Road in Steep.

If by ‘walk’, you mean ‘multi-day hike’ then it doesn’t get much better than crossing the South Downs National Park. The route begins in Winchester and finishes 100 miles down the road in Eastbourne - a truly rewarding experience. Along the way, there are plenty of highlights including Old Winchester Hill, Amberley Village and Devil’s Dyke to name a few. If the whole 100 miles sounds like too much, there are plenty of stunning sections to enjoy a day on one of the best walks in Hampshire.

If, after reading about all these countryside walks, you’ve suddenly realised urban walking is more your thing, we have just the ticket. Enjoy three kilometres of smooth promenade at Portsmouth’s historic waterfront. Perfect for pushchairs and close to amenities, the route begins at Spur Redoubt, near Clarence Pier. Take in Old Portsmouth, the Camber and Gunwharf Quay by following the chain motif along the walkway or follow the column-mounted lanterns that colour the promenade blue at night.

Getting there: By car, head for Clarence Pier car park or by train, head for Portsmouth Harbour.

After a day wandering scenic vistas and picturesque villages, rest your weary feet at Old Thorns Hotel and Resort. Situated close to the South Downs National Park and some of the best walks in Hampshire, there’s no better place to recover from a day on the winding pathways. Set in 400 acres of picturesque Hampshire countryside, Old Thorns makes for an unforgettable stay.