Home Page Skip Navigation

Walking

One of the easiest ways to get out and about in Hampshire is under your own steam. Forget the need to hire expensive equipment, just grab some stout shoes, pack a rucksack and off you go. Don't forget a map and plenty of water as well.

Walking is probably the most popular way of seeing the Hampshire countryside and with so many routes and trails to choose from it is not surprising. And if you don't feel up to a big hike then there is usually a less ambitious circular alternative. Some of these are perfect for a spring outing, visit our spring walks page.

Take a stroll along the meandering River Test or one of its babbling tributries, you never know you might spot a trout. The 44 mile Test Way from Andover to Southampton follows the valley for much of its length, with parts of it following a railway line built in the 1860s on a canal bed.

Alternatively if it's breathtaking scenery you are after, then head for the hills. The Queen Elizabeth Country Park, has some stunning scenery, including the highest point on the South Downs, and is Hampshire's biggest country park, with 20 miles of trails. And the 70 mile Wayfarers Walk from Emsworth to Inkpen Beacon is one of the county's most picturesque routes and passes through Watership Down which inspired the Richard Adams novel and subsequent film, an action packed adventure based on the life of the rabbit Hazel and friends.

For more ideas on walks have a look at the Test Valley Tour walking routes, our long distance walks or our East Hampshire Literary Walks.