On The Hunt For The Best Place To Walk In Hampshire?

Hampshire is not only filled with amazing places to walk, it’s close to counties like Wiltshire, Surrey and West Sussex.

The county itself is famous for its associations with not only Jane Austen, but Charles Dickens, who started life in the city of Portsmouth. Part of the county runs along the coastline of the English Channel, with many of the walks offering spectacular views.

One of the best places to walk in Hampshire if you’re looking to enjoy gorgeous vistas is Selbourne.

This village in Hampshire was home to the naturalist Gilibert White, whose house is now a popular museum with enchanting grounds. Here you can find many interesting exhibitions, including those on the famous Arctic explorer Lawrence Oates. This area is one of the best if you’re seeking gentle walks with plenty of gorgeous countryside.

In Selbourne, you’ll find what’s known as the ‘Zig-Zag Path’ which anyone seeking a scenic and moderately challenging hike up a hillside. The Zig Zag Path has a rich history dating back several centuries. It’s believed it was originally constructed as a footpath for villagers to access the Selborne Common and surrounding areas.

As the name suggests, the Zig Zag Path is characterized by its zigzagging pattern as it ascends up the hillside. This design was likely implemented to make the steep climb more manageable for pedestrians.

Not far from Selbourne is Old Winchester Hill.

Old Winchester Hill is situated within the South Downs National Park in Hampshire, England. It is near the village of Exton and is easily accessible by road.

If you’re a history buff, you’re likely to love this walk. The hill has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It is believed to have been inhabited since the Bronze Age, with evidence of Iron Age forts and earthworks found on the site.

One of the most notable features of Old Winchester Hill is its Iron Age fort, which dates back over 2,000 years. The fort covers a large area at the summit of the hill and consists of multiple ramparts and ditches.

Another place to find the best walks in Hampshire is the New Forest.

A significant portion of the county is covered by the New Forest National Park, known for its ancient woodland, heathland, and diverse wildlife including ponies, deer, and rare bird species. Here are just a few great places to walk in this part of Hampshire:

• Lyndhurst, the capital of the New Forest, is a wonderful starting point for exploring the area. You can take walks around the village and venture into the nearby forest trails.
• Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary which offers gentle trails suitable for all ages and abilities. You can enjoy a stroll through the woodland and may even spot some of the resident deer.
• Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, a route which winds through majestic trees and is particularly beautiful during autumn when the leaves turn vibrant colors.
• Blackwater Arboretum, which is situated near Brockenhurst and features a variety of trees from around the world, making for a diverse and interesting walk.
• Beaulieu River, a riverside walk with stunning views and a chance to spot wildlife such as birds and maybe even seals.
• Lymington to Keyhaven Nature Reserve that takes you through salt marshes and along the Solent coastline, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
• The Ober Water walk, a peaceful route that meanders alongside a picturesque stream, surrounded by ancient woodland.
• Buckler's Hard, a historic village on the banks of the Beaulieu River and take a walk along the riverbank for captivating views.

Hampshire is home to many popular seaside destinations such as Southsea, Hayling Island, and the New Forest coast.

The Isle of Wight was also originally in Hampshire before it became a county in its own right in the Victorian era. It’s extremely easy to get to the island from Portsmouth using the ferry. Here you’ll also find many wonderful walks to enjoy.

The Isle of Wight Coastal Path stretches for 67 miles and boasts captivating views of the island's coastline. You can choose to walk the entire path or choose particular parts based on your preferences.

Whether you prefer coastal paths, countryside trails, or historical landmarks, there's something for everyone to enjoy on this picturesque island.

Why use Walking Britain to find your next hiking route?

We have routes available throughout Hampshire, which are graded according to difficulty (easy, modern and difficult). We offer easy to follow instructions to make exploring the local area a pleasure.

Our website is committed to helping hikers at all levels make the most of their adventures in the UK. We love enabling you to discover places in outstanding natural beauty.

If you’re seeking the best walks in Hampshire, take a look at our latest routes today.

Check out our previous article here.