A view of The Vyne's birdhide on the edge of Morgaston Woods in spring. — Explore the wider estate at The Vyne. | © National Trust / Virginia Langer

Walking in Hampshire

Soak up panoramic views as you climb to the top of Stockbridge Down. Or explore The Vyne's woods and bird hide just beyond the garden. Mottisfont's estate walk takes in wildlife-rich farmland and and old tracks. Our trails will introduce you to some beautiful sights and sounds across Hampshire this autumn.

Field in foreground, trees in the background in autumn colour, Mottisfont, Hampshire

Trail

Mottisfont estate walk

Discover the beautiful, diverse Mottisfont estate on this varied circular walk through ancient woods and historic farmland. There are some lovely open views, as well as hedge-lined paths and lanes, which support visiting birds.

Open meadows with a tree-lined horizon and blue sky at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire

Trail

Dutton Estate walk at Hinton Ampner

This moderate circular walk starts on open downland with endless views over the South Downs, then weaves through towering beech woods, with broad avenues along which to walk.

A walker crosses a wooden bridge over a span of water, walking towards a footpath through the countryside in the New Forest with autumnal trees on the other side of the bank

Trail

Walk to the Huff Duff, New Forest

Take in a tranquil wooded valley, streams and heathland, as well as amazing views – from Whitefield Plantation you can sometimes see as far as Purbeck in Dorset. It’s an area steeped in military history; look out for the Huff Duff – a World War Two direction-finding station and hunker

Long grass and a gap in the trees at Selborne Common, Hampshire

Trail

Selborne Common and The Lythe butterfly walk

This walk starts off with a climb up the exciting zig-zag path. Don’t forget to look back at the view from the top. You may not see many butterflies in winter, but there are grassy woodland glades, meadows, and a pretty churchyard where naturalist Gilbert White is buried.

Horses and spring flowers on Stockbridge Down, Hampshire

Trail

Stockbridge Down wildlife and history walk

Follow the old network of paths to the hill fort at the top, for incredible views over an autumnal patchwork of fields. Look out for ancient Bronze Age burial mounds and 3,000 year old Woolbury Ring fort and ramparts.

Road with beech hangers on either side and two people in distance, summer, Hinton Ampner, Hampshire

Trail

Stewkeley walk at Hinton Ampner

This short walk has lots to recommend it. You’ll see a beautiful view of Hinton Ampner from the parkland, and a picturesque beech avenue. A small detour takes you into the village of Kilmeston, with its charming manor house and Norman church.

Narrow fence lined grass path flanked by fields, shrubs and trees

Trail

Battle of Cheriton walk

Explore the area of one of the most decisive battles in the English Civil War – the Battle of Cheriton. This trail, along footpaths and farm tracks, follows in the footsteps of soldiers who fought in a conflict that helped shape the future of England.

A sign at Hale Purlieu, New Forest, Hampshire

Trail

Hale Purlieu figure of eight walk

This figure of eight walk through the New Forest’s Hale Purlieu common crosses streams and takes in huge views across the valleys and mires. There’s lots of wildlife to look out for in this wild landscape, even in winter, including the tiny Dartford warbler, which flits between gorse bushes.

An aerial view of the tree-lined river and marshland in summer at Stockbridge Down, Hampshire

Trail

Stockbridge Common Marsh wildlife walk

This easy walk offers the wide open spaces of Stockbridge Common Marsh, along a well worn path. In this section of valley you’ll have rare access to the river’s edge, which looks onto the crystal clear waters of the famous river Test.

A National Trust sign pointing over the hedge to the right to Sandham Memorial Chapel, Hampshire.

Trail

Walk in Stanley Spencer's footsteps around Burghclere

A circular walk around the village of Burghclere to explore where artist Stanley Spencer lived, loved, and was inspired to create thought-provoking art.

Heathland with trees on the horizon at Hightown Common in the New Forest, Hampshire

Trail

A short stroll around Hightown

A short walk around our smallest heathland site in the New Forest – great if you don't have much time but still want to experience the mosaic of habitats the New Forest has to offer. Walk across grazed lawns, through dark ancient woods and wander off route to discover some hidden wetlands, all in under 30 minutes.