Whitchurch sits on the crystal clear waters of the River Test and this walk criss-crosses over the river passing historic mills and pretty stone bridges.

There are plenty of reasons for making a visit to the attractive West Sussex town of Arundel and this walk around Arundel Park, taking in Swanbourne Lake and Hirone Tower is definitely one of them.

Near Bentworth, between Alton and Basingstoke, Home Farm is a landscape of meadows and woodland with butterflies and red kites soaring overhead. Surprisingly, much of this wildlife haven was actually created by carefully managed regeneration of cultivated land over the last 30 years.

Walk along the seawall and enjoy stunning views of the marshes and mudflats that make up this nature reserve, which is not only beautiful, but also an internationally important habitat for migratory birds. The walk is entirely flat and very easy to follow.

This isn’t a long walk, but it still has an awful lot to see and do. You will find large grassy spaces for picnics, a shoreline with Southampton Water, a waterside play area, wooded glades with bluebells and the crowning glory of this walk - the magnificent romantic ruins of Netley Abbey.

Step into the enchanted land of Mill Hanger near Dunsfold, where bluebells, wild garlic, bird song and a meandering river produce a scene so beautiful in May time that you will think you are in a fairy tale. Complete the adventure with a visit to the ridiculously good rustic playground beside the charming village green.