The Longer, the Better
One of the reasons why I created Ambling Path was that walking routes in guidebooks were often too long for our children. I felt there was a need for a resource where people could find short and easy walks that the whole family could enjoy. Therefore, most of the walks on our website tend to take between one and two hours. However, there are a few that are longer, and I have grouped them together in this collection for those who want something more ambitious.
2 Hours
Follow the River Itchen as it makes its way through water meadows south of the city and see sights along the way such as St. Catherine’s Hill, Hockley Viaduct, Hospital of St Cross, Winchester College, Winchester Cathedral, Wolvesey Castle and Winchester City Mill.
2 hours 10 mins
Begin by following the boardwalks over Thursley Common - voted The Rambler’s favourite walk - and then walk down to pretty Thursley with a pub and play area. The homeward leg skirts along Hankley Common.
2 hours 10 mins
Enjoy the views over West Sussex as you walk through the historic estate of Slindon. You will pass through farmland, meadows and woodland and can rest at The Lookout and enjoy the wood carvings.
2 hours
This is a must-do walk when the bluebells are out, but is also lovely at any time of the year. It starts from The George pub and heads over farmland to Nore Wood where you will also find a folly with a view.
2 hours 20 mins
Our longest route at Norbury Park is best done in wild garlic season as the display in Nicols Field is astonishing. The route also includes a coffee spot in a woodland clearing, the River Mole and a natural play area.
2 hours 15 mins
The Wallop Brook links three delightful villages on this walk, Nether Wallop, Middle Wallop and Over Wallop. You can enjoy a picnic by the river, play at the outstanding park and even spot Miss. Marple’s house!
2 hours
The ultimate summer’s day walk, this route around the pretty coastal town has a gorgeous park with play area and fairy doors, seaside views to The Isle of Wight, a picturesque quay, a busy marina, cobbled streets and ice-cream shops.
2 hours
This walk includes everything that Lepe Country Park offers including a new play area, beach and cafe with a view. The loop then skirts the Exbury Estate and includes the coast, farmland and patches of woodland.
2 hours
This iconic West Sussex walk takes in one of the oldest yew tree groves in the UK. The ancient trees create a very special atmosphere. In direct comparison, the rest of the walk leads you up onto The Downs with views across the whole Chichester flood plain.
2 hours 10 mins
Just like with our children, it is hard to pick my favourite walk, but this one in spring time would definitely be in my top five! Wild garlic, bluebells, bubbling streams, a waterfall and new-born lambs are some of the seasonal highlights and the extraordinary views are sublime at any time!
2 hours
If you only ever do one walk in Chichester Harbour National Landscape, you should really make it this one. It has everything we love about the area including tidal pools full of coastal birds, views across the channels that change with the tides, pretty thatched cottages and a cosy village pub.
2 hours
This is one of our most popular walks and it isn’t hard to see why! Work your way past vineyards and a pub to the famous holloway, an ancient sunken path. This tree tunnel leads you up to the iconic windmill with 360 degree views. On your return, stop off at English Heritage’s Boxgrove Priory.
2 hours
The South Downs at its best, this route includes stretches along the River Arun, views of the downland ridge, a riverside tea room and some historic bridges. You can also add on a visit to Amberley Museum or even hire a boat from the cafe!
2 hours
A classic Hampshire walk, this linear route will take you along the river between the popular New Forest village of Beaulieu and the historic shipwright’s hamlet of Buckler’s Hard. You can visit the museum, enjoy the pub and café or take a picnic on the quayside.
2 hours 20 mins
Another linear walk, this one will take you along the River Wey Naviagtion from Riverside Park Nature Reserve to Dapdune Wharf, cared for by The National Trust. There, you can enjoy the tea-room, second hand book store and see the exhibits about the history of the canal.