Cheriton to Hinton Ampner
Alresford
Children will enjoy passing the grand National Trust property on this walk or a play at the park and streams in Cheriton.
Cheriton looking beautiful in the spring.
The Basics
Time: 1 hr 40 mins
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Terrain: Fields tracks, parkland, quiet country lanes, narrow foot bridge, a busy road crossing and a section beside a busier road mostly with pavements. A couple of short and steady hill climbs.
Pushchairs: This route is not suitable for pushchairs.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this walk but should be on leads if livestock is encountered.
Refreshments: National Trust Cafe at Hinton Ampner (members or ticket holders) or RAIMES Vineyard for wine and tasting boards.
Toilets: There are pubic toilets at Hinton Ampner, but you will need to be members or ticket holders to access the grounds.
Public Transport: The 67 Stagecoach bus route from Winchester to Petersfield stops along the A272 from where you can join this walk.
Parking: Roadside parking can usually be found around Cheriton, particularly on School Lane (Postcode: SO24 0QA - W3W: ///conforms.lately.relations)
You get a really good view of Hinton Ampner on this walk.
This walk starts at the pretty village of Cheriton where you will find a young River Itchen, a historical battle field, a pub and a secluded play area. It then crosses fields to reach the parkland of Hinton Ampner, where you can get a good view of the historical house and its gardens.
The Route
To begin the walk from Cheriton, take the lane passing directly in front of the schoolto your left and then take the footpath on your left at the end, signed ‘Wayfarer’s Way’. This path will pass narrowly between the backs of properties rising steadily to the top of the hill where the space opens up.
At the corner of this open space, turn right, following the finger post. Keep to the edge of the field with a fence to your left and a hedge to your right, before turning left along the next edge of the field As you exit the field, you will arrive at a cross point of paths. Turn right and then almost immediately look for the gap in the hedge on your left and hop over the little bank. Follow the path diagonally across the field. At the opposite corner, descend steeply down the bank and onto the track.
Take the path straight ahead and go under a barrier. Along this track, you will pass RAIMES Vineyard where walk ins (and dogs) are welcome for some wine tasting and grazing. Also along this track, look out for the information board depicting The Battle of Cheriton, which took place in the field to your right. At the end of the track, cross the A272 and follow the lane opposite up the hill towards Hinton Ampner.
Nip through the gap at the side of the gates, entering the grounds of Hinton Ampner. Please note that if you want to explore the house and gardens, you will need to go to the ticket office on the other side of the garden. The walk continues by turning left opposite the chapel and out through the gate. Turn immediately right after the gate and keep the fence of the gardens to your right. Follow this boundary as it curves around to your right and then walk directly in front of the house.
As you reach the end corner of the gardens, you will pass a picnic area to your left. Keep this to your left and continue up towards the grassy brow of the hill. When you get to the top, you will see a grounds keeper’s pavilion. Pass this to your left and keep going straight, following the wide grassy path. You will soon come to a tall metal gate. Go through the pedestrian gate to the left and veer right through the grassland down towards another tall metal gate in the fence opposite.
Go through the gate and follow the path down through the trees and then turn right, reaching the road at the end. Walk towards the A272 and cross with care before turning right and walking along the pavement towards The Hinton Arms (now closed).
Turn left onto the foot path opposite The Hinton Arms and go through the kissing gate. Walk along the left hand edge of the historic battle field, crossing over the stream half way across. Leave the field through the metal gate on your left and pass narrowly between properties to reach the road on the other side.
Turn right and walk along the road to return to Cheriton. There is a verge or pavement most of the way and you will walk adjacent to the river. When you reach the bridge where the river passes under the road, turn right away from the road and follow the path with the river to your left. This will bring you back to the school.
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Note that the first four photos were taken from within Hinton Ampner after the purchase of tickets. The rest of the photos were taken from public rights of way and permissive paths.
Did you know?
The Battle of Cheriton took place on 29th March 1644 and was an important Parliamentary victory during the English Civil War. Defeat ended Royalist hopes of retaking South East England.
If you enjoyed this walk…
…try this one at Petworth House, where you can explore parkland in front of another National Trust property.
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