Cheriton has featured in some of our walks before. We keep being drawn back to the clear waters of the Itchen, the pretty thatched cottages, the hidden park and the plethora of footpaths. This time, we walked over peaceful lanes and fields to Holden Farm, where just off the South Downs Way, you will find the perfect setting for enjoying refreshments.

This linear walk takes you down from Beacon Hill Nature Reserve into the Meon Valley, where you can get refreshments from a riverside pub before making your way back up the hill again.

Flood meadows is an absolute gem on the edge of Alton. Close to its source, the River Wey flows through this recreational space where dogs and children can splash, picnic and see the ducks. Our route then explores the surrounding countryside and farmland with a stop at two play areas.

Hambledon, known as the ‘Cradle of Cricket’, is a rural village packed full of attractive country homes and a popular tea room. Our walk loops around the perimeter of the village, taking you up onto the National Trust’s Speltham Down.

A few of our walks involve churches in intriguing locations. During this walk through open access woods of Bramdean Common, you can find one of our favourites.

We were really excited to visit Hampshire Pantry after it opened and a quick study of the map showed us that we could walk directly to the farm by starting at the superb play area at Oliver’s Battery and hiking over Compton Down with lovely views.