What a joy this walk was on a sunny spring day! The paths were lined with a multitude of spring flowers and the woodland carpeted with bluebells. West Meon itself is an attractive village with a traditional stores and well-loved pub. To complete the excursion, children will be excited by the new climbing towers and slides in the recreation ground, from where the walk starts.

The cosy Barley Mow sits in the quiet South Downs village of Walderton with the River Ems running through its garden. It is the perfect starting point for a number of excellent walks including this one that passes Watergate House and has views as far as Chichester Harbour.

Midhurst is a historic market town at the heart of the South Downs National Park. It is surrounded by some great estates and this walk connects two - Cowdray and Woolbeding - via paths along the River Rother.

This walk encompasses everything we love about the New Forest; an epic family pub, tracks suitable for walkers and cyclists, huge ancient oaks and magical conifer plantations, free-roaming ponies, heather clad open plains and bridges over gentle streams.

As it approaches Winchester, the River Itchen splits into many streams, some of which are crossed on this walk. The focal point is the gorgeous village of Easton with its dreamy thatched cottages and two pubs.

The route follows the River Wey Navigation from Riverside Park Nature Reserve. You will pass Stoke Lock where you can watch the boats be lifted and lowered. At Dapdune Wharf, there is plenty of opportunity to recharge the batteries before the walk back with a tea room, boat rides, play area, exhibits and a second-hand bookshop.