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.

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.

Just a stone’s throw from the heart of Winchester is this wetland nature reserve, known as the gateway to The River Itchen. The all access pathways take you over reedbeds, past ponds and sections of the river.

Forgive the photography, this little chap wouldn’t look the right way! But in this tree, you might be able to spot a red panda. This has to be the only footpath in the country where you have a good chance of spotting red pandas, rhinos and wallabies!

It is easy to understand why royalty have been coming to Avington Park for centuries; the setting beside the Itchen is idyllic. This walk provides great views of the house, bridges over the river, a hilltop swing and Hampshire countryside at its finest.

The tall beech trees of Blackwood Forest provide the ideal habitat for spring bluebells. Forest Holidays manage a collection of log cabins here, but you do not need to be on one of their breaks to be able to enjoy some of their excellent facilities and of course, the bluebells.