Alton, Hampshire is the perfect place to explore whether you want to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities. Here is a selection of walks in Alton and the surrounding area.
Alton, Hampshire and the surrounding area are great for walking. We have reviewed a selection of trails and routes around Alton for you to discover. There are plenty of different routes and difficulty levels to suit all capabilities. Here is a selection of walks in Alton and the surrounding area for you to choose from.
1. Home Farm Woodland Trail | 3.9km, 1 hr 30 mins, easy
This easy circular route through woodland explores Home Farm, near the hamlet of Burkham in Hampshire. This mixture of open grassland and woodland was once a farm for Burkham Manor, but now it is a nature reserve that is looked after by the woodland trust.
This is a popular route for dog walkers, families and friends looking for a peaceful walk. There are no stiles or steps, just several kissing gates, small gradients and paths that can get very muddy during the winter, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
Please keep a safe distance from roaming cattle (especially dogs). They are held to one section of woodland. There are no toilets or other facilities on the route.
2. Selborne Hill Circular Walk | 5.3km, 1 hrs 25 mins, easy
We enjoyed the Selborne Hill Circular route near Alton. It is an easy route that will take around 1 hour and 25 minutes to complete. This trail is open all year round and is a fun option for a day trip.
This walk begins at the car park behind the Gilbert White’s House and Gardens museum, which was once the home to Gilbert White, an 18th-century naturalist. This walk guides you to 300 ft chalk escarpment, Selborne Hanger. The Zig-Zag path you then follow was cut into the side of the hill by Gilbert White and his brother in 1753.
This unique path goes back and forth up the hill. At the top, you get a fantastic view across the South Downs. The route then takes you through Selborne Common, a particular area of conservation which the National Trust now manages. Finally, you will pass over the summit of Selborne Hill, one of the highest points in the county of Hampshire. Then descend to the south to take a more leisurely way back to the start.
The Selborne Arms is just next to the car park for a drink or something to eat after your walk.
3. Hampshire to Chawton Circular Walk | 7.4km, 1-2 hrs, moderate
Near Alton, Hampshire, this 7.4km circular walk is brilliant for bird watching, hiking, and mountain biking and the best time to give this trail a go is March through September.
This circular route begins in the quaint Hampshire village of Chawton and at the former home of Jane Austen, which now houses a museum. This route guides you through woodland and farmland to reach the nearby village of Upper Farringdon. Perfect for the literature lovers along this route, you’ll see a few of the places that Jane enjoyed visiting when living in Chawton from 1809 to 1817. The surrounding countryside here is so beautiful. You will return along a disused railway line.
We have given this route a moderate rating as there are steady climbs and descents, kissing gates and stiles. Most are low and easy to pass over, even with dogs. However, the penultimate stile is tall with wire fencing and can be tricky. The paths are mostly well made and maintained, but the woodland and field paths can get very slippy and muddy after periods of wet weather.
If you fancy stopping for refreshments before or after your walk, then The Greyfriar pub is a great find and just a few yards along the road from the car park.
You can follow the entire route here.
4. Burkham and Lower Wield Loop Trail | 10.5km, 2 hrs 30 mins, moderate
This is a more moderate loop trail near Alton, Hampshire. It’s a brilliant route for hiking and walking. This route is a walk via byways and field tracks, starting near Burkham in Hampshire.
This route is away from busy roads, so it’s peaceful, with only slight slops. It is primarily a flat walk. It can get very muddy after wet weather, so check the weather and dress appropriately.
You start at a path that takes you through Home Farm, a 338-acre woodland and grassland that the Woodland Trust owns. This trail then takes you through vast fields to the village of Bradley. It then joins part of the long-distance Three Castles Path to Lower Wield. Just after Lower Wield, there is a short road section, and then a byway leads to the Ox Drove Way. From here you head back to Home Farm.
5. Hangers way, Alton to Hawkley Inn | 17.5km, 5 hrs, moderate/difficult
This moderately challenging route will take you around 5 hours to complete. It is perfect for backpacking, camping, and hiking.
This route begins in Alton and takes you to explore the beautiful Hampshire countryside following part of the Hangers Way, a 21-mile long-distance walking route. This scenic walk immerses you in nature and guides you along a series of steep-sided wooded hills known as The Hangers. You then head through the pretty market town of Petersfield.
This route ends at Queen Elizabeth Country Park. We love this walk as you will pass through quiet villages, market towns, meadows for picnics, pubs, stunning views and peaceful woodland.
Let us know if you have ever tried any of our chosen walks near to Alton and the surrounding area in the comments.
