The North Hampshire Downs - 10 Leisure Walks of Discovery Guidebook

by: Robert Wood
The North Hampshire Downs are quintessential chalk downs. The chalk gives rise to a variety of contrasting landforms including broad rolling downland, deep and shallow valleys, high hills, and ridges with steep scarps in places most notably above the Kennet valley in the very north. The downland itself supports a chalky grassland habitat, beneficial for wild flowers and insects as well as arable agriculture.

These walks cover the whole of the North Hampshire Downs, sometimes called the 'Hampshire Highlands'. The village of Hurstbourne Tarrant will certainly serve as the capital of the area and two walks circle it. The views hereabouts are stunning. One walk strays into Berkshire but that is understandable; until 1895 the area was in Hampshire. And another walk strays into Wiltshire but again that is understandable because, on what has been called Hampshire's 'north-west frontier', the three counties are quite jammed together and even meet at a point during one of the walks - at Rockmoor Pond. Remember Fiver and his rabbit pals? Well, one of the walks actually treads on Watership Down.

The ten circular walks, ranging from 3 to 8 miles, suit the needs of families, groups of friends or individuals looking for a gentle stroll or a longer walk, and reflect the many varied facets of the area - its people, its history, and its working landscape and will help first time visitors to experience some of the great scenery the area has to offer. Clear route directions are provided together with sketch maps and the guide is well illustrated throughout with colour photographs. The handy size also means it will slip easily into your pocket.

The walk locations are:
Vernham Dean and Upton - 5.75 miles
Linkenholt and Vernham Street - 6 miles
Combe Gibbet and Combe - 5 miles
The Ox Drove and East Woodhay - 5.75 miles
Hurstbourne Tarrant and Windmill Hill - 6 miles
Hurstbourne Tarrant and Bourne Park - 6 miles
Ashmansworth and Crux Easton - 6 miles
Litchfield and the Portway - 6 miles
Hannington and Watership Down - 8.5 miles
Malshanger and Ibworth - 4 miles

ISBN 9780857100245 Pages 64 (2011) 110mm x 155mm