Where possible I kept the route on footpaths and
as Hampshire is a heavily populated county this presented challenges. So I
looked at existing long distance paths and incorporated these where I could
into the route, choosing the Solent Way, the Test Way and the Wayfarers Walk, all
way-marked long distance paths. You may be surprised to find, as I was, that
you can travel around the whole of Hampshire on footpaths and an occasional
minor road. Much of the route being on old drove roads; ancient rights of way used by
farmers and shepherds moving animals to market. These are the routes never
incorporated into the modern road network and Hampshire is full of them.
The total length is approximately 181 miles
(290 Kilometers) and I have split it into 15 day walks varying from 9 miles to
just over 14 miles, with a final section from Hamble to Southampton of 7 miles
to allow time to explore the city.
If this walk inspires you to try a bit more
than the Sunday afternoon ‘pub walk’ then be assured the rewards you’ll gain
both in physical and mental health will amply repay the efforts made.
You don’t need to be a super fit athlete.
Hampshire is a county of rolling farmland with no climbs beyond the average
walker. The only equipment you’ll need will be that taken for a day’s hike;
good boots, a weatherproof jacket and trousers, map and compass and a small day
sack. I would advise purchasing the OS Explorer maps 144, 132, 119, 131 and the
New Forest Tourist map, which cover almost the whole route. Please check any
public transport and other information given on-line where much more will be
found.
The walk is worthwhile at any time of year, but
May and June are the months to enjoy it at its best. This is when there are
abundant wild flowers in the hedge rows and lambs gamboling in the fields. When
I have done the walk at this time of year I have been accompanied by the songs
of Skylarks all the way from Inkpen nearly down to Portsmouth.
Every effort has been made to ensure the
accuracy of the route description and information but if you do find any
inaccuracies or changes on the ground please send me an email at walkhampshire@gmail.com.