This 5 mile route starts from St Swithun's Church. Follow the road parallel to the main road towards Crampmoor Lane. Cross the end of Crampmoor Lane and continue alone the path to join the Straight Mile lane running parallel to Winchester Road.
Join the route from Woodley via Silver Wood Rise, taking the cut through next to the bus stop on Winchester Road.Opposite "The Beeches" is a path on the left taking you to the main road. Take this and cross over to the the lane on the other side.
There is less traffic during the lockdown, so crossing is easy at the moment.Continue on this lane until you reach the end. Where it meets Jermins Lane, turn left and walk about 25m on the verge.
Almost immediately, there is a path into the woods on the other side of the road. Cross over and take this path, which will allow you to join the official Right of Way into Ampfield Woods.
During lockdown Jermins Lane is much quieter than usual to cross.Once on the main path, the route is wide and there are a number of route options. You can either enjoy the paths in the wood and return the same way or continue for for the full circuit.
At the end of the first track, turn left onto the main gravel "road". At the next T-junction, turn right.
When this track turns sharp right, take the path on the left.
Although the warn path is quite narrow, there is plenty of room either side to keep your distance from any other walkers, although this path is usually deserted.
Cross over the stile, minimising hand contact. Turn RIGHT.
I am not agile but managed to climb over without using my hands.This path is quite closed in and hard to distance if someone is coming the other way. However, it is possible to see ahead and take action if someone is coming the other way.
I have only ever met someone once, and they was able to wait at the end until I passed.After a gate (possible to use elbow to open), the path turns left around Hilliers Gardens and the space widens.
At the end of this stretch is a good view and you follow the edge of a field.
In the winter this can be very muddy, but in April 2020 is was extremely dry.After crossing a bridge and navigating a metal "kissing gate" there is a short narrow path to join the road. This is straight with good visibility to see if anyone is coming.
At the end, continue through Megana Way and turn left on to Braishfield Road.
Continue past the Dog and Crook pub and onto the John Bevan path. The footpath is quite narrow, but it is possible to stand off it to let people pass.
Take the permissive path on the left as you border Hillier's Gardens. This runs alongside the tarmac pavement but is wider and greener.
Continue in the same direction until you return to your start point.