Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winchester-circular-walk-moderate-5-miles"><a href="https://walkwinchester.co.uk/hockley-viaduct-walk4-views-of-the-city" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winchester Circular Walk</a>. Moderate. 5 Miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="697" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-Hospital-of-St-Cross-Winchester-min-1000x697.jpg" alt="The Hospital of St Cross Winchester circular Walks Hampshire" class="wp-image-31295" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-Hospital-of-St-Cross-Winchester-min-1000x697.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-Hospital-of-St-Cross-Winchester-min-800x557.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-Hospital-of-St-Cross-Winchester-min-768x535.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-Hospital-of-St-Cross-Winchester-min-754x525.jpg 754w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/The-Hospital-of-St-Cross-Winchester-min.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Neil Howard</figcaption></figure>



<p>This circular walk starts and finishes at Hockley Viaduct, which has been disused since the 60s (you can&#8217;t miss it). Head up The Itchen Way footpath, along the River Itchen and up to Iron Age fort Catherine’s Hill. From here you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the city. So if you can time it around sunset and take a picnic and glass of something fizzy, all the better! The walk returns via The Hospital of St Cross, nestled in the water meadows alongside the river. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-east-meon-amp-butser-hill-moderate-8-1-miles"><a href="https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/short-routes/east-meon-circular-walk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Meon &amp; Butser Hill</a>. Moderate. 8.1 Miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="849" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/East-Meon.jpg" alt="East Meon pretty circular walks Hampshire" class="wp-image-31296" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/East-Meon.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/East-Meon-800x453.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/East-Meon-1000x566.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/East-Meon-768x435.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/East-Meon-900x509.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Herry Lawford</figcaption></figure>



<p>This route starts at The Sustainability Centre which is located on the South Downs ridge above East Meon. From here you head through the picturesque village of East Meon and up Butser Hill, one of the highest points in Hampshire. From the flat summit of the nature reserve you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Sussex, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jane-austen-circular-walk-easy-4-5-miles"><a href="https://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/things-to-do/jane-austen-circular-walk-p60383" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jane Austen Circular Walk</a>. Easy. 4.5 Miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="900" height="675" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/jane-austens-house.jpg" alt="Jane Austen's House Hampshire" class="wp-image-31297" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/jane-austens-house.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/jane-austens-house-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/jane-austens-house-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/jane-austens-house-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure>



<p>Literary fans will love this easy walk in the village where Jane Austen spent the last eight years of her life. Chawton lies a mile southwest of Alton and this circular walk starts at her 17<sup>th</sup> century house (now Jane Austen’s House Museum). Follow her footsteps through fields into the village of Farringdon and keep your eyes peeled for any wet-shirted men popping up. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-catherine-s-point-isle-of-wight-easy-2-miles"><a href="http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/st-catherines-lighthouse-walking-route" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Catherine’s Point</a>, Isle of Wight. Easy. 2 Miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/09/IOWH_Muddy-Stilettos_St-Catherines-Lighthouse-WE.jpg" alt="Circular walk isle of Wight St Catherines lighthouse" class="wp-image-31880" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/09/IOWH_Muddy-Stilettos_St-Catherines-Lighthouse-WE.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/09/IOWH_Muddy-Stilettos_St-Catherines-Lighthouse-WE-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/09/IOWH_Muddy-Stilettos_St-Catherines-Lighthouse-WE-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/09/IOWH_Muddy-Stilettos_St-Catherines-Lighthouse-WE-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Island life! Breathe deeply as you enjoy dramatic panoramic views of the coastline and taste the fresh salty sea air. The walk follows the footpath through Knowles Farm to St Catherine’s Point and continue around the iconic 19<sup>th</sup> century lighthouse. You’ll pass the 16<sup>th</sup> century Buddle Inn, a charming pub with fantastic views from the outside seating area. Pint and a Ploughmans anyone? You’ll have worked up a good appetite with all that sea air. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/things-to-do/walks/22572864.test-valley-walk---stockbridge-circular/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Test Valley Walk</a>, Stockbridge Circular. Moderate. 8 Miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/06/Stockbridge.-Image-credit-Theo-Pexels-1000x665.jpg" alt="Stockbridge Hampshire. Image by Theo Felten" class="wp-image-40356" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/06/Stockbridge.-Image-credit-Theo-Pexels-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/06/Stockbridge.-Image-credit-Theo-Pexels-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/06/Stockbridge.-Image-credit-Theo-Pexels-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2026/06/Stockbridge.-Image-credit-Theo-Pexels.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Theo Felten</figcaption></figure>



<p>The Test Way runs from Inkpen Hill in Berkshire southwards until the River Test, one of Hampshire’s most beautiful clear chalk streams, flows into Southampton water. World famous for its trout fishing, peace and tranquility is the order of the day on this long but not too testing (despite the name!) circular walk starting and finishing in Stockbridge in the heart of the Test Valley. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alresford-watercress-trail-moderate-4-5-miles"><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60e95c0bd230b9076e9d75c5/t/610c7048a3532e58bb860892/1628205129536/The+Watercress+Way+Walk+1+Alresford+Steam+and+Watercress+circle+4+miles.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alresford Watercress Trail</a>. Moderate. 4.5 Miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/04/Watercress-Line-Canadian-Pacific-departs-Ropley-1A54-1300-Alresford-to-Alton-002.jpg" alt="Watercress-Line-Canadian-Pacific-departs-Ropley-1A54-1300-Alresford-to-Alton-002.jpg" class="wp-image-36924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/04/Watercress-Line-Canadian-Pacific-departs-Ropley-1A54-1300-Alresford-to-Alton-002.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/04/Watercress-Line-Canadian-Pacific-departs-Ropley-1A54-1300-Alresford-to-Alton-002-800x547.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/04/Watercress-Line-Canadian-Pacific-departs-Ropley-1A54-1300-Alresford-to-Alton-002-1000x683.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/04/Watercress-Line-Canadian-Pacific-departs-Ropley-1A54-1300-Alresford-to-Alton-002-768x525.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The Watercress Line</figcaption></figure>



<p>A glorious walk to appreciate the clear waters of the River Alre, a tributary of the Itchen, that makes the perfect environment for Hampshire’s watercress industry (yes, really). Start at the station where heritage stream railway the Watercress Line terminates &#8211; look out for Thomas the Tank Engine! Cross <a aria-label="New Alresford (opens in a new tab)" href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/hampshire-iow/alresford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alresford</a> to join the riverside path before venturing through ancient lanes and farms tracks until you get to the beautiful church in Old Alresford. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lyndhurst-circular-walk-the-new-forest-easy-moderate-7-5-miles"><a href="https://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walk-1612-description" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lyndhurst Circular Walk</a>. The New Forest. Easy/moderate. 7.5 miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="960" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/05/New-Forest-Pony-horse-Heidi.jpg" alt="New Forest Pony Horse Hampshire circular Walks" class="wp-image-37170" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/05/New-Forest-Pony-horse-Heidi.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/05/New-Forest-Pony-horse-Heidi-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/05/New-Forest-Pony-horse-Heidi-1000x800.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2025/05/New-Forest-Pony-horse-Heidi-768x614.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure>



<p>If you like to walk barefoot with daisies in your hair, this route&#8217;s for you. It takes in open heathland, ancient woodland, enclosures and wildlife &#8211; the perfect mix of everything The New Forest has to offer. See if you can spot any resident ponies and deer grazing and look out for pretty wildflowers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finchdean-circular-walk-moderate-4-5-miles"><a href="https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/south-downs/finchdean-walk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Finchdean Circular Walk</a>. Moderate. 4.5 miles.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="966" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/St-Huberts-Church-Idsworth-Hampshire.jpg" alt="St Hubert's Church Finchdean Circular Walk " class="wp-image-31298" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/St-Huberts-Church-Idsworth-Hampshire.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/St-Huberts-Church-Idsworth-Hampshire-800x515.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/St-Huberts-Church-Idsworth-Hampshire-1000x644.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/St-Huberts-Church-Idsworth-Hampshire-768x495.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/06/St-Huberts-Church-Idsworth-Hampshire-815x525.jpg 815w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Trevor Wintle</figcaption></figure>



<p>This walk starts in Finchdean near Waterlooville. The terrain includes cattle fields with kissing gates and styles, woodland and open downland where you’ll be rewarded with sparkling views of the Solent. Cross a small wooden bridge towards St Hubert’s Church, Idsworth, which lies in splendid isolation. The medieval wall paintings within this otherwise unassuming building are in excellent condition and worth a detour. </p>


8 pretty circular walks in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

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