Dutton Estate walk at Hinton Ampner
This route takes in the historic estate at Hinton Ampner, the final part of Ralph Dutton's vision for an estate, garden and house that would blend harmoniously into the surrounding Hampshire countryside.
Towering beech avenues and beautiful countryside views
This 4-mile route takes in the best of all seasons, from carpets of bluebells in spring to the most spectacular colours in autumn. There is an abundance of wildlife from roe deer to rare Barbastelle bats. Starting on open downland with endless views over the South Downs, the walk then weaves through ancient woodland, with avenues lined with beech trees. This walk crosses tenanted, working farmland so please keep dogs on leads at all times. Some of the pathways can be narrow so please consider other path users and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Please take any rubbish home with you so we can keep the countryside beautiful for everyone. There are grazing animals around the estate – please shut any gates that you open and keep four legged friends on leads at all times.
Map
Start:
Gated entrance just off the main drive, behind the Church, grid ref: SU597275
1
As you leave visitor reception, head straight along the main drive with the house on your right and the church to your left. The drive begins to sweep to the left behind the church. You will notice a gate just off to the right hand side; this is the start of the estate walk. Head through the two gates and across the field in the direction of the waymarker. There are often sheep grazing in this field, so dogs need to be kept on leads. At the end of the field turn left on the road. Make sure you keep to the right-hand side of the road, facing the oncoming traffic. 8yd (7m) along the road, turn right on the track denoted by the waymarker.
2
In front of you is a path leading up and along the ridge. About ½ mile (1km) down is a bench; take time to stop here and enjoy the view over the Hampshire countryside.
A view from the ridge
Take the time to stop and enjoy the view over the stunning South Downs. You will often see roe deer and hares from this vantage point.
3
At the end of this section of path, turn right and head down the ridge. You will often see hares in the fields in the spring so keep a close eye out for them. If your dog is not used to wildlife we advise keeping it on a lead. Follow the path down till you reach the road.
4
To the left of the path you will notice a large house. This was the home of the last of the Dutton line, Joane Dutton, who was the youngest sister of Ralph Dutton, the last owner of Hinton Ampner. Cross the road at this point, again listening out for any passing traffic. Once over the road, follow the path towards the woods.
5
The woodland at Hinton Ampner is mixed and has both conifer and native broad leaf trees. Although this is ancient woodland, Ralph Dutton did a lot of work on improving the woodland and making it a vital part of the working estate. Hinton Ampner had its own saw mill and much of the wood was grown so that the estate could be self sufficient. Hazel was also coppiced and used for many things such as fencing, you will notice many sections of Hazel, and we hope to use this recourse again in the future. The woodland is a habitat for many native species of flora and fauna, in spring there is a dazzling display of bluebells and wood anemones. There are many native creatures that inhabit the woods including badger, roe deer, fox and the rare barbastelle bat. Follow the path as it meanders through the woods.
Carpets of bluebells
In spring the woodland is turned into a sea of blue as native bluebells carpet the woodland floor. Bring a picnic and take time to enjoy this magnificent display.
6
Turn right onto the last section of woodland, grand avenues lined by towering beech trees stretch as far as the eye can see. Pheasant pens used to line the trail here bu they have been removed recently so walkers can enjoy this area. You will also notice woodland dens dotted through the trees, why not build your own den whilst you are here. As the path comes to an end you will notice a field coming into view on the left hand side. This was the site of a World War II plane crash. During excavations during the 1970's most of the remains of an Allied Fairey Barracuda dive bomber were discovered and removed to RNAS museum in Yeovilton.
Beech avenues
Towering beech trees line the avenues in this section of woodland. The leaves form an ever-changing canopy of colour throughout the seasons. In spring dappled light reaches through them illuminating the carpets of bluebells.
7
At the end of the avenue, exit the woodlands using the kissing gate to the right of the main gate and follow the bridle way to the left. This area can be muddy after prolonged periods of rainfall so be careful on muddy sections. Keep a watchful eye in the field on the left this is another excellent area for spotting hares. At the end of the path take care in crossing the road and follow the path on the opposite side.
8
Turn right onto the Wayfarers’ Walk, a pathway created in memory of the first flight of Geoffrey de Havilland, an aviation pioneer, which runs from Berkshire through to Emsworth in Hampshire. It takes in many sites along its route including Watership Down; the route was in use since ancient times and would have been used by drovers to move livestock. Follow the track back up the slope towards the finishing point at Hinton Ampner.
9
Exit the path through the gate by which you entered and back onto the main driveway. There is a dog waste bin here for any waste. Please take other litter home with you.
End:
Gated entrance just off the main drive, behind the Church, grid ref: SU597275