Top walks in Hampshire

An autumn walk through coppery beech woodlands, across misty meadows or ancient heathland is an uplifting experience. Low sunlight filters through a myriad yellow and bronze leaf colours. There are conkers and chestnuts to hunt for, fresh earthy scents, and panoramic views. Explore some of Hampshire’s most beautiful landscapes on our downloadable walks, taking in country lanes and villages too.

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Path running through towering beech trees with yellow autumn foliage

Hinton Ampner 

There are lots of options for picturesque autumn walks, setting out from Hinton Ampner. The shortest takes you through ancient parkland, littered with beautiful veteran trees. A longer estate trail weaves through glorious beech woodland, whilst another wanders down country lanes past fields and hedgerows full of autumn fruits.

Explore veteran parkland and tranquil woods
Red and orange autumn foliage on show from trees around The Vyne's large lake
Walking trail

The Vyne 

If you fancy a gentle stroll through pretty autumn landscapes, The Vyne’s 1.3 mile trail ticks the box. Beeches, oaks and horse chestnut trees create a buttery-coloured canopy. Look out for the lake’s liquidamber and swamp cypress trees, which turn incredible shades of crimson and purple. A little further on you’ll reach beautiful wetlands, teaming with colourful wildlife in autumn.

Autumn woods and wetlands
Great copse in autumn at Mottisfont, Hampshire

Mottisfont 

Mottisfont’s six mile estate walk really comes into its own in autumn. Discover ancient oak woodland where you might spot late flittering butterflies like white admirals. We actively manage hazel and chestnut coppices, to create habitats for animals including dormice. The trail crosses historic farmland where hedges have been replanted for wildlife, and wetland meadows, where we’ve restored river banks for water voles.

Wildlife-rich autumn walking
Chalky path through open heathland in the New Forest

New Forest 

Our New Forest commons are beautiful areas of woodland and wilderness to explore in autumn. Look out for incredible shapes and colours of fungi in the woods, from ruby-red fly agaric, to honey-coloured bracket fungus. There are wild heaths and mires with far-reaching views, and our Rockford and Ibsley walk is full of wartime stories. This is just one of three downloadable walks you can enjoy. Discover them all here.

Ancient russet-coloured heaths
Stunning views from Stockbridge Down

Stockbridge Down 

Follow the old network of paths to the hill fort at the top, for incredible views over an autumnal patchwork of fields. In September you may well spot late summer brimstone, red admiral and peacock butterflies. As autumn progresses, sloes are ready to be harvested from scrubby blackthorn, and flocks of migrant birds like field fares feed on hawthorn and buckthorn.

Climb up to panoramic views
Selborne Common in spring

Selborne Common 

Walk up Selborne's quirky Zig-Zag path, in the footsteps of Hampshire's famous naturalist, Gilbert White. Gilbert loved strolling through these mixed woodland glades, which in autumn create canopies of rich bronze and yellow foliage. Enjoy vistas across the village and beyond to the Weald and Downs of Hampshire.

Steeped in history