Winter walking at Mottisfont and on the wider estate

A frosty view from the top of Stockbridge Down, Hampshire, on the Mottisfont estate

Our countryside sides provide a welcome breath of fresh air for local visitors. We look after 1600 acres of woodland and tenanted farmland, including Stockbridge Down and Marsh. Discover winter wildlife, historic landmarks and tranquil riverside paths as you walk in Hampshire's glorious countryside.

Our countryside walks remain open so that local visitors can visit for exercise in line with government guidance. We ask all visitors to follow guidance on social distancing to keep everyone safe. If you need to drive to access these places and find the car park full, please come back another time.

Wellies, stout footwear and suitable clothing are particularly advised at the moment - during particularly wet weather there may be some flooded areas, particularly on the estate walk.

Visitors and a dog in winter woodland

Mottisfont estate walk 

Discover our beautiful and diverse estate on a varied, 6 mile walk through ancient woodlands, historic farmland and along the crystal-clear river Test. Evergreens create a protective woodland canopy on some of the route, while bare branches create intriguing patterns across the sky in more open areas.

A winter view across Stockbridge Down, Hampshire, with livestock

Stockbridge Down wildlife and history walk 

This 1.5 mile walk offers great views from a hillfort on a crisp, clear day. Bronze age barrows appear more prominent now that the grass growth of summer has died back, and over-wintering birds such as bullfinches, field fares and waxwings can be seen darting through the scrub.

Moorhens beside the River Test at Stockbridge Common Marsh, Hampshire

Stockbridge Common Marsh wildlife walk 

This easy, 1.8 mile walk across the marsh offers access to the river's edge, in a valley which otherwise has little or no river frontage. On calm winter days, swans can be seen gliding downstream and water rail, a secretive wetland bird that is more easily spotted in winter, pick their long-toed way along the edges of the reeds.