Long Distance Paths
The following network of long distance paths cross the region. They are a great way to explore the area and make terrific short breaks and holidays. For organised trips see the holidays listed on Walking and Cycling.
The Paths
1. Avon Valley Path (34.7 miles / 55.9 kms)
From Salisbury, one of the most beautiful cathedral cities in England, to Christchurch Priory and the sea.
2. Clarendon Way (26.9 miles / 43.3 kms)
A footpath that starts near the Avon at Salisbury Cathedral and ends beside the waters of the Itchen in the heart of Winchester.
3. Hangers Way (20.6 miles / 33.2 kms)
Alton to Queen Elizabeth Country Park passing through East Worldham, Selbourne, Hawkley, Steep, Petersfield and Buriton along a series of steep-sided wooded hills, known as 'The Hangers'.
4. Itchen Way (28.9 miles / 46.5 kms)
Follow the River Itchen from its source at Hinton Ampner House near Cheriton to the mouth of the river at Weston Point, Woolston.
5. Monarch's Way (Hampshire) (54.1 miles / 87 kms)
A footpath that approximates the escape route taken by King Charles II in 1651 after being defeated in the Battle of Worcester.
6. Oxdrove Way (24.5 miles / 39.4 kms)
Promoted as an off-road cycle and horse-riding route, the Ox Drove was once a drove route for cattle. The trail passes through the heart of rural Hampshire across beautiful rolling hills, through woodlands and past small farms.
7. Pilgrims' Trail (28.5 miles / 45.8 kms)
Follow a medieval route from the shrine of St Swithun at Winchester Cathedral to Portsmouth in the footsteps of the Miquelots, pilgrims who made the long journey to worship St Michael in Normandy.
8. The Pilgrims' Way
By combining the St Swithun's Way and the North Downs Way you can follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims from Winchester in Hampshire to the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury.
9. Solent Way (62.4 miles / 100.4 kms)
A coastal path linking Milford on Sea in the west with Emsworth Harbour in the east. The trail includes a section of the beautiful New Forest.
10. South Downs Way (Hampshire) (27.1 miles / 43.6 kms)
From Winchester in Hampshire to the white cliffs of Eastbourne in Sussex. The path is open to walkers, cyclists and horse-riders and is free of motorised traffic for almost the entire length.
11. Staunton Way (21.1 miles / 34 kms)
A circular footpath from Queen Elizabeth Country Park to Staunton Country Park via Chalton, Finchdean, Rowlands Castle and Idsworth.
12. Strawberry Trail (28 miles / 45 kms)
A figure of eight walking path in the Hamble River Valley. Starting from Botley the first loop heads north west to the edge of Eastleigh before returning via the Itchen Valley Country Park. The second loop follows the River Hamble to Bursledon before making a circuit of the Royal Victoria Country Park and Hamble-le-Rice.
13. St Swithun's Way (33 miles / 53.1 kms)
Winchester, the capital of Saxon England, to the historic town of Farnham via the Itchen Valley, Alresford and Alton.
14. Test Way (45.6 miles / 73.4 kms)
From its dramatic start, high on the chalk downs at Inkpen, along much of the course of the River Test to Eling where its tidal waters flow into Southampton Water.
15. Wayfarer's Walk (69.5 miles / 111.8 kms)
Inkpen Beacon in the north west corner of Hampshire to the coastal town of Emsworth on the Sussex border.