Autumn pub walks in Hampshire

Walking and pubs make the perfect pairing and never more so than in autumn when warm greetings and cosy food welcome you in from the crisp autumnal air after a wholesome hike.

From riverside strolls with carpets of leaves underfoot, to woodland wanders enhanced by golden canopies overhead, here’s our pick of Hampshire pubs that can be combined with an autumn amble.

The River Test, Stockbridge

Distance: 3 miles
Pub: The Greyhound on The Test, Stockbridge

If you can tear yourself away from the tempting eateries and shops lining the picturesque High Street of Stockbridge, the River Test meanders out of the town enticing walkers to follow its tranquil trail into the countryside.

An easy 3 miles loop from Stockbridge is to head north along the Longstock Road until you reach the Peat Spade Inn (another fantastic pub stop). Turn right here along The Bunny which will take you over the river and its water meadows, until you reach the Test Way which you can follow south back to Stockbridge and a fireside table in the Greyhound on the Test.

Find out more about Stockbridge
Find out more about the Greyhound on the Test
 

Fritham, New Forest

Distance: 5 miles
Pub: The Royal Oak, Fritham

The local-produce loaded ploughman’s served up at the Royal Oak at Fritham is iconic amongst its many food-loving fans and it tastes even better after a wholesome ramble through the New Forest.

The green opposite the Royal Oak is a great starting point for an autumn stroll. From the green, follow the heather-lined cycle path west towards Frogham for sweeping views across the Forest. You can either backtrack along the path when you are ready, or continue into the wooded Amberwood Inclosure then south towards the Sloden Inclosure before looping back north-eastwards on the path across Fritham Plain to return to the Royal Oak to sip a cider in the autumn sunshine.
 

River Hamble

Distance: 6 miles
Pub: Jolly Sailor, Hamble

Admire the changing season and the abundant wildlife along the banks of the river on this circular amble along the Hamble. Starting at the Jolly Sailor pub, head south along the strawberry trail towards Hamble-le-Rice, named after Hamble’s once booming strawberry industry.

At Hamble-le-Rice, catch the charming pink ferry from the quayside across to Warsash on the opposite shore and head north back up the river to the bridge at Swanwick where you can cross back over to Bursledon.

A cheerful welcome synonymous with its merry name awaits your return to the Jolly Sailor –tuck into some hearty food and drink whilst watching the boats go by on the river.

Find out more about the River Hamble
 

The Mill Trail, Whitchurch

Distance: 7 miles
Pub: The Watership Down, Whitchurch

This 7-mile circular waymarked trail takes in five historic mills along the scenic headwaters of the River Test and can be shortened into smaller sections.

From the Watership Down Inn – named after the adored book by local author Richard Adams inspired by the area – look out for the trail’s blue arrows and head east from nearby Bere Mill towards Laverstoke Mill (now home to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery). From here, the trail loops west back towards Whitchurch and can be shortened to return to the Watership Down or onwards to Whitchurch taking in the town’s heritage Silk Mill.

Find out more about the Mill Trail
Find out more about the Watership Down Inn
 

Old Winchester Hill, South Downs

Distance: 5 miles
Pub: The Thomas Lord, West Meon

The Thomas Lord in West Meon – named after the founder of Lord's Cricket Ground who lived in the village – is the perfect setting off point for a South Downs hike.

There are several walks close to The Thomas Lord, including a hike up nearby Old Winchester Hill, a 150-acre National Nature Reserve with sweeping views across the rolling autumn hills.

There are several different routes signposted from the car park including a circular footpath exploring Old Winchester Hill's steep slopes and woodland, or the hill fort route taking you directly to the top of the hill.

Find out more about Old Winchester Hill
Find out more about The Thomas Lord
 

Sunset Trail, Winchester

Distance: 1.5 miles
Pub: The Wykeham Arms

Beautiful at any time of year or day, this pretty route from Winchester is particularly lovely when combined with an autumn sunset.

The magnificent statue of Kind Alfred standing at the Broadway at the eastern end of Winchester is the majestic marker indicating the start of this walk.

From the statue, head east along Bridge Street and over the River Itchen next to the National Trust’s Winchester City Mill. Turn left up Water Lane and follow the path by the river keeping your eyes peeled for otters. Turn right across to Magdalen Hill and over to St Giles Hill with an expanse of green space at the top and the stunning viewpoint over the city on the lower side.

Head back down via Quarry Road and either follow signs to the Riverside Walk also known as The Weirs back to King Alfred’s statue or head west along College Street past Wolvesley Castle, Winchester College and Jane Austen’s last residence before arriving at the Wkyeham Arms pub on the corner of Kings Street.

Find out more about the Winchester sunset walk
Find out more about the Wykeham Arms

Walking & hiking in Hampshire
Start planning your autumn in Hampshire
 

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