Blow away the festive cobwebs and get outdoors during the 12 days of Christmas for a walk in Hampshire. From flat circular pushchair friendly walks with a coffee stop to more adventurous routes offering hilly climbs and stunning views. We have put our own fun little twist on the 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' song to bring you 'The Twelve Walks of Christmas' and to inspire you and your loved ones to don your walking boots, wrap up warm and get outside exploring Hampshire during the festive season.
Bolderwood Deer Spotting Walk, New Forest National Park
Distance: 1 mile
This short walk is perfect for some well needed fresh air after all the Christmas merriment. This mile walk meanders through some of the New Forest’s oldest trees and past the deer fields. You might be lucky and see the herd of wild deer enjoying their own festive lunch.
Find out more about Bolderwood Deer Spotting Walk
Meon Valley Trail, South Downs National Park
Distance: 11 miles
All aboard for this festive walk! Follow the disused railway line through the picturesque countryside of the South Downs National Park. The 11-mile flat trail starts in the village of West Meon and because there are no stiles it is suitable for walkers, pushchairs and even the new bike that Father Christmas bought you.
Find out more about the Meon Valley Trail
The Test way, Test Valley
Distance: 44 miles (8 sections)
The stunning Test Way runs through the heart of the Test Valley following the famous River Test from Inkpen in the north to the edge of Southampton Water. The 44-mile scenic route can be broken up into eight smaller sections, which are perfect for a Christmas walk.
Find out more about The Test Way
Lyndhurst Parish Walk, New Forest National park
Distance: 8.4 miles
Explore the New Forest National Park and Lyndhurst the 'capital' of the National Park on this 8.4-mile circular walk. Stop off at the iconic Bolton’s Bench where you will be welcomed by the famous New Forest wild ponies and pick up a takeout coffee at one of Lyndhurst’s many inviting cafes.
Find out more about the Lyndhurst Parish Walk
The Solent Way
Distance: 60 miles (8 sections)
Head to the coast this festive season and take on part of or all (if you are up for a challenge!) the 60-mile Solent Way. Stretching from Milford on Sea to Chichester Harbour, this coast route will take you through the New Forest National Park, the cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, into quaint fishing villages and across nature filled marshlands.
Find out more about the Solent Way
Lepe Loop, New Forest National Park
Distance: 5 miles
This circular walk is a family favourite that all ages will love. The 5-mile route explores the New Forest National Park’s coastline and it's Solent beach before heading inland through parkland and woodland. Children will love letting off steam in Lepe Country Park’s play area while the adults can enjoy a takeout hot drink from the Lookout Café.
Find out more about the Lepe Loop
Jane Austen Trail, Alton
Distance: 1.5 miles
Starting in the market town of Alton, where Jane and her sister would often go shopping, enjoy the festive lights whilst keeping an eye out for key buildings connected to the author. The trail will take you through the town and out into the rural countryside towards the chocolate box village of Chawton. Here you will find Jane Austen’s House where Jane famously wrote 6 of her novels and Chawton House that was owned by Jane's brother.
Find out more about the Jane Austen Trail
Tall Trees Trail, New Forest National Park
Distance: 1.5 miles
Walk amongst giants and discover some of the biggest trees in the New Forest National Park on this 1.5-mile family walk. Wander through the carved oak archway and follow the gravel track passing huge, towering Douglas Firs and mighty Redwoods.
Find out more about the Tall Trees Tail
Fleet Pond Circular Walk
Distance: 2.5 miles
Did you know Fleet Pond is the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire? Wrap up and take a stroll around this impressive nature reserve. The 2.5-mile circular route offers excellent views across the lake and through sections of woodland. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident ducks and many other species of birds.
Find out more about Fleet Pond Circular Walk
Old Winchester Hill, South Downs National Park
Climb to new heights this festive season with a walk to the top of Old Winchester Hill in the South Downs National Park. This ancient hill fort is today home to 150 acres of National Nature Reserve and offers amazing’s views as far as the Isle of Wight on a clear day.
Find out more about Old Winchester Hill
Silchester Roman Town Walk
Distance: 2.2 miles
This 2.2-mile flat walk is perfect for taking the whole family out to blow away the cobwebs. With no stiles it is pushchair friendly too. Enjoy the outdoors whilst stepping back in history as you explore the old Roman walls.
Find out more about the Silchester Roman Town Walk
The South Downs Way, The South Downs National Park
Distance: 100 miles
Ok, ok we don’t expect you to do the whole 100 miles over the festive season, but this legendary walk across the South Downs National Park, which starts in the historic city of Winchester and finishes in Eastbourne, can be broken up into smaller sections for a day or afternoon walk. If you fancy taking on full walk why not add it to your bucket list?