With English Wine Week upon us and a fortunate spell of beautiful weather, what better time is there to get out into the country and enjoy our beautiful surroundings here in Hambledon?
On the longest day of the year, we decided to use the cool early morning to stretch our legs with a 9km route taking in beautiful views across our village, wildflower meadows, woodland and rolling green fields alike. The beauty of this route (especially for those local who know the footpaths), is that it can be extended to stop in the village of Denmead or shortened to a more palatable length for those lower-energy days.
Starting in the car park at Hambledon Wine Estate, proceed to the diagonal footpath across our Windmill Down West vineyard- we’re a working vineyard and winery so please do be aware of vehicles moving about the site. Then, proceed downwards into Hambledon village, passing by the 900-year-old church and down towards The People’s Market, which is the perfect place to stock up on water and snacks for the walk. Then, head up Speltham Hill- this is the only significant climb on the route, but at the top of the hill, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across the chocolate-box village of Hambledon.
Carrying on through wildflower meadows and across a single-track road, you’ll then reach Rushmere Farm- an operational organic farm, which also offers idyllic stays. Following the marked public footpaths through these fields, you’ll enjoy tranquil views across oat and barley crops, a herd of cows in the distance, and small woodlands lining the hills. You’ll be in fields for a while here, and our chalk soil really becomes apparent where there is stark contrast between lively greens and the white of a well-trodden footpath. As I got closer to Denmead on this route, and the woodland before it, Roux (indefatigable Border Collie-come-hiking partner) had had quite enough of being told it was too hot to run and bounded towards the bounty of sticks dropped from trees and hedges. I of course, had to humour her.
As you turn right on the path towards the woodland, on a hot day you’ll be greeted with some much-needed shade, and during spring, a carpet of bluebells. Proceed then uphill, and you’ll come onto a main road, turning left onto Uplands Road. Following this road, you’ll turn onto an alleyway (easy to miss- follow the route at this point!), which deposits you back into wildflower-lined fields. Much to my delight (maybe not Roux’s), once you cross a bank of trees you then enter a field chequered with horse paddocks which gradually opens into the first views of Hambledon Village and the imposing Bury lodge, perched atop a hillside.
Take care when crossing Fareham Road (cars usually take this quite quickly), and then proceed into a second field, climbing a gentle hill towards some woodland. We followed a very bold fox up the pathway here- I like to think of it as a very cute tour guide- at dusk, this woodland is a favourite spot for deer: something to keep in mind for those with dogs.
As you then turn right when exiting the woods and walk down Mensland’s lane, you have the option at the end of the lane to follow the hill downwards and visit The Old Forge tearoom at the bottom (great cake), or to walk upwards for +/- 20 metres and join another public footpath, which eventually takes you onto West Street via a white Hambledon way marker.
It’s quite straightforward after this point, simply stroll through the village, past the church and back through the vineyard to complete the loop- where you’ll be able to drop in for a chilled glass of Sparkling Wine at our bar. Or, for English Wine Week Only, enjoy a drink with sweeping views of our Windmill Down West vineyard and the South Downs beyond at ‘The Viewpoint’: a pop-up bar designed to be a doorway to the South Downs.
As always, the route is available via our AllTrails Account.
Of course, it’s important to enjoy the countryside responsibly- remember to follow the Countryside Code:
- Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs.
- Leave gates and property as you find them.
- Protect plants and animals and take your litter home.
- Keep dogs under close control, especially near farm animals and during nesting season.
- Consider other people.
More information is available via The South Downs National Park Authority.