Sometimes you just need to get out of the house, and if that’s the case why not try a walk? To help you decide where to go, here are the prettiest walking routes in Southampton! Whether you’re a new walker, an intermediate hiker, or someone looking for a ramble – we’ve got something for every skillset.
7. Hamble Ramble
Start: Hamble Train Station
Finish: Hamble Train Station
This 9.7 km loop is near Southampton and offers scenic views the whole way around. It’s usually used by hikers, walkers, people on nature trips and those bird watching. You start at the Hamble railway station, and head towards the Jolly Sailor pub. Climb up the steep path, and fork left to Burlesdon High Street. Follow the rambling guide to the ferry, which will take you over to Warsash. Then walk around the loop, and end back at the station. For more detailed instruction, check out the route on All Trails for further guidance!
6. Corhampton Circular
Start: Corhampton
Finish: Corhampton
This 7.9 km loop features wildflowers and is rated as a moderately difficult walk. Reviewers have called it a ‘smashing walk’, with ‘firm and dry tracks’. There are also pheasants and a lovely uphill section at the end of the walk.
5. Royal Victoria Country Park
Start: Hound Road
Finish: Hound Road
Starting at the layby on Hound Road by the church, this walk is 8.4km. It is fairly level, although does include some sections of roads, gates and mud. It should take you around 2.5 hours, and you can stop for refreshments along the way. For detailed instruction, read Steve’s advice here!
4. Tall Trees Walk Blackwater
Start: Blackwater Car Park
Finish: Blackwater Car Park
Adventure through the New Forest and see all the firs and redwoods that have been growing since the 1850s on this scenic Southampton walk. The path is relatively flat, and there are regular resting places. Start the trail from Blackwater car park, cross over the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and the trail starts up the gravel track on your right.
3. New Forest: Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard Walk
Start: Beaulieu Car Park
Finish: Buckler’s Hard Walk
This walk is 4.7 miles, and starts at the Beaulieu village car park. From there, you walk for 1 to 2 hours across flat gravel and grass along the river, ending at Buckler’s Hard. Check out this website for a detailed PDF on where to walk.
2. Lyndhurst Parish Walk
Start: Lyndhurst
Finish: Lyndhurst
This walk is one of the longer ones on this list. It will likely take you between 3 and 4 hours, as it is 13.5 km. It starts and finishes at Bolton’s Bench in the New Forest, where you will get to see wild ponies and could stop for a picnic. It has pubs along the walk for refreshments too. Check out the directions here.
1. Weston Point to Netley Abbey
Start: Weston Point
Finish: Weston Point
This is one of the harder options on the list. You will need to have some degree of hiking experience in order to follow the paths. Starting at Swift Road Bus Station, head towards Weston Point, then around Netley Abbey and back again. The walk is along the waterfront and gives you the benefits of seeing the abbey ruins.
If you’re not confident enough to take these walks on yet, why not take a ramble around one of Southampton’s country parks. There’s the Royal Victoria Country Park, Southampton Common, New Forest, and Itchen Valley. All of these have a range of pathways you can explore, and will help you build up your confidence and skill before taking on the harder walks on this list! Or, if you’d like something a little further afield, why not take a journey to the South Downs and try some of the walking trails over there?
