Hinton Ampner to West Meon circular

Join me for a fine spring walk through fields, woodland and park land. Starting from the Hinton Ampner estate we follow a low ridge with some good views to the south before reaching the park land surrounding Brockwood Park School and the Krishnamurti Centre where we will have a coffee and snack break. 
The walk will continue through woods carpeted with wild flowers as we begin a gentle descent into the Meon valley. The last half mile into West Meon is along a minor road passing the surprisingly large parish church built by Sir Gilbert Scott. After crossing the busy A32 - care needed - a short walk along High Street leads to the Thomas Lord pub where lunch will be taken. There are no stiles in the morning half of the walk and easy walking on good paths and tracks.

The return to Hinton Ampner begins by recrossing the A32 and cutting across the churchyard; leaving it by means of an unusual masonry stile. Our route firstly follows the contour of the western Meon valley and two more stiles before leading steadily up out of the river basin by way of a wide, stoney, tree-lined byway. Ascending more gently the trail continues north and west through Blackhouse Copse as it approaches the Hinton Ampner estate eventually arriving at the Saxon village church. Five minutes more walking through the estate brings us back to our starting point. There is also the option of enjoying a well earned cup of tea at the National Trust café nearby before returning home.