Country Walking April 2021

Situated on the south side of the River Alre, New
Alresford, commonly referred to as just Alresford
(pronounced Allsford), is older than it sounds,
dating to the 12th century. Fires in the 17th
century destroyed the original timber-framed
houses, so much of the architecture seen today is Georgian.
The original settlement, the quiet village of Old Alresford,
lies to the north. Alresford is known as the UK’s capital of
watercress farming, and is the terminus for the Watercress
Line heritage railway, which formerly transported
watercress to London. The town is surrounded by some
lovely countryside, with a good network of footpaths
and bridleways providing scope for a variety of walks.
Around the town itself there is a short circuit called the
Millennium Trail with display boards about the local
history along the way, and a longer version, the Alre Valley
Trail. Our first day’s walk explores the countryside to the
north, taking in a picturesque riverside stretch, rolling
downland and a magnificent neoclassical mansion, The
Grange at Northington, set in a beautiful grounds. Day
two’s walk, a circuit around the Itchen Valley from the
village of Cheriton to the south of the town, also includes an
impressive residence, the National Trust’s Hinton Ampner.
The word is…
New Alresford’s
Watercress Festival
usually takes place in May
each year. It’s set to be
a virtual event this spring,
but will be back on the
streets in 2022:
watercressfestival.org
Try Heidi’s Swiss
Patisserie for a coffee
(and wonderful cakes)
before a walk by the river
through the watercress
beds. One of my favourite
places to visit.
@Westcountrykate
Peacefully situated
next to Ropley Station,
Watercress Lodges &
Campsite is an ideal base
for a stay. Lodges, safari
tents and tipi tents start
from £70pn, with camping
pitches (for 2 adults) from
£25pn (07907 335236;
watercresslodges.co.uk).
Nearby Cheesefoot Head
has great views. West
Meon is beautiful too and
you can stop for an ice
cream on the bridge
from the Trout Farm.
Amanda Phillips
A circular from Ovington
via Itchen Abbas, Easton
and Avington Park is
gorgeous. The Bush Inn
(01962 732764) at
Ovington is literally on the
banks of the river, with a
garden and good menu.
Anne England
For the latest travel advice
head to visit-hampshire.
co.uk or call Winchester
TIC: 01962 840500. Check
out alresford.org for more
eateries and places to stay.
NOW DO
THE WALKS!
Turn to the back of the
magazine and look for
Routes 4 & 5 for OS maps and
turn-by-turn walk directions.
APRIL 2021 COUNTRY WALKING 17