A walk linking the mud flats along the coast with the highest downland in southern England, following tracks used by shepherds driving their sheep to fairs. Initially coincident with the Solent Way, the Walk crosses the chalk ridge of Portsdown, the Meon Valley and goes through the villages of Hinton Amper and Drummer before climbing to become a ridgeway walk over Watership Down and Walbury Hill. The end on Inkpen Beacon meets the Test Way (source LDWA)

Bedhampton to Hambledon 

Sunday 2 Spetember 2012 - 10 Miles

ID02092012#49a

I had already done the section from Emsworth to Bedhampton under the auspices of the Solent Way but it has taken me a few years to get around to starting this one in its on right.  From Bedhampton Station through a many industrial estate, then into Bedhampton and walking along to follow a path round Fort Purbrook.  Shortly after crossing over the A3 you then start heading inland, first along a crappy overgrown path, then crossing fields and through woodland on the edge of Purbrook and then a Golf Course before enduring a section through the blandness of Denmead.  More attractive fields and stuff towards Hambledon, with a final drop down into a rather attractive quiet village before having a break and then carrying on, back out of Hambledon and onto Rowlands Castle, my final destination

After a manky bit through an industrial estate, a bit of greenery at Bedhampton

The naughty horsie in this field has a penchant for chewing the stile - the critter in question did have a bit of a guilty look on his chevy

Attractive viaduct thing taking a lane over the railway at Bedhampton

Presumably this is...Bedhampton

The section of the B2177 goes on for a bit but at least you have great views over Portsea Island on the way to Fort Purbrook

Fort Purbrook.  One of many defensive Forts built in the 19th Century - I have been round Newhaven Fort, which looks rather similar

Nice semi enclosed path round the back of Fort Purbrook

Starting to head inland now after the dull road walk on the edge of Purbrook

Woodland near Broomfield House

Pigs chilling out at Sheepwash Farm

Bah!  A pesky golf course near Denmead - fortunately easily dispensed with

The highlight of Denmead...

Uphill Fields action approaching Hambledon

A steep slope down into Hambledon

Hambledon Church.  Time for late lunch and a chill before part two of today's walk, along the Monarchs Way to Rowlands Castle