The best family-friendly hikes and walks around St Nicholas, Hurst

This stretch of the River Loddon path between Dinton Pastures and Twyford is not just a gentle riverside stroll — it’s a narrow, twisting singletrack that can feel surprisingly technical underfoot (or on two wheels). Expect tight sections hemmed in by vegetation, tree roots, and occasional muddy ruts where the riverbank dips. After rain, some parts become slippery and demand careful footwork or bike handling. The origin of this path lies in the old towpaths and angler tracks that followed the river. Over time, walkers, birdwatchers, and local anglers carved out a continuous line along the bank, which now feels more like a natural woodland trail than a manicured footpath. It’s a great section if you enjoy a bit of off-road flavour right next to the water. Just take care in wet conditions, and be prepared for sections that may feel more adventurous than expected for a riverside path.

Rolling through Dinton Pastures in the evening is fast, quiet, and just eerie enough to keep you sharp. The gravel trails run smooth, looping through open glades and shadowy patches where the bats skim low and the bugs feel unusually organised. Signs still warn: “No faster than a jogger.” If we’re still honoring old world metrics, that’s Daniel Komen’s 2 mile world record from 1997—about 24 km/h (15 mph). Back when things were still… consistent. Whether the rule’s enforced is unclear, but if the rangers are still around and still armed like they were during the “wildlife management years,” best keep it respectful. You don’t want to find out what counts as a pest now. Bring good lights, stay smooth on the corners, and be aware: things move in the treeline. Usually ducks. Occasionally something else. Either way-yield with confidence. Ride safe. Keep your exits in mind. And remember: dusk is when the place starts to remember

The lake at Dinton Pastures is visitable on a circuit if you’re scavenging for evening peace and quiet. It’s a decent spot: open water views, good sightlines, and the option to commandeer a plastic boat or pedalo if you need to make a quick exit across the lake. Locals say the islands are off-limits. Makes you wonder what’s really out there. The pontoon looks inviting, but stepping on it feels… wrong. Like there might be a claymore wired just past the “no entry” sign. Still, the view over the lake as the sun drops is solid. Serene, even. Main hazard here isn’t infected—it’s wildfowl. Geese, ducks, maybe mutant swans. Droppings everywhere. Biohazard levels questionable. Footwear strongly advised. Some paths could do with a daily pressure wash—or a visit from a hazmat team. Still, if you’re passing through and need a place to breathe, this spot does the job. Just keep your back to the water. And don’t feed the birds.

Herons ignore the no fishing signs here.

Open 0900-1600 daily.

Dinton Pastures Country Park is the largest in the area. Its numerous lakes, rivers, and meadows offer an ideal setting for running or training. If you're a wildlife enthusiast, it's also a perfect spot; within the park, you can find strategic areas to enjoy watching waterfowl.

Sandford Lake is the small freshwater lake to the northern edge of Dinton Pastures. As it is a nature conservation lake, fishing and watersports aren't permitted here, meaning it is a calm place to walk around.

Previously known as The Dragonfly Cafe, The Coffee House opened in 2022 after the building was refurbished. It is a popular place to stop to eat and drink after a walk around Dinton Pastures. Open for both eat in and takeaway.