New Alresford town centre – Abbotstone Down loop from New Alresford

Hiking trails & Routes

New Alresford town centre – Abbotstone Down loop from New Alresford

Hard

hikers

New Alresford town centre – Abbotstone Down loop from New Alresford

05:03

18.8km

240m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: November 1, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

81 m

St John the Baptist Church, New Alresford

Highlight • Historical Site

St John’s is an elegant church in the heart of New Alresford. The church was built in the 13th century but was almost entirely rebuilt in 1898, save for the West Tower. Owing to the significant restoration, St John’s is Grade II-listed.

Tip by

123 m

New Alresford town centre

Highlight • Historical Site

New Alresford is a pretty Georgian town renowned for pastel painted buildings, riverside walks, and independent shops. It is the UK capital of watercress farming, too. In the Middle Ages, Alresford had one of the country’s biggest sheep fairs and still has a rich fair heritage. With plenty of places for food and drink, a range of accommodation, and tourist attractions, it is a good place for a pit-stop or an overnight stay.

Tip by

803 m

The Fulling Mill on the River Alre

Highlight • River

The Fulling Mill is a beautiful, Grade II-listed thatch cottage on the River Alre. The mill was built in the 13th century to tighten and shrink cloth. The cottage is privately owned but you can admire it across the river.

Tip by

4.27 km

Site of 1944 Spitfire Crash, Winchester

Highlight • Viewpoint

A poignant information board giving the story of a multi plane crash in May 1944 involving several Spitfires. Overlooks a beautiful valley.

Tip by

8.38 km

Abbotstone Down

Highlight • Historical Site

Abbotstone Down is a chalk grassland with mature oak woodland and scrub. You can observe the remains of an Iron Age hill fort on the down, as well as many rare species of plants, including rock rose, wild thyme and kidney vetch.

Tip by

8.58 km

Oliver's Battery Iron Age Hillfort, Abbotstone Down

Highlight • Historical Site

Oliver's Battery is an Iron Age hillfort on the edge of Abbotstone Down. The Down itself is chalk grassland with old oaks and many tracks. The high point of the hillfort stands at 446 feet (136 m) on the western edge.

Three named walking trails skirt the Battery: Three Castles Path, Oxdrove Way and Wayfarer's Walk.

Tip by

9.53 km

Spy Bush Plantation

Forest

10.0 km

Spy Bush Plantation

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This woodland has a fantastic name and, particularly in summer, has a fantastic, vibrant atmosphere too. Dense woodland floor plants turn the woodland bright green in late spring and long into summer, whilst the forest hides a tumulus and a veteran yew tree.

The Three Castles Path traverses the eastern and northern edges of the plantation on a lovely, earthen track.

Tip by

14.4 km

Newells Copse

Forest

18.5 km