Walking Guide Books – Southern England

Six different books with guided walks around Hampshire and the New Forest by Anne-Marie Edwards

Do you enjoy following footpaths through old oak and beech woods, exploring lush river valleys threaded by sparkling chalk streams and rambling over downland with magnificent views to discover villages where time seems to have stood still?

Then you will love walking in Hampshire! These books will help you to discover the best of the county’s beautiful countryside.

They will take you west to explore Hampshire’s unique treasure, the still medieval landscape of the New Forest, north over the chalk hills which form the heart of the county, and east to the dramatic densely-wooded hillsides known as the ‘Hampshire Hangers’.

Valley paths lead you south through the gentle pastoral countryside around Hampshire’s famous trout streams, peopled by man from earliest times and now sheltering some of the country’s loveliest villages. And you will enjoy rambles along a coast that has witnessed the greatest events in England’s history.

Although best known for its two great ports, Southampton and Portsmouth, this attractive shore is studded with abbeys, forts and castles. You will discover Nature Reserves rich in wildlife and lonely bird-haunted creeks and harbours - some thronged with yachts like Hamble, others quiet and remote like Keyhaven. For the whole length of the coast you will enjoy magnificent views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight hills.

The walks are circular and suitable for all the family. The directions are accompanied by maps and there are full details of how to get to the start, where to park and places of interest nearby. Hampshire is my home county - welcome to its beautiful countryside, its picturesque villages and excellent pubs!