Hinton Ampner and the South Downs National Park

Richard Clayton

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

Hinton Ampner, Kilmeston, Beauworth – unless you know this part of Hampshire these village names will be new to you. This is a lovely walk at the western end of the South Downs National Park, through farmland and woodland and along quiet lanes, following both the South Downs Way and the Wayfarers Walk at times. There are three attractive little churches en route and two great pubs, one at the halfway point and one at the end.

On 31st March 2010 the South Downs became Britain's newest National Park and the tenth to be designated in England. It is over 1,600 km sq and stretches 100 miles from the edge of Winchester to Beachy Head. The Park is home to over 108,000 people and includes the towns of Petersfield, Midhurst and Lewes.

If you have time, the 'piece de resistance' may be Hinton Ampner House. Given to the National Trust in 1985 on the death of its owner Ralph Dutton, the eighth and last Baron Sherborne, the place is popular for its gardens as well as the interesting house itself, re-built several times over the centuries.

At the halfway point of the walk is the Milbury's, a pub which apparently features in the Strangest Pubs in Britain guide. This four hundred-year-old building is situated at the top of Millbarrow Down, formerly a Bronze Age barrow cemetery. Many ploughed-out barrows can be seen above the crossroads. The Milbury's is at an intersection of ancient trackways and would have been a convenient resting-place for all travellers.

I leave it to you to find out why it is strange! However, if you prefer to sink down and enjoy a drink and meal at the very end of your walk, your destination will be the Hinton Arms.

England - South England - Hampshire - South Downs

Features

Birds, Cafe, Church, Gift Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Stately Home, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

8/20/2018 - Patricia Daw

A lovely well instructed walk. Worth knowing is that the Milbury pub half way round wasn't open at 3.30pm on a Sunday afternoon - no shandy half way round for us! Also we had to cross a number of recently ploughed fields which in this dry summer wasn't a problem but after a lot of rain....Worth bearing in mind

4/3/2016 - andy hasted

A pleasant route with convenient start and finish point. Milburys does substantial pub grub and is recommended. The description is accurate but the kissing gate at point 18 is now a stile.

6/1/2011 - Jill Stacey

We have just done this walk on a lovely June day. The views are just beautiful and we were lucky enough to see two buzzards. All in all an excellent walk with clear directions.

2/9/2011 - David Stubbs

Excellent walk. On leaving the Milbury's (great pub) there is a footpath running parallel to the road so you do not have to walk in the roadway as the guide suggests. Dog friendly stiles on return leg but the outward leg has many stiles that you would have to carry your dog over.

12/11/2010 - Pete Steele

Beautiful walk covering wonderful views and historic churches. Excellent instructions as always. The Milburys is a very friendly pub and does nice food/drink. Dogs are also welcome next to the roaring open fire! Highly recommended.

11/2/2010 - Walkingworld Administrator

Our thanks to Richard Clayton for his updates for this walk. November 2010. Adrian (Admin)