Hambledon and the Murder Stone

Sylvia Saunders

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Another lovely circular walk starting from The Vine in Hambledon (see Additional Information). Leaving Hambledon, with a short climb you enjoy delightful views of the village. The first part of the walk retraces the route taken by a murderer and his victim in 1782, arriving at the murder stone marking the spot where the dreadful deed was done. Then with varied countryside along field-paths and through woodland, you are met with more sweeping views across the valley. Although there are a few hills, there are no nasty climbs on this walk, returning to Hambledon along the Wayfarer's Walk with a steep descent through the National Trust area of Speltham Down, again with breathtaking views.

For those who would like to enjoy Lott's Tea Room, carry on along West Street until you reach the junction with Cams Hill and you will find the tea room on this corner. They are open every day from 10am to 4pm except on Sunday, when they close at 4.30pm.

Dog-owners may find it useful to know that my dog, a slim, fit Labrador who cannot jump, managed to get through all the stiles and fences. We've had reports of quite large herds of young cattle in fields, so take care especially with a dog.

Please note the comments about the mud and wear your wellies!

England - South England - Hampshire - South Downs

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, National Trust, Pub, Public Transport, Tea Shop, Wildlife, Woodland

10/2/2018 - Steve Rickard

Very pleasant walk, though I think there is an additional stile to cross before reaching the location to turn left after waypoint 9. Can I also recommend the Old Forge Tea Room as very pleasant place to get refreshment.

7/20/2015 - Jonathan Kershaw

A shorter but still excellent walk I completed with a work colleague on 4th July 2015. We were blessed with lovely clear, dry and bright weather which made the views and country scenery stunning. We did find the murder stone but it took a bit of searching as was not easy to see due to the amount of folage that was half covering it up, so might be easier to see during winter months.

6/8/2011 - Walkingworld Administrator

Our thanks to Sylvia Saunders for her updates for this walk. Jun 2011. Adrian (Admin)

4/25/2011 - David and Chris Stewart

Our thanks to Sylvia Saunders for her updates for this walk. April 2011. Adrian (Admin)

9/15/2009 - Adrian Perkins

Many thanks to Sylvia for her detailed update for this walk (September 2009) Adrian (Admin)

9/3/2009 - Helena Pugsley

Nice walk and not muddy at the moment. (Although if it is muddy and you do the alternative route I wouldn't bother walking up the hill to see the Murder Stone - it is just an unmarked gravestone almost hidden in the bush!) I would recommend leaving yourself some time to have a wander around the pretty village and visit the church for some nice stained glass windows if you have time. More info and photos on my blog: http://helenap.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/hambledon/

8/19/2008 - James Brinkworth

Great walk - pretty muddy in places but ok. At waymark 7 the way forward was completely overgrown and almost un-passable. I pushed on through the brambles and huge nettles and it does open up shortly. Arrived home soaking wet but satisfied by a nice hike around Hambledon!

8/4/2007 - Ian and Sarah Jane Lloyd

On a rare (this summer) sunny Saturday morning this was a lovely walk with some good views. We were lucky enough to see buzzards, rabbits, deer and lots of butterflies. We actually walked the "old version" of the walk as I had printed off the directions and put them in our file of "walks we'd like to enjoy in the future" and we didn't find it too muddy (despite the very wet summer so far.)

1/2/2007 - Bev Butler

Great walk, we did it after a night of heavy rain and gales. It was a bit muddy in places but nothing a good pair of walking boots couldn't cope with. We didn't need the "muddy conditions" alternative.

1/20/2006 - Phillip Roberts

I did this walk on 8th January when I would have expected it to be at it's muddiest. I really didn't find it any muddier than most other country walks at this time of year. The only part that was in any way difficult was for about 30 yards problem except for about 30 yards early on in the walk, looking donw on the village. Any well shod walker (boots or wellies if you must) would get through without difficulty. A nice walk; the views are not as grand as in walk 2139. The two walks taken together would make a nice day out when the days are longer, with a figure of eight walk and lunch at the Vine in the middle!

7/13/2005 - Sylvia Saunders

As there have been a couple of 'comments' regarding mud on this walk, I have now revised the first part, hopefully avoiding the muddy areas. It also cuts out a stile which has been altered to prevent dogs from getting through. The consequence of this is that because of lack of use the path is now overgrown. The walk is a bit shorter but I still think that it is a beautiful circuit around this delightful village and I really hope that you enjoy it!