Buriton - Chalton - Buriton

Sylvia Saunders

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This circular walk starts at Buriton - a particularly beautiful village and a walker's paradise, with many footpaths leading off to the hangers.

I believe 'hanger' is a local word meaning 'wooded slope'. Take some time to admire it all, or even better, book into The Maple Inn and have a walking holiday! See http://bit.ly/Nzkzuz
Some of the reviews of the accommodation are not brilliant, but I think it has recently changed hands. I’ve always found it to be a good walkers' pub.

Don't forget The Five Bells pub with its 'penny nails' in the cement between the local white building stones. These black spots were considered to be a sign of prosperity. Here too you will find a good menu and welcoming open fires in the winter. They offer self-catering accommodation. Last time we ate here the food was pricey but good value for money. http://www.fivebells-buriton.co.uk/

There is a sketch map in front of St Mary's Church, with information on the local houses and trees, including a lime-tree which is 1,000 years old! Not only are there two pubs in Buriton but halfway around the walk there is another excellent pub in Chalton, so I suggest that you do this walk at least three times! Don't have a drink before you start though, as the outward route is quite demanding. However, you will be rewarded with some marvellous views and can look forward to a much easier return through the Queen Elizabeth Forest. Although you will be in the country park for a while, it is the quieter, more remote part and not that many people get that far.

Those of you with big dogs may find it useful to know that there is an alternative start point, missing out a few dog-unfriendly stiles. My dog, a slim, fit Labrador who cannot jump, managed the rest of the walk with ease.

England - South England - Hampshire - South Downs

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Public Transport, Wildlife, Woodland

1/4/2021 - Sylvia Saunders

All instances of 'stiles' have been replaced with 'kissing gates' in the text directions (although the photos have not been updated). Thanks to Julius for the updated information in the previous comment

1/2/2021 - Julius Mach

There are no stiles left on this walk. All have been removed or replaced with kissing gates. We did this walk on New Year's day when the ground was wet and it was quite muddy and slippery with many puddles, so possibly not the best for dogs with short legs.

10/28/2018 - Patricia Daw

We did this walk in glorious autumn sunshine on the last Saturday in October. We set off and were immediately met by several beaters. They assured us we wouldn't get shot! They all had walked talkies and told the other beaters we were on our way. We did make it but we perhaps walked faster than normal through the area they were getting the pheasants up in! It is a brilliant walk this time of year. The cold weather meant the ground was very firm which as we were on several bridleways was a blessing. We arrived in Chalton at 11am and fancying a coffee we walked to the Red lion. We weren't hopeful but on trying the door and finding it locked we were giving up when a friendly barman opened it and said he'd make us one. By a roaring fire too. Perfect. The walking through the hangars was fab. Loved all the walking. Wish I could say the same of our dining experience at The Five Bells! Food good. Service abysmal.

10/4/2018 - andy hasted

Have revisited the Red Lion at Chalton. It has changed hands and is now recommended.

10/14/2016 - andy hasted

The Red Lion at Chalton is a lovely old rustic pub but the food we had might be described as average at best. Avoid the puddings for sure. At point 23 there is now only one fingerpost , a nice new one. This is signed to the Hangers way to the right and Staunton way along the route from point 22 . Nice day out in oct 2016 with lovely views on the outward leg.

10/14/2016 - andy hasted

The difficult stiles at the start are no longer there . The path now goes through one kissing gate and then is fenced along the field

7/20/2015 - Jonathan Kershaw

Completed the walk on 18th July in the lovely summer sunshine with a work colleague. We both enjoyed the walk which is actually quite easy going with big bridle paths and not many step climbs. Some really stunning views of the downs and coast line and the occasional train going past in the back ground. Buriton is a really beautiful village and super starting and finish point with the pond and church. We also visited The Five Bells at the end of the walk which is excellent and enjoyed a pint in the garden with the sunshine.

8/30/2012 - Walkingworld Admin

Our thanks to Sylvia Saunders for her updates for this walk. August 2012. Adrian (Admin)

7/11/2008 - Martyn Hickman

A very enjoyable walk, pity I did not enjoy the English weather. But the rain did not spoil it. Went to places I didnt know existed. Saw an owl and many different butterflies. What more could you want GREAT

3/27/2006 - Ian and Sarah Jane Lloyd

A varied walk with excellent clear instructions. The ducks at Buriton welcome you noisily and expect to be fed so don't forget to pack some bread for them!

6/10/2005 - Ray Churcher

Ray Churcher-My wife and I walked this one on 9/6/05. Another excellent walk. Beautiful starting point at Buriton. This is what I would call a satisfying walk -decent parking, some ups some downs, smashin views and a nice day to go with it! Thank you.