Dundridge - Shepherds Down - Dundridge

Sylvia Saunders

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Dundridge - Shepherds Down - Upper Swanmore - Dundridge

This is a superb spot of Hampshire countryside; it seems so remote, but is in fact just an unspoilt little pocket between Droxford and Bishop's Waltham that seems to have been forgotten by today's hectic lifestyle. This was a favourite walk of my father-in-law's 45 years ago and The Hampshire Bowman was the first pub that my husband went to as a lad. They walked into the original bar to see a whiskery old lady in a dressing-gown carving meat actually upon the bar! They asked if they could have some sandwiches and the landlady swept the meat aside, wiped her hands on her dressing-gown and knocked up some sandwiches on the same spot! You'll be pleased to learn that although the pub has retained its rustic charm, the hygiene standards are now excellent! The only remaining evidence of butchering is a groove cut into one of the pub doors for chickens' legs to be held when they were hung, drawn and plucked! However, the beautiful countryside remains just as it always was.

This walk has some bridleways that can be muddy during the winter and after wet spells, so please wear waterproof footwear.

You are welcome to park in the pub car park if you are going to use their facilities after your walk. Please note that parking is very limited elsewhere in Dundridge; see Access Information.

England - South England - Hampshire - South Downs

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Wildlife, Woodland

8/30/2021 - Jonathan Selby

Very much enjoyed this walk today, and I'm pleased to report the directions were still accurate and the paths were clear and easy to find. We walked with our two labs, including 10 year old Rufus, and he made it round very happily. We also finished our walk with a very enjoyable pub lunch in the garden at The Hampshire Bowman. Thank you Sylvia.

5/2/2017 - Kay Gill

A lovely time to go is in late April - early May as the walk is all brilliant yellow rape flower fields, blossoming trees, grassy glades, bluebell woodlands and wild garlic. Make the most of the wild garlic; you can pick it in the many wooded areas upon this walk. Wild garlic leaves and flowers are good for pesto, sandwiches, salads, or chopped into butter and melted onto a steak. The directions for this walk are easy as long as you read the directions carefully and follow them precisely. The views are some of the best in Hampshire. It's a very dog friendly walk: there is an excellent water trough at the Hampshire Bowman and the stiles were easy for my two small dogs to pass through. Ample space in the car park and the pub couldn't be nicer.

11/7/2012 - PAUL WILLIAMS

We had not done this walk for a couple of years and took our son and daughter in law who agreed with us that it is great with varied views and a great pub to finish at. Thanks again Sylvia

2/29/2012 - Walkingworld Admin

Our thanks to Sylvia Saunders for her update for this walk. February 2012. Adrian (Admin)

2/5/2012 - Caroline Jones

The views on this walk are wonderful. As the description honestly states, some parts of the walk are vague, but if you stop and read it properly, look at the pictures that include the lovely dog, you can work out where to go. We did go off course once, but only minimally and soon found the right path. A lovely walk and would happily do it again. Caroline and friends

12/24/2011 - Ian and Sarah Jane Lloyd

A lovely Christmas Eve walk although after torrential rain yesterday the conditions underfoot were challenging to say the very least. Stunning views for minimal climbing & very quiet. Started from point 6 and plan to return in the summer (when hopefully the route will be drier) to start and finish from the pub so that we have the excuse to enjoy a pint & some food.

4/10/2011 - Ray Clarke

This is a very enjoyable walk with some very pretty countryside to admire. We did not see any other walkers so all we could hear was the sound of nature. A wonderful walk I would recommend to anyone.

2/21/2010 - Michael Davies

A lovely walk though in wet winter conditions it gets extremely muddy and claggy with deep pools in rutted lanes and tracks. Best avoided unless you enjoy adverse conditions. Dogs loved it!

11/12/2008 - Walkingworld Administrator

This walk was updated November 2008.

11/4/2007 - Ray Churcher

4/11/07-Ray Churcher. This was a very enjoyable, easy to follow walk which we did on a pleasant autumn day. The autumn colours are amazing this year. Started the walk near point 6 as was suggested. There is plenty of verge parking here. Thank you. Ray Churcher.