Preston Candover - Bradley - Preston Candover

Richard Clayton

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Preston Candover lies within the rural chalklands of central Hampshire. This tranquil area is in the triangle between Winchester, Alton and Basingstoke. The village of Preston Candover is probably of Saxon origin. It was originally called Prestecandavere - the Candover belonging to the Priests. The name derives in part from the Candover River, the source of the Itchen, which rises from springs just south of the village. Walk 4903 crosses the stream and has more information.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Preston Candover, was built in 1884-85 when fire consumed the old 12th Century church. The latter was demolished apart from the chancel and only this remains. This is 400 metres south along the B3046 from the site of the present church.

The Preston Candover Conservation Area was designated in 1981 by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in recognition of the special architectural and historic interest of the village. There are 25 buildings that are included on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, most of them Grade II-listed. These buildings date between the 16th and 19th Centuries and are dispersed throughout the village.

Part of your route follows the Three Castles Path (Winchester, Odiham and Windsor). The idea for this latter route was inspired by the well-documented 13th Century journeys of King John. You also use an old droving route, called the Oxdrove or the Lunway, running west to east through the valley. It used to be a main thoroughfare for herds of cattle and flocks of sheep being driven from the West Country to London and the South-East.

England - South England - Hampshire - Countryside

Features

Birds, Church, Flowers, Good for Kids, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, River, Wildlife

2/15/2022 - John Branscombe

Did this walk on the 14th Feb 2022 Good walk and great directions. However very very muddy and slippery. Wellies required!!Great views if you can take your eyes off the path ahead to avoid a slippery fall. Thanks for the walk. Very best John Bee. P.S. A very good community shop in the village which sells everything including lunch food!!!!!

9/16/2019 - Matthew Davis

Just done this walk today. A very pleasant, quiet walk with plenty of wildlife and farm life on route.

11/26/2015 - Neil Packham

This is definitely best experienced as a wellies-walk at this time of year and the long bridleway at 7 in particular was a quagmire. A reassuring waymarker now points right into the livery stables at 6. At 13 ensure you walk until the path descends steeply to find the fingerpost right - the path rises and falls initially. Additionally the directions at 14 are somewhat confusing since there are two fields ahead of you. Go straight ahead and keep to the right-hand boundary of the left field. Finally, there is no longer a stile or waymarker as shown in the photo for 16 - just the gap remains!

12/9/2009 - Pete Steele

Beautiful walk as normal in this part of the countryside. For those who are concerned about point 6: Don't be. I spoke to the landowner who said walkers do have the right of way through the yards past the livery and they are happy to welcome them.

6/13/2009 - Damon Hope

What is it with Richards walks and always starting and finishing at pubs!!! Well always gets my vote :). Another excellent walk taking in the lovely grounds of Moundsmere manor. Directions as excellent as ever however at point 15 we couldnt cross as there was no path in the cornfield. It was no drama just follow the side of the corn field down to the road and climb over a metal fence onto the road. Follow the road left and it takes you past waypoint 3 and back into the Candovers and start point.