Top seven countryside walks in Basingstoke

We often find ourselves walking the same old routes as we always do, but with children back to school this week it might be the perfect time to let them blow off steam and explore somewhere new.

Basingstoke is surrounded by beautiful countryside and we have compiled a list of the best walking routes near you to try out.

Stick on your welly boots and try out our list below according to AllTrails;

7. Ellisfield and Moundsmere

Tom Organ Geograph

This loop consists of gentle sloping wooded valleys, woodland tracks and byways.

Distance:

10.9 kilometer loop

Time:

Allow 2.5 hours.

Find route directions here.

6. Oakley Park and Wayfarers Walk

Sandy B Geograph

This is a good slightly shorter option for a walk that is good for kids.

The walk still has greats views of the countryside and a little walk in the woods but includes passing by the duck pond and offers finally food and drink options at Barley Mow or Jolly Olly's.

Distance:

6.8 kilometer loop

Time:

Under 2 hours

Find route directions here.

5. Ramsdell via Wyeford and Charcoal Gully

Graham Horn Geograph

The walk that starts in the small village of Ramsdell is relatively flat with a few gentle slopes and follows woodland bridleways and crosses pastureland.

In one section of the fields you may spot sheep or cattle and a bull.

Distance:

8.5 kilometer loop

Time:

Allow 2.5 hours

Find route directions here.

4.Wootton St Lawrence and Malshanger Park

Sandy B Geograph

Along the way you will pass through Malshanger Park, with glimpses of the mansion and the old parkland.

The route has long and steady climbs and descents throughout, with no steep sections.

A third of the route follows tarmac or stone tracks, but the remainder of the woodland and unmade tracks can get very muddy.

Distance:

9.7 kilometer loop

Time:

Allow 3 hours

Find route directions here.

3. Cliddesden and Ellisfield

Hugh Chevallier Geograph

This walk has slopes and a few steep sections across the woodlandtrack and fields.

Part of the route is along the old trackbed of the Basingstoke and Alton Light Railway, and the walk also includes a section of the long distance Three Castles Path.

Distance:

10.0 kilometer loop

Time:

 Allow 3.5 hours.

Find route directions here.

2. Kempshott and Pardown

Sandy B Geograph

This trail will take you over hills with stunning views over Basingstoke.

The terrain is gentle, so the walk is quite flat for the most part.

This trail is perfect for blackberrying with plenty of bushes along the route, but they wont be there for long as blackberry season ends mid September.

Distance:

This 9.7 kilometer

Time:

Allow 2.5 to 3 hours

Find route directions here.

1. The Three Churches of Steventon, Ashe and Deane

Sandy B Geograph

Start at Steventon Church and follow the route through fields and woodland to Ashe Park, then continue down to the hamlets of Ashe and Deane.

For the most part the walk is flat across byways, footpaths and field edges.

Distance:

9.2 kilometer loop

Time:

Allow 2.5 to 3 hours

Find route directions here.