The best autumn walks in Basingstoke and around Hampshire

We're so lucky to have some fantastic countryside walks right on our doorstep, from Kingsclere to Danebury Hill Fort.

Many are just a short drive away, or you could even try the bus with some of the routes that are closer.

With the cost of living still relatively high, an autumnal walk might be one of the cheapest ways to entertain the family this weekend. 

Read more: Council calls to keep £100 fines for owners who don't pick up after their dogs

Hannington Cottingtons Hill

Beautiful fields between Hannington and Kingsclere by our camera club member David Butler (Image: David Butler)

Route distance: 4.5 miles

Start point: Village Green

If you don't want to travel far outside of Basingstoke, then Hannigton is the perfect choice. 

Hannington is situated high in the North Wessex Downs - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A network of public rights of way allows walkers to explore and enjoy this beautiful landscape.

Beautiful views extend south and west from For Down, and north and south from Michael’s Field.

During most seasons you can see skylarks, yellowhammers and many other wild birds. Fieldfares and redwings are regular visitors in winter.

To view directions click here.

Kingsclere walk

Route distance: 5 miles

Start point: White Hill car park

Kingsclere has varied countryside including open downland, steep slopes, small fields and woodland. 

This walk is not for the faint-hearted. It has some steep gradients but is worth trying for the beautiful views.

Kingsclere is just a short drive away, or you could catch the Link bus from the centre of Basingstoke. 

Click here for directions

Danebury Hill Fort

Route distance: 0.8 miles

Start point: Danebury car park

If you love a bit of history, then this walk is for you. 

Danebury is one of an extensive network of fortified sites across the Hampshire countryside, and is near Stockbridge so isn't too far to drive.

The site is a rich chalk grassland and from the hill fort there are magnificent views including several other hill forts and prehistoric burial mounds.

Evidence suggests that Danebury Iron Age Hill Fort was built 3000 years ago.

It started life as a Late Bronze Age stock enclosure, while the main defences that are now visible were built around 2500 years ago.

The fort remained in use until c.100BC, some 140 years before the Roman invasion of AD43.

For directions, click here. 

Longparish Dead Mans Plack

Route distance: 6.5 miles

Start point: Village Hall

Dead Man's Plack itself is a Grade-II listed 19th-century monument erected in the memory Earl Athelwold.

According to legend, Athelwold was killed there in 963 by his rival in love King Edgarto.

The valley is about half a mile wide, flanked by low ridges, with Harewood Forest to the north and west.

It has an excellent network of footpaths, including part of the Test Way, links the settlements. The paths provide some memorable views of the old cottages, the landscape and the river.

For directions, click here.