Kingsclere and Hannington

Looking along the North Hampshire downs

We had our friends Dave and Chris from Essex to stay and we thought we would show them something they would not get at home: a downland walk. We chose one of our favourites, from Kingsclere to Hannington.

This walk begins in the centre of Kingsclere and heads off along Hollowshot Lane to climb up to the ridge of the North Hampshire Downs. You then descend to cross a one-time Roman road, the Portway, and climb again to a point where our walk book promises excellent views over Basingstoke. Something of an oxymoron we thought.

You then approach Hannington village where on a previous occasion I took some nice pictures of the delightful timber-framed Bertha's Cottage and the pretty Victorian well-head on the village green. Today we paused for an excellent lunch at the Vine pub.



Just out of view in the photograph is a telephone box and we were amused to find that it was for sale - although the new owner would have to leave it in its current location.

The route back again crosses the Portway and then you turn left and walk along the line of the ridge beneath the Hannington radio beacon. At the end of this stretch there was a fine mossy bank with bare trees.



At the base we saw an early indication that spring might, at last, not be far away with this Cuckoo Pint just beginning to unfurl its new leaves.



The final leg is beside a gallop and back to Kingsclere via the recreation ground.

From: Rambling for Pleasure: Kennet Valley and Watership Down by David Bounds for the East Berkshire Ramblers’ Association Group.

Map: Explorer 144 (Basingstoke).

Conditions: dry, but a cold wind.

Rating: four stars. So wide open and quiet; wonderful views.


Sightings

Buzzards, kites and a flock (if that's the right word) of finches.