A misty sunrise over rolling chalk hills in Hampshire, with bare winter trees silhouetted against a pastel sky.

Hampshire – Chalk Downs, Heathland, and Open Coast

Chalk hills, lowland forest, and tidal shoreline between the Solent, the South Downs, and the New Forest

Hampshire is a county of chalk downland, heath and forest, river valleys, and coastal plain in South East England. Walking routes cross the South Downs National Park and New Forest National Park and follow the South Downs Way, Solent Way, Test Way, and Itchen Way, linking places such as Winchester, Petersfield, Southampton, Lymington, and Portsmouth along ridge paths, woodland tracks, and shoreline routes.

Much of the terrain is firm and gently rolling underfoot. Chalk tracks, bridleways, forest trails, and coastal promenades allow steady progress with moderate gradients, while steeper climbs occur along the South Downs and short slopes on the coastal headlands.

The landscape shifts between areas. The east is defined by chalk ridges and dry valleys within the South Downs, the centre and west become open heath and woodland within the New Forest, and the southern edge flattens toward harbours, mudflats, and tidal inlets along the Solent.

Towns and villages are frequent along the coast and river valleys, creating regular access points for shorter walks and longer point-to-point routes across connected countryside.

Trails and Routes Through Hampshire

South Downs Way

A National Trail following the chalk ridge between Winchester and Eastbourne with open downland and elevated views.

Solent Way

A long-distance coastal route linking Milford-on-Sea, Lymington, Southampton Water, Portsmouth Harbour, and Hayling Island on shoreline and estuary paths.

Test Way

A rural riverside route following the River Test between Inkpen Beacon and Totton on field paths and quiet countryside tracks.

Itchen Way

A riverside path following the River Itchen between Hinton Ampner and Southampton through meadow and woodland.

New Forest Walking Routes

A network of tracks and open-access paths across heathland, woodland, and pasture within the National Park.

Walking Character

• Chalk downs and ridge paths
• Heathland and open forest
• River valleys and water meadows
• Coastal paths and estuary edges
• Woodland and bridleway tracks
• Frequent towns and villages
• Rolling and coastal mixed

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hampshire located?

Hampshire is in South East England between Dorset, Wiltshire, West Sussex, and Surrey, bordered by the English Channel and the Solent to the south.

What defines walking here?

Chalk downland, forest heath, river corridors, and coastal paths with a mix of moderate climbs and flatter shoreline sections.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The South Downs Way National Trail, Solent Way, Test Way, and Itchen Way cross the county.

Is the terrain steep?

The Downs include steady climbs and descents, while forest, river, and coastal sections are generally flatter.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers firmer ground and longer daylight, while winter conditions can be muddy in woodland and low-lying areas.