Ecchinswell Walks

7 miles (11 km)

This pretty Hampshire village is in a great spot for exploring the rolling Hampshire Downs and Hangers.
This circular walk from the village visits the famous Watership Down and the neighbouring settlements of Sydmonton and Kingsclere. You'll also pass the excellent viewpoints at Ladle Hill and Nuthanger Down.
Watership Down is located just south of the village on the Wayfarer's Walk long distance footpath. The down provides some splendid views over the area. The area was made famous by Richard Adams' 1972 novel and the subsequent animated film.
Also on the walk is the Sydmonton Court estate, just to the south west of Ecchinswell. The estate consists of a 16th century Tudor manor house and is home to the�summer arts Sydmonton Festival.

Ecchinswell Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Ecchinswell Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Ecchinswell OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Ecchinswell Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Ecchinswell

Watership Down - Climb this hill made famous by Richard Adams' 1972 novel 'Watership Down'
Kingsclere - This Hampshire based village is surrounded by beautiful countryside in all directions
Wayfarer's Walk - Starting at the town of Emsworth on Chichester Harbour, follow this fabulous 70 mile walk through the heart of Hampshire and on into Berkshire.
You will pass through the pretty Hampshire towns and villages of Cheriton, Droxford, Hambledon and New Arlesford while also experiencing the beautiful landscape and wildlife in this special county.
The path is easy to follow as it is waymarked by metal and plastic disks attached to wooden and metal posts.
Highlights on the route in include the National Trust owned Hinton Ampner stately home with its wonderful gardens and Watership Down - the delightful setting for Richard Adams' 1972 novel
Brenda Parker Way - This splendid walk runs from Aldershot to Andover through the Hampshire countryside
Greenham Common - Explore the Greenham and Cookham Commons on this circular walk near Newbury
Overton - This Hampshire based village has some nice river and country trails to try
Bowdown Woods - This nature reserve sits on the northern edge of Greenham Common.
Highclere Castle - This walk uses public footpaths to explore the extensive parkland surrounding this Stately home near Newbury
Beacon Hill Newbury - This circular walk climbs to the Beacon Hill viewpoint in the grounds of Highclere Castle in Hampshire.

Pubs/Cafes

The Royal Oak is a great place for some post walk refreshments. The pub serves good quality traditional pub food and includes a particularly huge beer garden. The inn can be found at postcode RG20 4UH for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The country and woodland trails make for a fine walk for fit dogs. The Royal Oak pub in the village is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just to the west is one of the local highlights at Highclere Castle. The house is famous as the location of period drama 'Downton Abbey'. It's surrounded by a 5000 acre estate with miles of good walking trails including the fine viewpoint on Beacon Hill.