An easy (if sometimes muddy), 5.5 mile flat walk around the outskirts of Bisley. Points of interest along the walk include the National Shooting Centre and Coldingley Prison. The nearby Horsell Common is also worth a visit whiler in the area as it was the site of filming for the intro to HG Wells War of the Worlds.
There are many places to park on this route, but we chose a quiet gravel layby opposite the National Shooting Grounds.
A 5 mile route from the picturesque village of Fingest, over the hills to Frieth before circling back round, via Skirmett back to Fingest. Free parking is available in Fingest opposite the pub (can get busy).
The initial steep climb up to Fingest Wood works up an appetite that can be rewarded in Frieth at the Prince Albert pub for those that can't complete the full circle. For the Stalwarts, there's a very pleasant walk around to The Frog, in Skirmett (I know) or the option to solider on to make it back to The Chequers Inn in Fingest.
A 7.9 mile circular walk that follows the Ridgeway for part of it's length and reaches Barbury Castle, an Iron age hill fort, which was first occupied about 2,500 years ago and, in good weather, has views across the Cotswolds some distance away.
We started the walk from Ogbourne St-George and walked anti-clockwise, stopping for a bite to eat at Banbury Castle.
The Ridgeway can get busy on nice summer days but the routes off it are quieter.
Another easy, if muddy circular walk around the Chobham area. This time around Mimbridge.
A good starting point with parking is Just off the Chobham road - Grid ref: TQ002604. From there, follow a tarmac track through woodland before bearing right onto a muddy footpath. From here, the footpath skirts both teh McLaren Technology Centre (of supercar fame) and Fairoaks airport where you'll normally see a range of light aircraft as well as some vintage aircraft and the police helicopter coming and going.
A 5.5 walk from the Shepherd and Flock Roundabout following the River Wey to Waverley Abbey, a ruin of a former Cisterian abbey built in 1128.
Parking can be found on the roundabout itself, as can the pub which gives it it's name. There's also a surprising collection of houses in the roundabout.
This route included a short detour at the southern end to collect a couple of geocaches. You may want to discount this if you're not a cacher.
An interesting 6.7 mile circular walk that give great views over the Basingstoke valley and beyond. Free parking is available at the Cliddesden end, near the school and a pub is situated half way along the route.
Predominately field edges but with some woodland and valleys.
A pleasant 4 miles stroll around Swinley Forest visiting Caesars Camp, a hill fort established in 500 - 300 BC and an important marketplace for the area.
The walk is mainly along forestry tracks and those with mountain bikes can visit the nearby lookout and try out the specially made MTB trails there.
Easy parking at the Lookout.
An 8 mile out and back walk along the disused Meon railway. A flat easy route that could be walked or cycled. The route has many interesting features along the way and there are various pubs along the way that can be reached by dropping down off the railway into the nearby villages.
There are various free car parks along the trail.
This enjoyable 7.7 mile circular walk starts from the car park of the historic Crofton Beam Engine pumping station. It was built to keep the Kennet & Avon Canal summit supplied with water and is supposed to be the "oldest working beam engine in the world still in its original engine house and capable of actually doing the job for which it was installed."
The route follows the canal to the North of Burbage and encounters some interesting features along the way, including the Bruce tunnel and Burbage Wharf.
A short but interesting 2.7 mile walk around Sulham Wood. A good steep climb is followed by fields on the plateau before walking through some quite strange woodland (not sure I'd want to wild camp here..) before heading back on the eastern flanks of the hill. Geocaching route, but worth taking the dogs round or as a post Sunday lunch amble.
