There’s a kaleidoscope of colour in every direction, bluebells are blooming and the sweet smell of cherry blossom fills the air.
Welcome to spring! After a long winter, the warmth of spring is finally upon us and that means more wonderful walks in the National Park, admiring all the sights, sounds and scents of the new life-giving season.
It’s a wonderful time to get out and see nature rising from its winter slumber, with butterflies emerging, reptiles basking in the sun and newborn lambs bouncing around in the fields.
Here are some inspiring spring stomps you might like to consider!
River Itchen circular routes
4-5 miles / 2-3 hours
The River Itchen is considered to be one of the best chalk rivers in Britain and renowned for its fly-fishing. With two figure-of-eight routes to choose from, stroll along its edges and cross over footbridges while soaking up the tranquil hamlets along the way. Take binoculars to see what wildlife you can spot enroute.
Haslemere to Liphook – Rail to Ramble
5-6 miles / 3-4 hours
Explore the heathland of Marley, Lynchmere and Stanley Commons. Catch a train to Haslemere railway station where this walk begins and follow lanes, tracks and footpaths to finish in Liphook Railway Station for your return journey. Heaths are home to some amazing wildlife, including the Dartford warbler and the sand lizard. Keep an eye out for basking sand lizards amongst the heather. Listen out for the rich, mellow whistle of the woodlark in early spring.
Riverside walk for all at Bramber
1-3 miles / 0.5-1 hour
The historic village of Bramber with its medieval castle is the starting point for this riverside route.
Wheelchair users, motorised buggies and families with pushchairs will find the wide, newly laid surface on the Route for All easy to negotiate with different options on distance and length depending on time and mood. Look out for a kingfisher or egret along the way!
Cissbury Ring circular
3-4 miles / 1-2 hours
Enjoy the views out to the coast and explore the largest hill-fort in Sussex. One of the jewels in the crown of the National Park the 5,000-year-old Cissbury Ring is set high up on a chalk promontory. On a clear day you can see for miles!
Arundel to South Stoke circular
6-7 miles / 4 hours
Gaze down at the stunningly clear waters of Swanbourne Lake, soak up the bird song and spring flowers at St Leonard’s Church and enjoy sweeping views towards Arundel Castle as you stroll along the banks of the River Arun.
Keep a look out for water voles when you’re walking along Mill Road. These small, furry mammals, made famous by the character ‘Ratty’ in the book Wind in the Willows, can be seen along the banks of the stream or you might even hear them as they ‘plop’ back into the water.
Devil’s Dyke circular
2.5 miles / 1-1.5 hours
Soak up far reaching views across the weald and out to the English Channel from the top of Ditchling Beacon and Devil’s Dyke. At nearly one mile long the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the UK. Venture into the valley during spring or summer and you will discover a living carpet of flowers and a myriad of colourful insects including orchids, wild thyme, horseshoe vetch and birdsfoot trefoil.
The Chattri Memorial circular
4-5 miles / 1-2 hours
This Miles Without Stiles circular route is suitable for off-road class 3 all-terrain mobility scooters, and also makes for a gentle walk on a loose stone path. Enjoy stunning views from the historic Jack and Jill windmills and pay your respects at the peaceful Chattri war memorial. Following this trail takes you along a section of the South Downs Way National Trail. Look out for buzzards and red kites soaring above.
For bluebell walk see here. Remember to stick to the path and not trample these floral gems! 😊