The best walks and hikes around Herriard

There are over 300 hiking routes to explore around Herriard. The selection is well-balanced, with over 130 easy trails perfect for a gentle outing, more than 150 moderate hikes for a good challenge, and a handful of difficult routes for experienced hikers.

The trails around Herriard are highly regarded by the komoot community. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 500 reviews, hikers often praise the mix of quiet woodland paths, open farmland, and the quintessential English countryside scenery.

Yes, Herriard is great for family outings. For a shorter, accessible walk, the perimeter path around Herriard Green is ideal and has a children's play park. For a slightly longer but still easy adventure, consider the Hiking loop from Cliddesden, which is a manageable 3.5-mile (5.7 km) route.

Dogs are welcome on most public footpaths in the area, making it a great place for a walk with your four-legged friend. However, much of the land is part of a working agricultural estate with livestock, so it's essential to keep dogs under close control and on a lead where required. Always follow the Countryside Code.

Most of the popular routes in the area are circular. A great example of a moderate circular hike is the View of High Wood – Hidden Path Through Bushy Tree loop from Shalden. This 4.8-mile (7.8 km) trail takes you through a mix of woodland and open fields, offering lovely views along the way.

For those seeking a longer trek, the Herriard Circle is a well-known 10-mile (16.1 km) moderate walk that explores the wider countryside on a mix of tracks and footpaths. Additionally, parts of the Three Castles Path, a national long-distance trail, pass through the region, offering opportunities for extended hikes.

The terrain around Herriard is typical of the Hampshire countryside, featuring gentle rolling hills, open farmland, and sections of woodland. Most paths are well-surfaced bridleways or footpaths, but some sections, particularly through fields and copses, can become muddy after rain, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is recommended.

On-street parking is available in Herriard village, but please park considerately. Herriard Green is a good starting point with some local parking options. For walks starting in nearby villages like Cliddesden or Shalden, you will also find on-street parking. Always check for any local parking restrictions before you set off.

While Herriard itself is small, several nearby villages have traditional pubs that can be incorporated into a walk. The Fox House in Cliddesden, for example, is on the route of several popular hikes in the area. It's always a good idea to check opening times in advance, especially on weekdays.

Yes, the area is rich in history. While many routes pass through the historic Herriard Estate, you can also plan a walk to explore nearby sites. A short drive away, you can find the 13th-century ruins of Odiham Castle near the Basingstoke Canal, and the village of Chawton, home to Jane Austen's House Museum, is also nearby.

Besides the immediate trails, several highly-regarded hiking areas are a short drive away. Old Winchester Hill is a local favorite, offering beautiful countryside views from an Iron Age hill fort. For woodland scenery, Noar Hill is a lovely nature reserve, and Shawford Down provides a great base for walks with its mix of open grassland and riverside paths.

Herriard is a rural parish with limited public transport. The nearest major train stations are in Basingstoke and Alton, both several miles away. From there, you would likely need to take a taxi or a local bus service, which may be infrequent. It is generally easiest to access the trailheads in this area by car.