SPRING is blossoming in Hampshire, and what better way to enjoy this beautiful season than with a lovely walk?
If you are struggling for inspiration, or fancy travelling further afield for an invigorating walk, these Ordnance Survey (OS) walks may help.
Here are some of our favourite OS Pathfinder walks to enjoy this spring.
A taste of the New Forest – 2¾ miles
Although this magical walk is on the smaller side, it packs in three of the New Forest’s best-known sites: the Portuguese Fireplace, the Reptile Centre, and the 400-year-old plus Knightwood Oak.
The route passes through typical New Forest scenery of wooded pasture, heath, and broadleaved woodland.
For those who have never visited the stunning area, this walk is the perfect introduction to the National Park and its various habitats.
OS Pathfinder Guide: New Forest, Hampshire and South Downs
OS Explorer: OL22
Corfe Castle and the Purbeck Ridge, Dorset - Six miles
No visit to Dorset would be complete without seeing the iconic Corfe Castle, which occupies a break in the long ridge of the Purbeck Hills.
This walk follows the ridge to the west, from which there are wonderful views across the Dorset heathlands to the coast.
The return is through the village of East Creech and woodland nestling in the lee of the down.
OS Pathfinder Guide: Dorset and the Jurassic Coast
OS Explorer: OL15
Freshwater and Tennyson Down, Isle of Wight - 3¾ miles
Known for its connections with poet Alfred Lord Tennyson, the Down offers a tremendous vantage point over the English Channel.
Ramblers can drink in the sea salt-laden air that inspired the great poet whilst admiring the spectacular view.
The walk follows the clifftop path as it descends to Freshwater Bay, then continues through Afton Marsh Nature Reserve, passing the Isle of Wight’s only thatched church before taking a woodland way to complete the loop.
OS Pathfinder Guide: Short Walks Isle of Wight
OS Explorer: OL29
Discover similar walks across Great Britain in Ordnance Survey’s 100 Outstanding British Walks and Epic British Walks, or use their paper maps and Pathfinder Guides to plan and follow routes in a specific area.
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