Southampton 10k V4

Walk or Cycle from Warsash to Swanwick along the length of the Hamble river

Starting from Fawley town centre, with views over Southampton Water and the historic inlet of Ashlett Creek. This walk is great for families with young children, starting from Fawley town centre and following a pretty country lane with views over Southampton Water to the small and historic inlet of Ashlett Creek. It then passes the Jolly Sailor pub and 19th century tidal mill before following the coast through a contrasting landscape of industry and wildlife.

From Ashurst railway station this short and easy walk explores a variety of landscapes that characterise the New Forest. The route first takes you past open Forest lawns where ponies graze and through Churchplace Inclosure, a timber plantation, before crossing the railway into Ashurst Wood. Then continue along a road that winds pleasantly through ancient pasture woodland and across a grassy lawn to the historic remains of a saltpetre house. Return via a roadside cycle track to Ashurst village.

This is a beautiful circular walk ideal for those starting in Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Bishopstoke or Otterbourne. The walk takes you through woods and a meadowed track - certainly the most attractive way to reach Allbrook. You can take footpaths to connect with the Itchen Navigation and follow the famous chalk stream all the way to Bishopstoke. The return is a delight of paddocks and mature woodland with a high point above Stoke Park Farm where the view over Hampshire is stunning.

Situated on the southern edge of the New Forest and a mile from the Solent coast, Exbury is a peaceful and beautiful village with a fascinating history and important war time links to Lepe and the build up to D-Day. The walk starts at the famous Exbury Gardens then takes you along field and woodland paths to Lepe for spectacular views across the Solent. returning inland through farms and woodland to Exbury village.

This walk starts by passing St Mary's Church before winding through Copythorne Common and its interesting mix of woodland and open glades. The route then follows rhododendron and woodland edged tracks to the Cadnam River and the northern commons. Here you can watch ponies grazing before returning through Newbridge and Copythorne Common back to the start.

A lovely circular walk from Furzey Gardens that takes you through Minstead village and into the New Forest. It is a fairly easy walk although it can get muddy in places. The walk starts at Furzey Gardens Car Park (Free) where there is a delightful cafe serving drinks and light refreshments. Furzey Gardens are a charity to help people with learning difficulties and are open to the public. A reasonable donation is requested on entry.

Visit the Rufus Stone to discover the mystery surrounding the death of King William II. The route then follows quiet country lanes to the unspoilt village of Minstead where the famous detective writer and spiritualist Sir Arthur Conon Doyle is buried in the grounds of All Saints Church. Return via winding lanes and fields to Canterton and Brook.