Description:
This 5.3 mile (8.5km) circular walk starts at the Silver Plough and ascends Pitton Hill before heading through Houndwood. It then goes to Farley and turns to walk around footpaths on Farley Farm before returning to Pitton.
Walk Grade:
Easy
Distance:
5.3 miles / 8.5 km
Time:
1.45 – 2 hours
Parking:
This walk starts from the Silver Plough public house in Pitton (SP5 1DU) (Grid Ref: SU212312). Please only use the pub car park if you intend to stop for refreshments before or after your walk.
Walk Route:
Leave the Silver Plough car park and turn left and then immediately left along The Green. After 100 metres ignore a footpath on the right and continue along the lane for a further 160 metres to reach a second footpath on the right (Grid Ref: SU213314) turn here to head uphill leaving Pitton.
After going through a kissing gate at the top of the hill continue past paddocks and through two more gates to follow the footpath into Church Copse (Grid Ref: SU221307).
When the footpath joins a forestry track (Grid Ref: SU223302) turn right and follow it for 250 metres to a six-way junction of footpaths (Grid Ref: SU224300). Take the forestry track on the left passing besides a metal gate. Continue along this broad trail for 850 metres until reaching a footpath on the right (Grid Ref: SU231304). Follow this path south through Houndwood to reach the edge of a field (Grid Ref SU230301).
Turn right and follow the path around the edge of the field to reach a wide gap in the hedge line and continue on the grass path between fields. At a junction of footpaths turn right besides a disused pit and enter a field, after 30 metres turn left (Grid Ref: SU228297) and follow a footpath diagonally across a field to reach a minor road, Church Road (Grid Ref: SU226294).
On Church Road turn left and follow the road for 100 metres, as the road bends the route continues straight on along a driveway to Farley Farm (Grid Ref: SU226294). Stay on this tarmac driveway to pass Farley Farmhouse and chicken shed. At the far end of the last chicken shed turn left on a farm track (Grid Ref: SU233297) for 50 metres then take a footpath on the left (Grid Ref: SU233298). Now follow this footpath along the edge of an arable field to cross a junction of paths and continue on in a westerly direction along the edge of further arable fields. On reaching a gap at the corner of the field go through the hedge line to reach the junction of six paths (Grid Ref: SU224300).
Here take the footpath opposite that runs along the edge of the field besides Church Copse. After 450 metres the way-marked path enters the woodland (Grid Ref: SU220302) and then emerges into a clearing besides a new plantation. Keep on the path to go through a disused pit and then into an arable field.
The path reaches a stile (Grid Ref: SU217305), enter another arable field and cross diagonally to another stile (Grid Ref: SU217307). Continue along a path with a hedge to the left and on entering another field continue with the hedge now on the right to enter a hedge lined path to reach stables (Grid Ref: SU214310).
Turn right and go along the track for 200 metres to reach a crossing of paths (Grid Ref: SU216311), turn left and go through a gate to take the path back to Pitton and the starting point at the Silver Plough.
Toilets:
There are no public toilets.
Customer toilets are available in the Silver Plough and Hook and Glove during opening hours.
Refreshments:
Pitton: The Silver Plough, Pitton Stores
Farley: The Hook and Glove
To download GPX and print map click “Learn More” below:
To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer Map 131 – Romsey, Andover & Test Valley.
Additional Information:
A narrative of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest can be viewed on my associated Two Dogs and an Awning website.
© Walking Moonraker (2023)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.