From Woodfalls to Pepperbox Hill

We set off along Slab Lane towards Downton, then turned right along Primrose Lane,  climbing up towards the Tower House (below). Primrose Lane becomes Morgans Vale Road and leads into Redlynch. When we met the main road we crossed over and walked down Bowers Hill and Grove Lane, past the Kings Head pub, then turned into Sandy Lane.

This lane turns to the right, and we turned slightly left to take the footpath through a field. At the other end there is another track leading past Templeman's Old Farmhouse, through the yard and on to another track which we followed north eventually reaching Cheyney's Wood. The path runs just inside the western edge of the wood.

There were good views, but not very clear today in the low cloud and haze. We passed privet Farm a little way on our right, and continues north past a reservoir and a radio mast.

 The path swings round to the right (northeast) and we meet the biggest obstacle on today's walk - the A36. We cross at the brow of the hill, but it's a busy road.

We follow the track to the Nature reserve, complete with Eyre's Folly - the Pepperbox. All boarded up and inaccessible. But again, fine views toward Salisbury. 
From information online:
The Pepperbox is a hexagonal folly built in 1606 by Giles Eyre, reputedly so that he could look down on his neighbours. It may have served as a viewpoint for ladies following the hunt, a haunt for highwaymen and a lookout post for the home guard. 

The summit - a mighty 157 metres high - is marked by a trig point in the middle of a rather flat, freshly ploughed field. We wave to it, but decline to walk over there.

 The return journey covered the same ground, but this time with a stop for coffee at the Kings Head.

 A good morning's walk. 8.5 miles.

Part of Avon Valley Path

We set off from where we stayed on Slab Lane, joining the footpath up from the road, along a tree lined footpath which emerges at an open field with views as far as Salisbury Cathedral. Here we turned left along the Avon Valley Path. We kept the hedge on our left and when we met a farm track we crossed it, to walk downhill in another field - this time with the hedge on our right. We continued through woodland then followed a bridleway to our left, then a track to the right, eventually coming out at Hatchet Green. We turned left and over a cattle grid towards Hale Park, and Woodgreen., 

This building is called Hatchet Lodge. We followed the road, turning left at Home Farm, then right at a very long avenue of lime trees. At the end we could see Hale House, a Georgian Mansion.

The path skirts round the mansion and lead through more woodland to St Mary's Church, which was open.

Down the steep footpath, covered in fallen leaves and to the road. A quick diversion to look at the river from the bridge, then we turned left to Woodgreen.  We walked into the village hoping the pub was open for lunch, but it seems to have shortened its opening times. We walked up and out of the village and back to the Avon Valley Path as it goes along a quiet road, Castle Hill.

A fine viewpoint on Castle Hill, over the Avon valley and into Dorset. Then we turned right along a footpath through the water meadows to the suspension bridge at Burgate Manor Farm, and into Fordingbridge.

We caught the bus back to Downton, and walked the mile and a half from there.

On the way we saw swallows and the odd martin, two flocks of long-tailed itts and a couple of egrets.

A week near Sandleheath - more cycling than walking

'Hampshire July 2014

Arrived Friday 25/7 Ate at Damerham pub with its hippy enterprise feel but good food, altho' they seem to think vegetarians eat less.

Saturday 26/7 we met Jenny and Esther at Bursledon station car park and walked along the river Hamble to Manor farm Country Park and back. Then went to Esther's for evening meal.

Map etc

Sunday 27/7 Esther did a 70 mile sportive from Waterlooville. We did a 20 mile ride to Cranbourne - stopped for large lemonade at Damerham. Map etc . Later over to Esther's.  Quick visit to the allotment.

Monday 28/7 - we met Esther etc at Moors valley Country park.

We drove there the back way, via Verwood. Ate at the Ship in Fordingbridge.

Tuesday 29/7- lazy morning, then ride into Fordingbridge to get b'day card for Aneurin. Onwards and up to Whitsbury and almost Coombe Bissett via byway, then returned via Rockbourne. Map etc.Tea and scone in Rose and Thistle. Not cheap but good.  About 20 miles in all again.

Wednesday 30/7 - went to Alderholt G C for coffee, then to Mockbeggar via Harbridge and ibsley. up the hill past Red Shoot and almost to Fritham, returning via the top road and down through Godshill and Fordingbridge. around 28 miles. Map etc.

Then to Esther's for dinner.

Thursday 31/7 - a lazy day, more reading than anything. Then to Esther's for a meal.

Friday 01/8 - returned home via Salisbury, and called at Crofton Beam Engine on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

While we were away we saw various birds, including reed bunting, a kingfisher, and some wheatears, we believe, flying from post to post ahead of us as we cycled on a byway.