Vibrant. Ancient. Cultured.

CHURCHES

Nestling at the heart of the Hampshire countryside,the Meon Valley is the gateway to the contrastinglandscapes of rolling chalk hills and river valleysunique to this stretch of England.

This self-guided trail combines the superb scenery of thevalley with the opportunity to discover some of thecounty’s historically most important churches, offering thevisitor an insight into the development of churcharchitecture from Saxon to late Victorian times.

The churches, from the Norman All Saints’ atEast Meon in the north to the Saxon and laterchurch at Titchfield in the south, are describedindividually on the inside of this leaflet. Anadditional leaflet is also available tracing achurch trail within the Itchen Valley.

Discover the exceptional churchesin the Meon Valley self-guided

walks and cycle ridesThe trailThe total distance from start tofinish is approximately 24 miles.Separate sections can becompleted individually as shownwithin the guide. Alternativelywhy not try one of the circularwalks or cycle tours. All routescan be found using OS Explorermap 119 Meon Valley.

Church informationChurches are generally openduring daylight hours, although

this can vary. Remember toleave the building as you find itby closing doors and gates, andbe sensitive to services takingplace. Wheelchair access to somebuildings may be restricted.

Making the most of theMeon ValleyTo enhance your visit a list ofsuggested refreshment stopsand overnight accommodationhas been included in this leaflet.

Aisle: passage alongside the naveor chancel, separated from it bypiers or columns

Altar: the holy table, the religiousfocus at the east end of thechurch

Arcade: row of arches supportedby piers or columns

Chancel: the eastern end of achurch, where the altar is placed

Chancel arch: the archseparating the chancel from thenave or crossing

Chapel: a small area of worship,often dedicated to a particularsaint

Choir: where services are sung,or more generally, the easternarm of a church

Font: a container, generally ofstone, which holds holy water forbaptism; usually located near thewest door

Lectern: a reading desk, often inthe shape of an eagle, made tohold the Bible during services;usually made of brass

Nave: the western arm of thechurch, where the congregationstands

Pews: wooden seats or benchesin the church. Pews onlyappeared at the end of themedieval period

Piscina: stone basin for washingcommunion or mass vessels

Pulpit: a raised stand from whichthe preacher addresses thecongregation

Transepts: the crossing arms ofthe church, generally alignednorth-south

Accommodation inthe Meon ValleyDe Vere New Place, Shedfield SO32 2JN01329 836 503

Marriot Meon Valley, Shedfield SO32 2HQ01329 833 455

Marwell Hotel, Colden Common SO21 1JY01962 777 681

Meon Wood Annexe Wickham PO17 6JZ01329 834 130

Rooksbury Park Caravan SiteWickham PO17 6JR0132 9 834 085

Old House Hotel Wickham PO17 5JG0132 834 870

Wallops Wood EscapesDroxford SO23 3QY01489 877 988

This is just a sample of places tostay. For further information goto www.visitwinchester.co.ukor contact Winchester TouristInformation Centre on01962 840 500.

RefreshmentsThe route is served well bypubs, cafés, and restaurants.A few to mention are:

Greens Restaurant & BarWickhamPO17 01329 833 197

Kuti’s Wickham PO17 5DJ01329 835 353

Lilly’s WickhamPO17 5JT01329 830 305

The Kings HeadWickhamPO17 5JN,01329 832 123

The Bakers ArmsDroxford,SO32 8JT 01730 621 563

The Bucks HeadMeonstoke,SO32 3NA 01489 877 313

The White Horse InnDroxford,SO32 3PB 01489 877 490

The Meon ValleyThe valley itself encompasses some of the most gloriouscountryside in Hampshire: spectacular landscapes offer stunningviews – some unchanged for centuries – and the River Meonmeanders from its source just south of East Meon through a seriesof attractive villages all the way to Titchfield Haven on the coast.

Parish churches, with their richly varied range of styles and sizes,reflect an architectural evolution. They record the local artistry, skillsand materials used by our forebears over centuries, making the parishchurch not only a place of worship but also a centre of village life.Their carvings, paintings, memorials and furnishings reflect howpeople lived, worked and worshipped.

EVAN

LECNAHC

T REWO

HCROP

ELSIA

RATLA

TSE

W

TSAE

HTUOSLEPAHC

This diagram shows the standard locationsof many features of church buildings.Below is a useful glossary of ecclesiasticalterms used in relation to them.

Glossary

© Crown Copyright. All rights reservedWinchester City CouncilLicence No 00018301 ©Winchester City Council

If you enjoy discovering the churches of the MeonValley, then you may also like to try the partner to thisleaflet – Itchen Valley Churches – which offers similarwalks and cycle rides to the churches along the RiverItchen. Available from Winchester Tourist InformationCentre: 01962 840 500,email: tourism@winchester.gov.uk

If you would like this leaflet in a larger format please email

tourism@winchester.gov.uk or call 01962 840 500 to discuss your requirements.

Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’sStationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and maylead to prosecution or civil proceedings. OS Licence No 00018301.Winchester City Council 2015

TSM

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Aisle

Pews

14th century decorated arcade

14th century tower

Norman chancel arch

Saxonwindow

Piscina

For detailed information contactMy Journey Hampshirewww.myjourneyhampshire.com

Public Transport

Further informationAlternatively, more detailed information about the Meon Valley,including local attractions, places to stay and refreshments, is availableat www.visitwinchester.co.uk www.saxonsinthemeonvalley.org.uk www.southdowns.gov.ukwww.facebook.com/sdnpa www.twitter.com/sdnpa

To accompany this leaflet the SouthDowns National Park Meon Valley Trail isalso available, offering beautiful walks.Available at www.hants.gov.uk

The Meon ValleyTrail has undergonemaintenance anddevelopment toensure it is morefamily friendly withimproved signageand connections totrails to the west.

Vibrant. Ancient. Cultured.

CHURCHESDiscover the historic churches in

the Itchen valley on self-guidedwalks and cycle rides

The River Itchen rises in the chalk downs around NewAlresford, flows west in a broad valley to Kings Worthy,turns south through Winchester and eventually joinsthe River Test at Southampton.

The landscapes of the valley are mainly broad grassy watermeadows and pasture, together with rolling chalkdownland mostly given over to farming. Set along the riverare many attractive and unspoilt villages, each with its owndistinctive church.

This self-guided trail combines the superb scenery of thevalley with a discovery of some of the county’s historicallymost important churches, offering the visitor an insightinto the development of church architecture.

An additional trail of the Meon Valley Churches is alsoavailable.

Vibrant. Ancient. Cultured.

CHURCHESDiscover the historic churches in

the Itchen valley on self-guidedwalks and cycle rides

The River Itchen rises in the chalk downs around NewAlresford, flows west in a broad valley to Kings Worthy,turns south through Winchester and eventually joinsthe River Test at Southampton.

The landscapes of the valley are mainly broad grassy watermeadows and pasture, together with rolling chalkdownland mostly given over to farming. Set along the riverare many attractive and unspoilt villages, each with its owndistinctive church.

This self-guided trail combines the superb scenery of thevalley with a discovery of some of the county’s historicallymost important churches, offering the visitor an insightinto the development of church architecture.

An additional trail of the Meon Valley Churches is alsoavailable.

Pulpit

Font

Meon Valley Trail

This trail leads you through some of South Hampshire’s finestcountryside – most of it inside the boundaries of the South DownsNational Park. During the route you will see inspiring landscapes,shaped by thousands of years of human history. You may even belucky enough to spot rare species such as the Adonis Blue butterfly,the nightjar or a water vole.

The Countryside CodeRespect. Protect. EnjoyRespect other people

� consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors

� leave gates and property as you find them and followpaths unless wider access is available.

Protect the natural environment

� leave no trace of your visit and take home litter

� keep dogs under effective control

Enjoy the outdoors

� plan ahead and be prepared

� follow advice and local signs

For more information visit

www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside

The architecture15th century additions totower

S o u t h a m p t o n W a t e r

M e

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Titchfield

East Meon

TSM0087-00454 meon valley church trail new_Layout 1 19/02/2015 13:40 Page 13

The trailThe total distance from start tofinish is approximately 24 miles.Separate sections can becompleted individually as shownwithin the guide. Alternativelywhy not try one of the circularwalks or cycle tours. All routescan be found using OS Explorermap 119 Meon Valley.

Church informationChurches are generally openduring daylight hours, although

this can vary. Remember toleave the building as you find itby closing doors and gates, andbe sensitive to services takingplace. Wheelchair access to somebuildings may be restricted.

Making the most of theMeon ValleyTo enhance your visit a list ofsuggested refreshment stopsand overnight accommodationhas been included in this leaflet.

The Meon ValleyThe valley itself encompasses some of the most gloriouscountryside in Hampshire: spectacular landscapes offer stunningviews – some unchanged for centuries – and the River Meonmeanders from its source just south of East Meon through a seriesof attractive villages all the way to Titchfield Haven on the coast.

Parish churches, with their richly varied range of styles and sizes,reflect an architectural evolution. They record the local artistry, skillsand materials used by our forebears over centuries, making the parishchurch not only a place of worship but also a centre of village life.Their carvings, paintings, memorials and furnishings reflect howpeople lived, worked and worshipped.

EVAN

LECNAHC

T REWO

HCROP

ELSIA

RATLA

TSE

W

TSAE

HTUOSLEPAHC

This diagram shows the standard locationsof many features of church buildings.Below is a useful glossary of ecclesiasticalterms used in relation to them.

© Crown Copyr ght All rights reservedWinchester City CouncilLicence No 00018301 ©

If you enjoy discovering the churches of the MeonValley, then you may also like to try the partner to thisleaflet – Itchen Valley Churches – which offers similarwalks and cycle rides to the churches along the RiverItchen. Available from Winchester Tourist InformationCentre: 01962 840 500,email: tourism@winchester.gov.uk

If you would like this leaflet in a larger format please email

tourism@winchester.gov.uk or call 01962 840 500 to discuss your requirements.

Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Contro ler of Her Majesty’s

54 P

rodu

ced

by W

inch

este

r City

Cou

ncil

14th century decorated arcade

14th century tower

Norman chancel arch

Saxonwindow

Further informationAlternatively, more detailed information about the Meon Valley,including local attractions, places to stay and refreshments, is availableat www.visitwinchester.co.uk www.saxonsinthemeonvalley.org.uk www.southdowns.gov.ukwww.facebook.com/sdnpa www.twitter.com/sdnpa

To accompany this leaflet the SouthDowns National Park Meon Valley Trail isalso available, offering beautiful walks.Available at www.hants.gov.uk

The Meon ValleyTrail has undergonemaintenance anddevelopment toensure it is morefamily friendly withimproved signageand connections totrails to the west.

CHURCHESD scover he h sto ic chur hes n

the I chen va ley on se f guidedwa ks and yc e r des

he R e t h n e t e a k o n a o nd el e o d f o e t n b o d l e o K ng Wo h

t n o h t o h W n he e a d e e t a l o nhe R e e t t So h mp on

h l d th l l b d td d t t th th l h k

d l d l t f t l h tt t d lt l h h t

d t t h h

h f d d t l b h b thl th d f th t ’ h t ll

t t t h h f h t htt h d l t f h h h t t

A d t l t l f h M V ll Ch h ll bl

Meon Valley Trail

This trail leads you through some of South Hampshire’s finestcountryside – most of it inside the boundaries of the South DownsNational Park. During the route you will see inspiring landscapes,shaped by thousands of years of human history. You may even belucky enough to spot rare species such as the Adonis Blue butterfly,the nightjar or a water vole.

The Countryside CodeRespect. Protect. EnjoyRespect other people

� consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors

� leave gates and property as you find them and followpaths unless wider access is available.

Protect the natural environment

� leave no trace of your visit and take home litter

� keep dogs under effective control

Enjoy the outdoors

� plan ahead and be prepared

� follow advice and local signs

For more information visit

www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside

The architecture15th century additions totower

S o u t h a m p t o n W a t e r

M e

o n

V

a l l

e y

I t c

h e

n V

a l l

e y

N

2 7 2 A

3 M

A 1 3

M 7 2

A 3 2

Titchfield

East Meon

St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Exton SU 6132 2107

A medieval flint church whichwas much restored in 1847. A 13th century piscina can beseen in the south chancel.

The east stained glass window(above) is an excellent exampleof an abstract Arts and Craftsdesign dating from 1891.

Corhampton ChurchSU 6100 12032

This Saxon building retains moreoriginal features than any othercontemporary church inHampshire. These featuresinclude the thin walls, the tallnarrow chancel arch, long-and-short stonework at the exteriorcorners, and the altar stone onthe north side of the sanctuary.Under the Yew tree (which isthought to be as old as thechurch) are the fragments of aRoman coffin.

Medieval wall paintings, whichinclude an image of St Swithun,were uncovered in 1968. Thesecan be seen on the walls of thechancel arch.

6

5

All Saints’ Church,East Meon SU 681 222

One of the finest Normanchurches in Hampshire. Thiscruciform church has a square,central Norman tower withdecoration similar to that ofWinchester Cathedral. Thewindows in the nave and southtransept and the attractive westand south doorways are alsoNorman. The walls are of flintwith stone dressing.

The Tournai marble font (above)was brought to the church in1150 from Belgium and tells thestory of Adam and Eve.

St Nicholas’ Chapel,Westbury SU 6569 2396

Originally a ‘chapel of ease’ forthe parish of East Meon, thisbuilding has been deserted sincethe Reformation. All that remainsof this late 13th century chapeltoday are ruins.

The churches

2

1

St John the Evangelist,West Meon SU 6398 2412

This church, with its unusuallynarrow tower, was built in 1846after its medieval forerunner fellinto a state of disrepair.Designed by the famousarchitect George Gilbert Scott inthe Gothic Revival style, theexterior largely consists ofsquared knapped flints, whichwere fashioned by the women inthe village.

This is theresting placeof ThomasLord (right,founder ofLord’s CricketGround) andGuy Burgess(double agentand leader of the ‘CambridgeRing’ of Soviet spies).

Church of Our Lady, Warnford SU 6225 2266

Although of Saxon origin, theChurch of Our Lady generally hasa simple early English style. Thesquare Norman tower with itsunusual circular bell openingswas added in about 1130. Inside,the Neale tombs can be foundon the east wall (both wereexchequer officials underElizabeth I and James I).Woodwork inside ranges fromthe 13th to 18th centuries andincludes a medieval screen nowused as panelling in the chancel.

The remains of St John’s House,a rare surviving 13th centuryaisled hall, are to the east of thebuilding.

There is a circular Saxon sundialin the south porch and outsideare traces of scratch dials, aprimitive form of sundial toregulate service times.

4

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Did you know? A cricket trail is alsoavailable from Winchester TouristInformation Centre or download from:www.visitwinchester.co.uk

5 St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Exton SU 6132 2107

A medieval flint church whichwas much restored in 1847. A 13th century piscina can beseen in the south chancel.

The east stained glass window(above) is an excellent exampleof an abstract Arts and Craftsdesign dating from 1891.

6 Corhampton ChurchSU 6100 12032

This Saxon building retains moreoriginal features than any othercontemporary church inHampshire. These featuresinclude the thin walls, the tallnarrow chancel arch, long-and-short stonework at the exteriorcorners, and the altar stone onthe north side of the sanctuary.Under the Yew tree (which isthought to be as old as thechurch) are the fragments of aRoman coffin.

Medieval wall paintings, whichinclude an image of St Swithun,were uncovered in 1968. Thesecan be seen on the walls of thechancel arch.

7 St Andrew’s Church,Meonstoke SU 61157 20215

A 13th century parish church witha striking Welsh-border styletower. Inside there is a Normanfont, a Jacobean pulpit and, onthe north wall, a 17th centurybaroque sculpture of Jacobwrestling an angel. The 13th

century chancel has its originallancet windows and a medievalpainting of a consecration cross.

There are Gothic arches of theEarly English period in the navearcades and chancel.

8 St Mary and All Saints’ Church, DroxfordSU 60774 18210

Medieval building with strongNorman characteristics, includingthe chancel arch and north andsouth doorways. Inside the largesquare pillars once formed partof the outside walls of theoriginal church building. You willalso find medieval arches, 13th

century chapel windows, and aJacobean communion rail andaltar table. The church wasgreatly restored during Victoriantimes when it was refittedthroughout, although theoriginal structure was retained.

The 16th century flint tower(above) has a curious squarestair-turret with later brickbattlements.

9 St Peter’s Church, SobertonSU 6095 1679

Built c1180-90 and restored in1880. The striking perpendiculartower (left) was created in the16th century when the originalwas altered. Outside the southtransept there is a stonesarcophagus, probably of Romanorigin, found locally. Inside thereis a large wall monument (1736)at the east end of the north aisleas well as several 17th centurybaroque wall monuments.

On the east wall of the southtransept are the remains of someimpressive wall paintings. Thecolour has disappeared but clearblack outlines of parts of thedesign are still visible.

10 St Nicholas’ Church, Wickham SU 5759 1144

The main structure was built in1120 on what is thought to bethe site of a former chapel. Thepresent church was greatlyrestored in the late 19th century.Much of the present interior isVictorian, including stained glasswith the best example being theeast window.

Interesting features include aNorman west door with its zig-zag arch (from the earlierbuilding) and a 13th centurypiscina in the Lady Chapel. Thesouth chapel has a fine late 16th

century wall monument toWilliam Uvedale.

In the south transept there is animpressive and detailed alabastertomb from 1615 (Sir WilliamUvedale and his wife).

The 13th century arch betweenthe chancel and south chapel isconsidered by many to be thebest feature of this church.

St Peter’s Church, TitchfieldSU 5408 0578

The lower part of the west tower(originally a porch) containssome of the oldest Saxon workin Hampshire and includes acourse of red Roman bricks.

It is thought that this churchmay have been built under theinfluence of St Wilfrid who wascarrying out missionary work inthis area between 682- 686AD.

The wrought iron gates in thefine Saxon west entrance datefrom 1651.

Impressive 16th centurymonuments to the first andsecond Earls of Southampton(Wriothesleys) can be found inthe south chapel.

Thomas Wriothesley was LordChancellor of England toHenry VIII.

Did you know? St Wilfrid establishedchristianity throughout the Meon Valley between 682-686AD, leading to the foundation of many ofthe churches on the trail.

Did you know?You can discover the Meon Valley bywatching aerial video footage, formore information visit wwwsaxonsinthemeonvalley.org.uk

Walk distance23.9 miles/38.4kmFurther information on eachchurch can be obtainedinside the buildings, oftentogether with material forchildren and walkers.

11

9

8

7

6

5

10

1 All Saints’ Church,East Meon SU 681 222

One of the finest Normanchurches in Hampshire. Thiscruciform church has a square,central Norman tower withdecoration similar to that ofWinchester Cathedral. Thewindows in the nave and southtransept and the attractive westand south doorways are alsoNorman. The walls are of flintwith stone dressing.

The Tournai marble font (above)was brought to the church in1150 from Belgium and tells thestory of Adam and Eve.

2 St Nicholas’ Chapel,Westbury SU 6569 2396

Originally a ‘chapel of ease’ forthe parish of East Meon, thisbuilding has been deserted sincethe Reformation. All that remainsof this late 13th century chapeltoday are ruins.

The churches

2

1

3 St John the Evangelist,West Meon SU 6398 2412

This church, with its unusuallynarrow tower, was built in 1846after its medieval forerunner fellinto a state of disrepair.Designed by the famousarchitect George Gilbert Scott inthe Gothic Revival style, theexterior largely consists ofsquared knapped flints, whichwere fashioned by the women inthe village.

This is theresting placeof ThomasLord (right,founder ofLord’s CricketGround) andGuy Burgess(double agentand leader of the ‘CambridgeRing’ of Soviet spies).

4 Church of Our Lady, Warnford SU 6225 2266

Although of Saxon origin, theChurch of Our Lady generally hasa simple early English style. Thesquare Norman tower with itsunusual circular bell openingswas added in about 1130. Inside,the Neale tombs can be foundon the east wall (both wereexchequer officials underElizabeth I and James I).Woodwork inside ranges fromthe 13th to 18th centuries andincludes a medieval screen nowused as panelling in the chancel.

The remains of St John’s House,a rare surviving 13th centuryaisled hall, are to the east of thebuilding.

There is a circular Saxon sundialin the south porch and outsideare traces of scratch dials, aprimitive form of sundial toregulate service times.

4

3

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ight

Mar

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Did you know? A cricket trail is alsoavailable from Winchester TouristInformation Centre or download from:www.visitwinchester.co.uk

TSM0087-00454 meon valley church trail new_Layout 1 19/02/2015 13:40 Page 7

All Saints’, East Meon to St Nicholas’ Chapel,

Westbury 2.6 miles/4.2 km

Follow the footpath uphillacross the fields north-

west of the church,joining the road at

Chalk Dell Cottages.Cross the road and

rejoin the footpathon the other side,

across the fieldstowards

Drayton.

The path continues to the rightof the farm, through some gatesand then to the left, where itmeets the road.

Turn left here following the roadfor a short distance until youcome to Halnaker Lane on theright. Take the uphill track pastDrayton Cottages and after ashort distance you will approacha wood on your right.

Turn right along the footpathwith the wood on your left. Turnleft into the woods at the top ofthe hill and bear right onto awide track.

Turn left off this track andcontinue along the path as itskirts Horsedown Farm, followingit past Westbury House to theroad and then turn left. Theremains of the chapel can beseen on the left.

Westbury to St John theEvangelist, West Meon1.7 miles/2.74km

From the chapel follow the roadwest and take the first rightalong Vinnells Lane.

Continue along the lane untilyou come across a footpath

on your left, oppositeGarretts Farm. Follow the

path over two fieldsand across the

dismantled railway.

At a fork in the footpath take theright hand route heading north-west towards the A32. Take carecrossing this busy road and rejoin thefootpath on the other side.

At the next road turn left thentake the first right into HeadonView. From there pick up thefootpath on the left leading toChurch Lane; cross over to arriveat the church.

West Meon to St Peterand St Paul’s, Exton 3.96 miles/6.37km

From the church, go through thecemetery picking up the path theother side of the stone wall.

Head west across the fields untilyou reach the road. Turn left andfollow Lippen Lane as it passesthe watercress beds.

Take the first left and follow theroad for a short distance as far asthe pub and the junction withthe A32. Take care when crossing thisbusy road and continue the walkalong Old Winchester Hill Lane,opposite, as far as the MeonValley Railway path.

Turn right onto the footpath andcontinue until the South DownsWay crosses the railway. Descendto your right onto this pathtowards Exton.

At the point where a trackcrosses the path turn right,continue over the footbridge andfollow the track until it meetsthe A32.

Cross the road and continuedown the lane opposite. Follow the lane around to theright into Church Lane and youwill see St Peter and St Paul’s onyour right.

NB: Due to road safety concernswalking to the Church of Our Lady,Warnford is not recommended.

The walk -church to church

Area of the EastMeon to WestMeon cycle route -see ‘The circularroutes’ map fordetails

Area of the ThreeChurches, Hill Fort walkand cycle routes - see‘The circular routes’map for details

St Nicholas’

Chapel,Westbury

SU 6569 2396

Warnford

Droxford

Soberton

A32

A32

A32

A32

NE

WS

ll Saints’ Church,

ast Meon 806 2228

5

7

6

8

9

2

1

St Peter & St Paul’s

Church, ExtonSU 6132 2107

Church of Our Lady,Warnford

SU 6225 2266

St Andrew’sChurch,

MeonstokeSU 61157 20215

CorhamptonChurch

SU 6100 12032

St Mary & AllSaints’ Church,

DroxfordSU 60774 18210

St Peter’s Church,

SobertonSU 60959 16797

12 2 3

1 5

John thevangelist,est Meon

SU 6398 2412

WestMeon

3

Meonstoke

4

1 All Saints’, East Meon to1 St Nicholas’ Chapel,Westbury 2.6 miles/4.2 km

Follow the footpath uphillacross the fields north-

west of the church,joining the road at

Chalk Dell Cottages.Cross the road and

rejoin the footpathon the other side,

across the fieldstowards

Drayton.

The path continues to the rightof the farm, through some gatesand then to the left, where itmeets the road.

Turn left here following the roadfor a short distance until youcome to Halnaker Lane on theright. Take the uphill track pastDrayton Cottages and after ashort distance you will approacha wood on your right.

Turn right along the footpathwith the wood on your left. Turnleft into the woods at the top ofthe hill and bear right onto awide track.

Turn left off this track andcontinue along the path as itskirts Horsedown Farm, followingit past Westbury House to theroad and then turn left. Theremains of the chapel can beseen on the left.

Westbury to St John theEvangelist, West Meon1.7 miles/2.74km

From the chapel follow the roadwest and take the first rightalong Vinnells Lane.

Continue along the lane untilyou come across a footpath

on your left, oppositeGarretts Farm. Follow the

path over two fieldsand across the

dismantled railway.

At a fork in the footpath take theright hand route heading north-west towards the A32. Take carecrossing this busy road and rejoin thefootpath on the other side.

At the next road turn left thentake the first right into HeadonView. From there pick up thefootpath on the left leading toChurch Lane; cross over to arriveat the church.

West Meon to St Peterand St Paul’s, Exton 3.96 miles/6.37km

From the church, go through thecemetery picking up the path theother side of the stone wall.

Head west across the fields untilyou reach the road. Turn left andfollow Lippen Lane as it passesthe watercress beds.

Take the first left and follow theroad for a short distance as far asthe pub and the junction withthe A32. Take care when crossing thisbusy road and continue the walkalong Old Winchester Hill Lane,opposite, as far as the MeonValley Railway path.

Turn right onto the footpath andcontinue until the South DownsWay crosses the railway. Descendto your right onto this pathtowards Exton.

At the point where a trackcrosses the path turn right,continue over the footbridge andfollow the track until it meetsthe A32.

Cross the road and continuedown the lane opposite. Follow the lane around to theright into Church Lane and youwill see St Peter and St Paul’s onyour right.

NB: Due to road safety concernswalking to the Church of Our Lady,Warnford is not recommended.

Exton to CorhamptonChurch 0.8 miles/1.29km

Returning to Church Lane,continue to the end then followa right-left dogleg into AllensFarm Lane. At the turn in thelane take the footpath across thefield leading to CorhamptonChurch, emerging at the roadsidebetween some farm buildings.

Corhampton to St Andrew’sMeonstoke 0.3 miles/0.4km

From the church turn left alongthe A32 and cross over to AllensLane. At the end of a row ofhouses take the narrow tarmacpath on the right leadingto St Andrew’sChurch.

Meonstoke to St Mary &All Saints’, Droxford 3.96 miles/6.37km

Follow the path in front of thechurch leading to Bucks HeadHill. Turn left and follow the roadto the roundabout.

Take the left turn and after ashort distance turn right thentake the footpath just beforeStocksbury Farm, heading in asouth-westerly direction.

Join the Meon Valley Trail whereit meets the footpath, continuinguntil you reach the road.

Turn right here onto Mill Laneand after a short distance takethe footpath on the left. Thispath leads south then west,crossing the River Meon and

finally passesthe church atDroxford.

Droxford to St Peter’s,Soberton 1.1 miles/1.77km

Return along the same footpath,over two bridges then join theWayfarer’s Walk heading south.Continue until you arrive at theroad bridge.

Turn left here and follow the roadwith care until arriving at thechurch.

Soberton to St Nicholas’,Wickham 4.4 miles/7.08km

Follow the footpath from thechurch south across the field.

At the end turn right along ashort lane leading to a footpathwhich crosses the dismantledrailway path.

Turn left onto this footpath andfollow it all the way to Wickhamwhen the church spire will come

into view.

Leave the railway at thispoint and turn left onto

Bridge Street.

Take care when crossing the A32 toarrive at the church.

Wickham to St Peter’s,Titchfield 5.9 miles/9.5km

Leaving St Nicholas’, cross theB2177 and turn left into SchoolRoad.

Take the footpath off to the righta short way along the road andfollow it until it meets the A334,Fareham Road.

Cross here and continue intoMayles Lane.

Take care along this lane as there areno verges.

After approximately one miletake the track leading off to theleft through a wooded area,following it until it joins anothertrack.

Head south, then take the pathleading off to the right afterabout 0.3 miles/0.4km.

Turn right as the path joinsanother footpath near therailway. Follow this over therailway and then take the pathalmost immediately to your leftleading to the Meon Valley Trail.

Continue along the track throughthe subway under the motorway.

Climb the steps on the right andfollow the path until it emergesbetween a group of houses.

Continue along the path directlyin front of you running behind arow of houses, cross the roadthen follow the bridleway as itcontinues past a school.

NB This section follows a fairly steepdownward slope.

At the bottom of the hill,continue along the bridlewayunder the railway line and alonga track (caution: this section can bevery muddy), until it finally meets aroad (Fisher’s Hill).

Turn right and follow the road tothe junction. Cross the road andcontinue along the pavement fora short distance then turn rightinto the Abbey Garden Centre,following the path past theglasshouses and the remains ofTitchfield Abbey.

Take the footpath off to the leftand follow it, over a stile andthrough a field until it reachesthe A27.

Cross using the pedestriancontrolled crossing a little to theleft, turn right into Mill Streetand at the end turn left thenright into Church Path, whichleads to St Peter’s Church.

The walk -church to church

Area of the EastMeon to WestMeon cycle route -see ‘The circularroutes’ map fordetails

Area of the ThreeChurches, Hill Fort walkand cycle routes - see‘The circular routes’map for details

Area of theWickham Wanderwalk - see ‘Thecircular routes’for details

St Nicholas’Chapel,

Westbury SU 6569 2396

Warnford

Droxford

WickhamFareham

TitchfieldAbbey

Titchfield

Soberton

A32

A32

M27

A27A32

A32

A32

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All Saints’ Church,

East Meon SU 6806 2228

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St Peter & St Paul’s

Church, ExtonSU 6132 2107

Church of Our Lady,Warnford

SU 6225 2266

St Andrew’sChurch,

MeonstokeSU 61157 20215

CorhamptonChurch

SU 6100 12032

St Mary & AllSaints’ Church,

DroxfordSU 60774 18210

St Peter’s Church,

SobertonSU 60959 16797

St Nicholas’Church,

Wickham SU 5759 1144

St Peter’sTitchfield

SU 5614 0958

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St John theEvangelist,West Meon

SU 6398 2412

WestMeon

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From the car park west of EastMeon village ride towards thecentre of the village alongWorkhouse Lane. Just after thePost Office turn left into ChurchStreet. All Saints’ Church can beseen straight ahead.

After visiting the church, turnright towards West Meon, andafter 330 yards (300m) take thefirst lane on the right, signpostedto Privett . Follow the laneuphill for 1 mile (1.6km) to a T-junction . Turn left downhill toDrayton Farm At the junction,turn right towards West Meon.After about a mile (1.6km), StNicholas’ Chapel can be seen onthe left .

Continue for a mile (1.6km) toWest Meon Take care crossingthe A32 and turn right to StJohn’s Church. From the church,return to the A32 and gotowards Warnford. After 300

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Begin the walk at the free carpark to the north of WickhamSquare From here turn rightalong the disused railway line fora short distance to view and visitSt Nicholas’ Church. Continuealong the Meon Valley Railwaypath to the bridge .

Descend to the road, turn leftand at the roundabout bearright uphill. About 300 yards(275m) from the roundabout,cross the A32 (great care needed)to Castle Farm Lane. Follow thelane for 700 yards (650m) to apair of cottages . Continue to aT junction , turn left andfollow the road past the cottagesto a fingerpost . Follow thefootpath across a large field,under the electricity lines (part ofWickham Common) to a poorlysurfaced track which leads to theB2177 . Cross with caution andjoin the Pilgrims’ Trail mid-wayalong Hundred Acres Road,taking care as there are blindcorners and obstructed views,until you reach the ForestryCommission car park (toilets,children’s playground, picnictables) . From the car parkfollow the gravelled tracksdownhill and through the woodsas far as the A32

Take care when crossing the A32then continue along Kingsmead ashort distance to the right, forabout 250 yards (225m) to therailway bridge . Descend to thedisused railway line, and turnimmediately left beneath thebridge. Follow this route back tothe car park .

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Wickham Wander 5.27 miles/8.48km

East Meon Cycle 9.6 miles/15.5km

yards (275m) turn left intoStation Road and proceeduphill to the car park .

Follow the Meon Valley Railwaypath south west to Hayden’sFarm Turn left on OldWinchester Hill Lane and proceeduphill for 1.1miles (1.75km) tothe road junction . Leave theroad and join the South DownsWay. Follow the track downhill toWhitewool Farm .

Turn right into Coombe Lane for500 yards (460m), then turn left

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to follow the South DownsWay uphill. After 0.5miles (0.8km)turn right and continue for afurther 0.5 miles (0.8km) alongthe South Downs Way toCoombe Cross

Turn left and follow the lanedownhill past Hockham andDuncoombe to Garston Farm From the farm, continue alongCoombe Road, then turn left intoChapel Street, left again intoWorkhouse Lane to return to thecar park.

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From the car park west of EastMeon village ride towards thecentre of the village alongWorkhouse Lane. Just after thePost Office turn left into ChurchStreet. All Saints’ Church can beseen straight ahead.

After visiting the church, turnright towards West Meon, andafter 330 yards (300m) take thefirst lane on the right, signpostedto Privett . Follow the laneuphill for 1 mile (1.6km) to a T-junction . Turn left downhill toDrayton Farm . At the junction,turn right towards West Meon.After about a mile (1.6km), StNicholas’ Chapel can be seen onthe left .

Continue for a mile (1.6km) toWest Meon . Take care crossingthe A32 and turn right to StJohn’s Church. From the church,return to the A32 and gotowards Warnford. After 300

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From the informal car park ,take the lane past Manor Farmto Exton. Turn into Church Laneand St Peter and St Paul’s Churchis on the right. After visiting thechurch, turn right, and followChurch Lane to its junction withBeacon Hill Lane .

Turn right then left along AllensFarm Lane. At the sharp bend ,follow the footpath past ExtonFarm to Corhampton Church.From the church turn left alongthe A32 for 110 yards (100m),then with great care cross theA32 into Allens Lane .

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Begin the walk at the free carpark to the north of WickhamSquare . From here turn rightalong the disused railway line fora short distance to view and visitSt Nicholas’ Church. Continuealong the Meon Valley Railwaypath to the bridge .

Descend to the road, turn leftand at the roundabout bearright uphill. About 300 yards(275m) from the roundabout,cross the A32 (great care needed)to Castle Farm Lane. Follow thelane for 700 yards (650m) to apair of cottages . Continue to aT junction , turn left andfollow the road past the cottagesto a fingerpost . Follow thefootpath across a large field,under the electricity lines (part ofWickham Common) to a poorlysurfaced track which leads to theB2177 . Cross with caution andjoin the Pilgrims’ Trail mid-wayalong Hundred Acres Road,taking care as there are blindcorners and obstructed views,until you reach the ForestryCommission car park (toilets,children’s playground, picnictables) . From the car parkfollow the gravelled tracksdownhill and through the woodsas far as the A32 .

Take care when crossing the A32then continue along Kingsmead ashort distance to the right, forabout 250 yards (225m) to therailway bridge . Descend to thedisused railway line, and turnimmediately left beneath thebridge. Follow this route back tothe car park .

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Wickham Wander 5.27 miles/8.48km

East Meon Cycle 9.6 miles/15.5km

Three churches and a hill fort walk and cycleThe Walking Route 5.7 miles/9.2km

The Cycling Route 7.75 miles/12.43km

From the informal car park ,take the lane past Manor Farm toExton. Turn into Church Lane andthe church of St Peter and St Paulis on the right. After visiting thechurch, turn right, and followChurch Lane to its junction withBeacon Hill Lane .

Turn left and proceed to theA32. Cross the A32 to StocksLane, then turn right in RectoryLane. At turn right into AllensLane. Proceed to the end of thelane, and at the shop turn lefton to the A32. CorhamptonChurch is 110 yards (100m)away on the right.

Return to Allens Lane and justpast the cottages turn rightalong the narrow tarmac path to St Andrew’s Church. Return toAllens Lane, turn right, then rightagain into Rectory Lane .Follow the lane for 250 yards(230m), then turn left intoPound Lane .

At the crossroads just past therailway bridge , turn right intoFry’s Lane. Take great care atthe sharp bend into New Road

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. Continue along New Road forabout a mile (1.5km) to thecrossroads . Turn left and gouphill for 950 yards (870m) to .Turn left and left again intoStocks Lane.

Turn right approx. 745 yards(630m) downhill , and gouphill towards Old WinchesterHill. Just below the hill fort turn left along the track, andafter 490 yards (450m) bearsharp right , join the SouthDowns Way 220 yards (200m)ahead .

Turn left and follow the SouthDowns Way downhill for about amile (1.5km) to the Meon ValleyRailway path . Turn right andcontinue along the track to thejunction with Sharvards LaneTurn right into Stocks Lane, re-cross the A32 and returnthrough Exton to the car park.

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Just beyond the cottages, turnright along the narrow tarmacpath to St Andrew’s Church.Return from the church to AllensLane, turn right, then right againinto Rectory Lane . Follow theLane for 250 yards (230m), thenturn left into Pound Lane .

At the crossroads just past therailway bridge take thefootpath leading behind thehouses to emerge on Stocks Lane

. Turn right along Stocks Lanefor 330 yards (300m) toHarvestgate Farm , then turnleft into Mill End Lane. After 0.7miles (1.1km) turn right and

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yards (275m) turn left intoStation Road and proceeduphill to the car park .

Follow the Meon Valley Railwaypath south west to Hayden’sFarm . Turn left on OldWinchester Hill Lane and proceeduphill for 1.1miles (1.75km) tothe road junction . Leave theroad and join the South DownsWay. Follow the track downhill toWhitewool Farm .

Turn right into Coombe Lane for500 yards (460m), then turn left

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to follow the South DownsWay uphill. After 0.5miles (0.8km)turn right and continue for afurther 0.5 miles (0.8km) alongthe South Downs Way toCoombe Cross .

Turn left and follow the lanedownhill past Hockham andDuncoombe to Garston Farm .From the farm, continue alongCoombe Road, then turn left intoChapel Street, left again intoWorkhouse Lane to return to thecar park.

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South Down’s Way

follow the footpaths to the eastend of Old Winchester Hill , anIron Age hill fort.

Follow the South Downs Wayacross the middle of the hill fort,then downhill to the disusedrailway line . Pass under therailway, and continue over afootbridge to arrive back atthe A32 and the car park.

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