Hit the Trail - Explore the Meon Valley

Hampshire Countryside and South Downs National Park Authority are hosting a “Hit the Trail” event to encourage use of the Meon Valley Trail. The Trail has recently been upgraded and is now a very pleasant place to walk or ride. The publicity for the day is only local so we shouldn’t be overwhelmed with visitors - this is a real opportunity for Warnford residents to do some exploring!

More information is available at:

https://www.southdowns.gov.uk/event/hit-trail-explore-meon-valley/

At West Meon station there will be the opportunity to talk to Park Rangers, try out some new childrens’ activities and take a look through the SDNP events van. Also it’s West Meon Fete day, so why not take in both at the same time!

There will be a free minibus running between West Meon and Wickham, calling at various places including Warnford Village Hall – so you could do a “bus out, walk home” trip. Details will be on the southdowns website as above.

Warnford Loop

Normally the best way to get to the Trail from Warnford is up Hayden Lane to the old railway bridge, but to make the day more interesting (and safer) Candi and Andrew Sellick have kindly agreed to allow a walking route through the Park for the day and we have used the opportunity to create a “Warnford Loop”, a 4½ mile walk to West Meon and back, going out via the park, Peake New Road and the Trail, then back across the fields from West Meon church. For a map click on the Poster below. The route through the park will be marked.

Hampshire Police have been consulted about the crossing of the A32 at North Lodge and will put some “Police Slow” signs up but do take care.

Warnford Church & St John’s House

You will be able to go in at the gate by North Lodge (take care crossing the A32), then follow the signs through the park, keeping left at the bridge to visit the church and/or straight on down the track for the route onward via the south gate.

Please keep to the marked trail and the public footpath.

The George & Falcon is closed until 1pm for a wedding but will be very happy to serve you drinks and lunch afterwards

The village hall car park will be open for “Hit the Trail” walkers.

The playground will be open as always and available for walkers to picnic and rest beside the river.

Poster