Five routes to walk in and around Andover this Christmas

If you’re looking to get some time away from visiting relatives, want to burn off that Christmas dinner or are hoping for a snow-covered adventure, we have rounded up some of the best walks in and around the area.

Each of the walks that we are showcasing are loops, so you will not have to worry about finding that you are only halfway when you reach your destination.

All of the walks can also be found on the All Trails app.

Jack Russel Inn and Faccombe Estate – 2.7 miles

Credit: Karen Swadling (Image: Karen Swadling)This circular pub walk from the estate village of Faccombe is a popular route, exploring the estate's thoroughfares, following farm tracks and woodland paths through the rolling hills.

This peaceful journey is filled with plenty of wildlife, flowers and stunning vistas throughout, all of which should keep little ones entertained.

Good boots or wellies are a must on this route, especially in cold or wet weather, as it follows some chalk paths that can become muddy or slippery in the rain.

The full route can be found here

Hurstbourne Tarrant and Dole Woods – 3.4 miles

The moderately challenging route will let walkers explore the North Wessex Downs area of outstanding natural beauty.

A popular trail for bird watching and hiking, the walking route climbs steadily to join paths through the idyllic Dole Woods, a beech woodland which is covered in flowers in the early spring.

The return leg of the journey will take walkers through quiet lanes, sheep pastures and the streets of Hurstbourne Tarrant, providing lovely views throughout.

The full route can be found here

Anton Lakes Circular – 4.1 miles

Charlton Lakes (Credit: Sarah McGinty (Image: Sarah McGinty)This popular route takes in both of Andover’s lake parks – Anton Lakes and Charlton Lakes.

Starting from Anton Lakes and taking walkers around Charlton Lakes, this route offers an unparalleled view of the local birdlife including ducks and swans.

Children will especially enjoy this easier route, and there are lots of opportunities for nice photos, making it a good route to return to even later in the year.

The full route can be found here

Harewood Forest – 9.3 miles

Harewood Forest (Credit: Toby Wells) (Image: Toby Wells)While on the longer side, this popular trail still offers a wide range of beautiful views for walkers to enjoy.

Moving through a mix of open fields and stunning woodland in Harewood forest, this route is exceedingly popular with bird watchers, hikers and walkers, but for those who are looking for solitude, there are quiet times during the day.

There is an abundance of wildlife in the area, and those who enjoy geocaching will be able to find caches along the route.

The full route can be found here

Vernham Dean and Upton – 4.9 miles

Near Vernham Dean (Credit: Linda Price) (Image: Linda Price)This route takes walkers through the thatched village of Vernham Dean, before leaving the village to pass through woodland and crop fields to reach the adjacent village of Upton.

The walk offers the chance to enjoy the lovely views across the rolling hills of the North Wessex Downs, with plenty of wildlife to enjoy along the way.

The path on this route can either be muddy or overgrown depending on the time of year, so leave plenty of time to complete the walk.

The full route can be found here