AS the excitement of Christmas wears off, the National Trust has put together its best winter walks in Hampshire to help people tackle the January blues.
The conservation body has compiled a list based on what walks are best for winter scenes, photography, wildlife, families or history in Hampshire.
“Best for snowdrops and winter scents” - Mottisfont near Romsey
From late January, hundreds of snowdrops line the start of Mottisfont’s river walk in the garden, with a woodchip path weaving throughout the snowy clusters.
Visitors are encouraged to look out for the vibrant dogwood bark, the silver arches of ornamental bramble, red hips and berries in the scented winter garden. As winter continues, the garden becomes a refuge for flowering shrubs such as hellebores, mahonia, sweet-smelling honeysuckle and daphne.
Mottisfont general manager Vicky Fletcher said: “From seeing the first snowdrops lift their heads in the garden, to listening to a robin singing from a frosty hedgerow, moments spent outdoors have a hugely positive impact on our wellbeing during these shorter days. We’re inviting everyone to get outdoors, enjoy nature, and take in the beautiful sights on offer, with friends, the kids, or the dog.”
For more go to nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/mottisfont.
“Best for beautiful views and photography”- Hinton Ampner near Bramdean
The National Trust highlights the four-mile Dutton Estate Walk for those looking for panoramic views.
This circular walk which begins just beyond the church in the garden starts with farmland tracks before heading into beech woodland which is a popular photo spot encased by tall trees.
In February, scatterings of snowdrops will grow on the garden lawn.
National Trust membership or a ticket to Hinton Ampner is necessary to access the gardens.
To download the walk go to nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-amper, or take a photo of the route from the board in the garden upon arrival.
“Best for wildlife”- New Forest Northern Commons in Ringwood
The National Trust looks after 4,000 acres of lowland heath in the New Forest with a mix of heathland, woodland, mire and grassland providing a popular habitat for wildlife.
The three trails varying from 1.2 to 4.3 miles span across the commons, miniature valleys and gravel streams. The gorse dotted throughout provides perches and cover for the blue-grey Dartford warbler, and the blush-chested stonechat.
Visitors might also spot a male hen harrier gliding over open heath on the hunt for food. The harries travel south for Winter. Another cold-weather visitor to look out for is the short-eared owl, which often flies during the daytime.
For more go to nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/new-forest-northern-commons.
“Best for families”– Mottisfont near Romsey
For a short, family friendly walk, visitors can follow the river through the gardens, then cross the fields behind the house, before returning to the grounds via the stableblock.
The route is suitable for all terrain buggies and goes by Mottisfont’s Wild Play area, which has wooden structures built for climbing, balancing and exploring.
A five-minute drive from Mottisfont is Spearywell woods where there’s a colour-coded 1.2 mile circular cycle route developed with families in mind or a 2.5 mile route. For more go to nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/mottisfont.
“Best for ancient history”- Stockbridge Down near Winchester
A downloadable walk at Stockbridge Down explores the ancient Bronze Age burial mounds, 3,000-year-old Woolbury Ring fort and ramparts at the top of the hill with views of Hampshire countryside and Wiltshire’s Salisbury Plain.
For more go to nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/stockbridge-down.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here