We’re so lucky that there are plenty of fantastic dog walking spots in Hampshire!
To help you make the most of the great outdoors, we’ve put together some of our favourite dog-friendly strolls in the county.
Dogmersfield Park – Hook
The walk at Dogmersfield Park takes you through woodland, across the parkland in the heart of the estate, which is home to the luxury 5 star hotel, ‘The Four Seasons’ and along the canal. It’s a lovely flat walk and the perfect rural escape, with some spectacular views. You never know, you may even be able to do a bit of celebrity spotting whilst you’re there!
Copt Hill – Alton
This is a fantastic walk across the countryside and the perfect place for your dog to run around. Anstey Park alone has 32 acres to explore. It will take you along a picturesque river and through open farmland. You’ll get to see a number of different animals on route, including alpacas, donkeys, pigs and geese – which is an added bonus, especially if you have young children in tow.
Farley Mount – Winchester
Farley Mount Country Park offers a beautiful woodland with stunning views and is ideal for dog walking.
On your walk, you may find the famous monument, which can be seen for miles, that the country park is named after. The monument honours a race-winning horse named ‘Beware Chalk Pit’, who came back from defeat in 1734, a year after having fallen into a chalk pit whilst out fox hunting.
The New Forest
The New Forest is perfectly suited to your canine companions, thanks to it’s sprawling open landscape, winding tracks and wooded valleys. The doggy paradise includes over 140 miles of safe off-road tracks, 40 miles of coast to explore and plenty of new and interesting sights and smells for them to enjoy.
Some of our favourite trails include the Huff Duff, Hale Purlieu and Buckland Rings.
Ludshott Common – Grayshott
Ludshott Common is an area of natural beauty and one of the largest areas of heathland in East Hampshire, covering 705 acres. Full of rich colour from the heather and gorse, complete with livestock roaming.
Waggoners Wells, also part of the National Trust reserve, has beautiful ponds to walk around and you’ll discover a lovely wishing well that inspired renowned poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson.
Crabtree Plantation – Basingstoke
Crabtree Plantation offers scenic views and features the impressive archway, ‘Bolton Arch’, which originally marked the entrance to the Hackwood estate. There are lots of routes to explore through woods and fields, perfect for taking your dog off the lead and practising recall.
You’ll have the chance to spot many butterflies along the way. If you are also travelling with children, there is a playground with a zip line, climbing frame and swings at the bottom of Crabtree.
Fleet Pond – Fleet
Fleet Pond offers excellent views and is the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire. The nature reserve has 141 acres of heathland, woodland and marshland, and is great for spotting many species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and wild flowers while on your walk.
The Vyne – Basingstoke
The Vyne is a stunning 16th century Tudor house, run by the National Trust, that Henry VIII himself often visited. It’s set in picturesque gardens with sweeping lawns and a stunning lake. The expansive woodlands are an idyllic spot for seeing bluebells in the Spring. There’s also wetlands with a tranquil bird hide, a cafe, shop and playground.
We hope you enjoy getting out and exploring with your dog! If you become concerned about your pet, get in touch with your local St Kitts practice.
St Kitts Veterinary Centre: 01252 844044
Basingstoke Veterinary Centre: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799
