Meon Valley Trail

The Meon Valley Trail is a proper walk rather than a destination with facilities and shops - it's a 17-mile route that follows the River Meon from Droxford down towards the Solent, though most people tackle it in sections. Starting near Fareham, you're walking through Hampshire countryside that feels genuinely removed from the southeast's usual grind, with chalk stream meadows and patches of woodland doing the heavy lifting visually.

Walkers will absolutely get the most from this. It's not a casual stroll - the full distance is a serious undertaking - but breaking it into smaller chunks works well. The river itself is the main event: clear water, decent birdwatching, and a few decent views where the landscape opens up. Family groups with older kids can manage the easier sections without complaints, though toddlers will find it frustrating. History buffs might appreciate the mill sites scattered along the route, though signage is sparse.

The trail is free, naturally. Allow three to four hours for a reasonable middle section, longer if you're tackling the whole thing. Spring and autumn are best - summer's fine but you'll want to go early to avoid the heat on exposed sections, and winter can be boggy after rain.

Staying at Rookesbury Park (less than a mile away) puts you perfectly positioned to explore this without driving between walks. It's a solid base for combining the valley trail with other Hampshire walking, though you'll need to be genuinely keen on walking to justify a full week here.