Image shared for Hinton Ampner: Dutton Estate Woodland and Downland Circuit
Countryside Circular

Hinton Ampner: Dutton Estate Woodland and Downland Circuit

Hampshire

Distance
4.2 mi
Est. time
2h 15m
Difficulty
Medium
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

A woodland and downland circuit on the Hinton Ampner estate, with the Dutton route linking the ridge above Joan’s Acre Wood, quieter woodland tracks and the beech avenue in Broom Wood. The plotted walk includes the access from the National Trust visitor car park, so allow about 2 hours 15 minutes for its 6.8 km, longer for muddy ground or stops.

Arrive through the main entrance off the A272 and report to visitor reception. From reception, use the visitor paths through the walled garden to the main drive, then pass the house and church to reach the countryside gate. Follow the Dutton waymarks: cross the field to the lane, turn left briefly and take the track on the right. At the fork take the right-hand ridge track, keeping the hedge on your left. Descend at its far end, cross the lane and enter Joan’s Acre Wood. Follow the marked woodland route and the gate into Broom Wood, then turn right along the beech avenue. Leave the woods onto the bridleway, cross the next road and return along the Wayfarers Walk towards Hinton Ampner and the visitor entrance. Use the National Trust’s numbered route leaflet alongside the map at the woodland junctions.

Expect natural, uneven paths, slopes, gates and mud after rain. There are road crossings and short stretches on quiet lanes used by farm traffic; keep alert and face approaching traffic where appropriate. This is working countryside with livestock, so keep dogs on a lead and close gates. It is not a step-free circuit.

Visitor parking is free, but normal National Trust admission applies when entering via reception and the garden; members enter free. Toilets and the café are in the courtyard. Opening hours vary and the entrance is gated, so check the day’s opening times and finish before closing. On 4 October 2026 the estate was listed as open 10am to 5pm, with last entry an hour before closing; no route closure was advertised on the estate page.

Route and access information checked against the National Trust’s Dutton estate walk and Hinton Ampner visitor information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/hinton-ampner/dutton-estate-walk-at-hinton-ampner

Walk details

County
Hampshire
Walk type
Circular
Category
Countryside
Distance
4.2 mi (6.8 km)
Est. time
2h 15m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

Walk this route on your own

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.