Abbotts Ann Circular Walk

Distance: 4 mile walk

Approx. time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Start/Finish: Abbotts Ann Church Car Park, SP11 7BH

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This 4 mile walk follows tracks and paths around the Abbotts Ann Estate, including an ancient drove probably used for taking sheep to Weyhill Fair.

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Refreshments: The Eagle Inn (01264 710339), village shop,

                           Poplar Farm Inn, Abbotts Ann (01264 710424)

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From the church car park turn right and follow the road north for 50m. Then take the footpath to the left passing St Mary’s church, continuing on to the road at the village shop. Turn right and then left on the road to Monxton. Within a few yards turn left again onto Dunkirt Lane. Follow the lane past the houses into the countryside, where it becomes a track. Continue along, passing Great Wood on the right, to Dunkirt Barn. 

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Turn left onto a footpath which, on reaching a hedgerow, turns slightly right to run parallel to the hedge. The field to the right contains the site of a Roman villa, mosaics from which are exhibited in the British Museum. The path follows the hedge as it turns sharp left and 400m later turns sharp right still following the hedgerow. A left turn brings into sight the small hamlet of Abbotts Ann Down.

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On reaching the junction of the path turn left away from the hamlet along a track with arable fields to the left and woodland to the right. After approximately 700m the track enters an arable field. The track across the field ends at a stile. From the stile the path continues along The Drove back towards Abbotts Ann passing the Bulberry playing field on the right. On reaching the road turn left and then right through a gate, along a footpath at the left side of a thatched cottage. Follow the path past the cottage and other houses, cross the playing field continuing on between fences and hedges to Manor Close. Manor Close leads to Church Street and the church car park.