This walk meets in Whitchurch – the southern gateway to the North Wessex Downs.

We will start by walking across farmland and then along peaceful, tree-lined paths to Coopers in the Wood, where barrel-makers once lived. Along the way, we may be able to spot hares and deer.

We continue along a quiet road, before meeting the route of the ancient Harrow Way (a Neolithic road) via Hogdigging Copse.

A path through Cowdown Copse brings us back into Whitchurch, passing a location where Bank of England staff were evacuated to during the Second World War. We will enjoy trees, hedgerows and great views of our beautiful Hampshire countryside.

Walk leader/organisation: Barry Carter, Whitchurch Walkers are Welcome

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Walk Information

  • Booking: Free – Booking essential – 20 places
  • Distance & approximate duration: 6 miles (10 km) – 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Fairly easy (some gentle inclines, possible steps/stiles).
  • Accessibility: Suitable for older children (12+). Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult (see useful information). Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams/pushchairs.
  • Dogs: No dogs.
  • Refreshments: Bring snacks and drinks as needed. There are no places to purchase refreshments on the route.
  • Toilets: There are no toilets on the route (see below). 
  • Meeting point: Whitchurch Railway Station Forecourt, Station Road, Whitchurch, Hampshire, RG28 7ER. What3Words: tips.steps.reworked. OS grid reference: SU 463 489.
  • Public transport: By rail – arrive Whitchurch Station, South Western Railway (Waterloo-Exeter line). By bus – services include the no. 86 between Winchester and Whitchurch, and the no. 76 between Basingstoke and Whitchurch or Andover and Whitchurch. For times, see Stagecoach.
  • Parking: Paid public parking at Whitchurch Station, RG28 7ER, payment by RingGo. Free car parks available in Whitchurch centre (10 mins’ walk from station).

For general booking information, health and safety advice, terms and conditions please see our useful information page.

Further information

There are public toilets in the centre of Whitchurch. There is also a choice of pubs serving food, two cafés, and a variety of shops for refreshments, see Whitchurch, Hampshire.

Sightseeing: Whitchurch Silk Mill and Riverside Café is open Tue-Sun 10.30am-5pm. See Whitchurch Silk Mill – Industrial heritage museum in rural Hampshire.

Find out more about Whitchurch Walkers are Welcome.

Whitchurch, Hampshire, is a member of the national Walkers are Welcome scheme, which aims to support and encourage walking in the local area, for residents and visitors alike. Local Walkers are Welcome volunteers promote walks and help to maintain and improve footpaths in the area. See Whitchurch Walks. 

Whitchurch Walkers are Welcome have published a full description and map of this walk, see Coopers in the Wood. (Note that the route described here starts and ends in the centre of Whitchurch, rather than at the station.)

This walk is brought to you by our partner:

Coopers in the Wood walk © Richard Gearey