At de Mellow & Co, we’re fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the country, with offices nestled on the edge and in the heart of the South Downs National Park.

Whether you’re looking for a flat circular stroll in the local countryside or a demanding hike with the promise of spectacular views, the region has you covered.

Autumn is the perfect time to get out into nature to enjoy the turning of the leaves in crisp, fresh air, which benefits both your physical and mental health.

Keep reading to discover five local walks for all fitness and experience levels this autumn.

1. Hambledon Vineyard and Chidden

Hambledon is home to de Mellow & Co’s Old Calf Pen offices and is surrounded by picturesque countryside.

The Hambledon Vineyard and Chidden circular walking route – just under 7km of gently undulating farm tracks and paved roads – can be comfortably completed in about two hours.

From the village of Hambledon, the route takes you past the church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, through the vineyard to Windmill Down. Across farmers’ fields, you’ll watch expansive views of the South Downs unfold before the trail circles back towards Hambledon.

2. Hinton Ampner

In 1960, a catastrophic fire tore through the house at Hinton Ampner, and it had to be rebuilt by its last owner, Ralph Dutton. The house had been in the Dutton family since 1597.

Now owned by the National Trust, the elegant country house features a collection of art and ceramics and is notable for its beautifully manicured lawns and distinctive, topiary sculpture gardens.

From the tree-lined avenues of the immediate grounds, the estate extends into acres of beautiful countryside, revealing panoramic views of the South Downs.

3. South Downs Way National Trail

Britain has between 3,000 and 4,000 miles of waymarked National Trails, and our region is home to one – the South Downs Way.

Over the course of 100 miles (160 km), the path winds from the medieval city of Winchester in Hampshire, along chalk escarpments and old drove roads, to Eastbourne in East Sussex. It passes five national nature reserves and dozens of sites of special scientific interest, home to ancient woodland and rare wildlife.

While the whole route might take around 10 days, the first two days are close enough to de Mellow HQ to consider tackling them as an autumn hike.

Start at Old Winchester Hill nature reserve. Follow the South Downs Trail 13 miles northwest to Winchester, or 14 miles east to Harting Down, passing over Buster Hill, the highest point along the entire 100-mile trail.

You can further break down the route or opt for your own circular trail, too.

4. Newlands and Berewood Circular

Another short, circular route with only gentle elevation, the Newlands and Berewood circular route is just 7.1 km (4.4 miles).

The Berewood community nature reserve is composed of 120 acres of green space, which includes Newlands Meadow, combining wide open spaces and ancient woodland. Whether you’re helping little ones or four-legged friends run off steam, or looking for a mindful solo stroll, this circular route has something for you.

It’s worth noting that the mixed terrain will require appropriate footwear – either walking boots or wellies – especially after heavy rain. While the tracks are largely well-maintained pathways, there are some small streams to cross, so expect muddier sections in autumn.

5. Mottisfont

Only around 50 minutes from our Hambledon office, the National Trust-owned Mottisfont marries a traditional 18th-century house with a medieval priory and places the result within riverside gardens and a wider estate running to 1,600 acres.

Be sure to visit the house’s permanent collection of 20th-century art, situated on the top floor, and then head to the gardens to begin your autumn walk.

Find abundant autumn leaves along tree-lined paths and explore the beautiful walled garden before visiting the wider estate with its plentiful views across the stunning Hampshire countryside.

Get in touch

Once your walk is over and you’re back in the warm, your thoughts might turn to your finances. If so, please contact us with any questions about your long-term financial plans. De Mellow’s expert financial planners are on hand to help.

SJP Approved 28/10/2025