Walks Booklet Cover

Walks around the Parish of Old Basing

Published by :

The Footpath Committee, Old Basing Parish Council, The Pavilion, The Recreation Ground, The Street, Old Basing, BASINGSTOKE, Hants., RG24 7DA

£2.00

Legend

FP Old Basing Footpath 1 BFP Basingstoke Footpath CFP Chineham Footpath MFP Mapledurwell Footpath NFP Newnham Footpath SFP Sherfield On Loddon Footpath SJFP Sherborne St. John Footpath TFP Tunworth Footpath MFP Mapledurwell Footpath   Look to the Left  Look to the Right PH Public House Lime[1] Trees and plants to be seen on the walk whose location is shown on the map, identified by the number within the square brackets. e.g. [1]

Notes : 1. The walks described herein comply with the latest known information on rights of way, and supersedes details which can be seen on the last edition of the Ordnance Survey maps for the area. All walks have been checked during 1997. 2. Paths across working farms are often subject to change depending on agricultural requirements, therefore stiles and gates may be interchanged as required. 3. The Footpath Committee wish to acknowledge the help and assistance, kindly given by Brian Tarling and Alec Jackson, in compiling this booklet. 4. Dogs. Dogs are not permitted on the Old Basing Recreation Ground. Therefore parties with dogs who are following walks which cross this land will have to use the following alternative. They should keep right whilst crossing Oliver’s Battery and in far corner pass into The Street, and walk in front of Recreation Ground then turn left into Riley Lane. 5. Bicycles Cyclists are reminded that it is illegal to ride along public footpaths, and that in general the walks described here are unsuitable for bicycles.

First Edition, December 1997. 1st Reprint with corrections - February 1998 2nd Reprint with corrections – April 2020

1 Each Parish Council numbers local footpaths which start within it’s boundaries. The default in this document will be to use FP to denote Old Basing Footpaths. Where other parish’s footpaths are involved a suitable prefix has been given.

Index

INDEX Page

Legend and Notes 2 Index 3 Introduction 4 Old Basing Parish Footpath List 5

Walk Description Timing

1 Historic Old Basing 1 hour 6

2 Seasonal Walks 2a Spring Flowers 1½ Hours 8 2b Summer Sightings 1½ Hours 9 2c Autumn Colours 1½ Hours 10 2d Trees in Winter 1½ Hours 12 Daneshill alternative ½ Hour Extra 13

3 Rural Walks 3a Newnham and Wildmoor 3 Hours 14

Map of Walks 16-17

3 Rural Walks (Continued) 3b Blacklands and Basing Lodge 3 Hours 18 3c Moulshay and Park Pale 3 Hours 20 3d Mapledurwell 2 Hours 21

4 Semi Urban Walks 4a Daneshill and Basing View 2¼ Hours 22 4b Eastrop Park 2¼ Hours 24 4c Reading Road 2¼ Hours 26 4d Crockford's Farm 2¼ Hours 27

Appendix 1 Wild Flowers on Walks 2a and 2b 28-31

Introduction to the Walks Around Old Basing Parish

There are 27 designated footpaths in the Parish of Old Basing, which are listed on page 5, plus numerous "town walkways" in the newer part of the Parish at Lychpit. This booklet contains a selection of walks identified by the Parish Footpath Committee. Your comments and suggestions for the inclusion of other walks will be appreciated. If any problems are experienced on your walks, these should be reported to the Parish Clerk. (Parish Clerk : (01256) 462847 or at the address on front page) Old Basing Parish Council does not accept liability for persons or property, while participating in the walks featured in this booklet. Timings for each of the selected walks are given but should only be taken as a rough guide for the average fit walker who is not easily distracted. All the suggested walks are circular in nature so the start/finish points may be varied as required. Some of the walks start adjacent to car parks, it should be noted that there is no implied right of use of any car parks which are not in public ownership. The Borough Council has created a Nature Trail which passes through the Parish and the County Council regularly produces a booklet covering Guided Walks throughout the County. The respective Councils should be contacted to obtain copies of their own publications, some of which may also be obtainable from any local library or Tourist Office.

The maps in the booklet are not to scale. The Parish Footpath Committee hopes that this booklet will help residents and visitors alike to enjoy our lovely countryside to the maximum but urges all walkers to abide by the ten points of the COUNTRY CODE which may be summarised as follows:

Take nothing but pictures! Leave nothing but footprints! Kill nothing but time!

The FULL Country Code is:

Guard against all risks of fire. Leave no litter, take it home. Fasten all gates. Safeguard water supplies. Keep dogs under proper control. Protect wildlife, wild plants and trees. Keep to paths across farmland. Avoid damaging fences, hedges and walls. Go carefully on country roads. Respect the life of the countryside.

Old Basing Parish Footpath List

Path Description 4 Pyotts Hill to Reading Road (Chineham) 5 Pyotts Hill to Centre Court (Chineham) 6 Bartons Lane to Centre Court (Chineham) 7 Pyotts Hill to the Parish boundary (Wildmoor) across Basing Lodge Farm 8 Link between FP7 and FP9 9 Newnham Lane to the Parish boundary (Wildmoor) across Blacklands Farm 10 Newnham Parish boundary to Sherfield-on-Loddon Parish boundary across Deanlands Farm and others 11 Water End Lane to Newnham Lane across Golds farm. 12 Poors Farm Road to Riley Lane Railway Bridge 13 The Street to Riley Lane Railway Bridge 14 Milkingpen Lane to Ashmoor Lane across Hodds Farm 17 Church Lane to The Street around South side of the Church (past the War Memorial) 18 Church Lane to The Street around North side of the Church (past the Parish Room) 19 The Street to River Loddon and FP20 along Bexmoor 20 Basing Road to Bartons Lane via the Millstone PH 21 Swing Swang Lane to Parish boundary near the Ring Road (near AA building) 22 Crown Lane to London Road across the Common 23 Fiveways to London Road (aka Byfleet Avenue) 24 Huish Lane to Parish boundary by M3 Motorway (Mapledurwell and Up Nately) 25 Basing Road Cycle Track to Redbridge Lane 26 Parish boundary at Ring Road (Riverdene) to FP25 27 Blackdown Farm to FP32 and Parish boundary (Mapledurwell and Up Nately) 32 Huish Lane to Tunworth Lane across Huish Farm 33 Crown Lane to Church Lane (aka Wharf Lane) - with burial ground on right. 34 From FP33 to Church Lane - with burial ground on left. 35 Redbridge Lane to London Road (aka Lovers Lane) 36 Newnham Lane to FP9 across Blacklands Farm

Walk 1 - Historic Old Basing

Car Park Barton’s Mill

Mill

Start Point : The Millstone PH Follow the signs for The Basing House Historic Ruin to join FP20 past The Millstone PH and the Bartons Mill Restaurant, to cross the River Loddon, and then follow the riverside pathway. Pass under the Railway Viaduct1 noting the entrance to FP19 on the left  immediately after it. After 150m turn left at the sign post for Basing House, and leave the riverside path; pass across the bridge, go through the gate and up the path to the Tithe Barn2. Take a short detour to the right to allow closer study of the barn which bears scars from the Civil War. Continue along the main path, through the gate and turn right into The Street. Since access is not permitted, briefly study Grange Farm and it’s outhouses, from the roadway. The buildings date from before the Civil War. Retrace your steps back along The Street and pass the Garrison Gate-house, today’s entrance to Basing House Historic Ruin, on the right; then pass The Crown PH and turn right into Crown Lane (Beware of traffic in the narrow roadway). At Canal Bridge3 (shown by the white railings on the right, in front of Royal British Legion ) turn left into FP334. Pass the entrance to FP345 on right, and the new burial ground (also on the right). At the end of the path carry on into Church Lane with the old burial ground on right.

Walk 1 - Historic Old Basing

At the junction with The Street turn right into FP17 to approach St Mary’s Church. Note the War Memorial on the left and the Churchyard Conservation Area Walk on the right. Pass through the gate to re-join Church Lane. Note the former workhouse on the corner to the right, and straight ahead in Church Lane, the rebuilt Old Milk Store, a slightly humped canal bridge and the King George VI Coronation Tree with it’s enclosing seat on the traffic island in front of the Junior School. After the converted barns on the left turn left into St Mary’s Close. Before the end of the Close note the Manor House on the left. Then turn right into Manor Lane and subsequently turn left into Milkingpen Lane6, passing the Scout and Guides Hut, and the entrance to FP14. Go under the railway bridge (beware of traffic). Continue to the bends in the road and pass the old village well on the left and the thatch roofed dwellings on the right including Peacock Cottage (with its Peacock shaped topiary hedge) and the former blacksmith shop. Stop at the junction with The Street and observe the Queen Victoria Jubilee Tree surrounded by railings; the Bolton Arms7 PH straight ahead and the Recreation Ground  on the right. Turn left into The Street and pass numerous buildings of various ages as well as a variety of modern buildings. The business buildings beyond the Car Show Rooms are on the site of the original Village Hall. Then comes the restored barn, now The Saddlery, and the modern housing estate of Burtons Gardens8, which occupies the site of a farm. Pass under the railway bridge and between terraced cottages to St Mary’s Church with Clearwell on the right. The spring stream is behind the wall. Immediately after the entrance to Clearwell Cottage is the entrance to The Old Forge9 on the right. Turn right into Bexmoor (which is also the start of FP19). Shortly join the path alongside the railway embankment to reach the junction with FP20 at the River Loddon. Turn right, under the railway viaduct, and retrace steps along the riverside to Bartons Mill and The Millstone PH.

1 first built about 1830 prior to the opening of the London to Basingstoke line on 10th June 1839, and widened to accommodate four tracks between 1900 and December 1904. 2 The Tithe Barn, Grange Farm and the Basing House Historic Ruins are now owned by Hampshire County Council 3 Once a bridge over the Basingstoke Canal. 4 previously known as Wharf Lane 5 the old Canal path 6 formerly known as School Lane 7 Celebrating the village connection with the Paulet family and the Marquess of Winchester, owners of Basing House at the time of the Civil War 8 The name commemorates one of the last private owners of Grange Farm. 9 The Forge is privately owned, and there is no public access.

Walk 2a - Spring Flowers

Start: Riley Lane Distance: 5 km The numbers on the map relate to the plant list in Appendix 1. It so surprising that on a short walk such as this so many flowers can be seen. In spring some 18 different species can be discovered in bloom. To start the walk proceed up Riley Lane to the railway. Cross the footbridge over the railway and turn left along a farm track (FP14). Pass through Hodd’s farmyard and continue to meet a minor road (Ashmoor Lane). Turn left here and go up a hill through a wooded area to cross over a railway bridge. Immediately after take the left fork into Poor’s Farm Road, and continue until just before Poors Farm. Here at the end of the woods turn left along a track marked by a finger post (FP 12). At the end of the track enter a field and cross diagonally to a stile in the far corner by the railway. Continue on the footpath close the railway, crossing three stiles through fields and a wood to return to Riley Lane.

Walk 2b - Summer Sightings

Start: Village Pond Distance: 4.0 km 2.5 miles The numbers on the map relate to the plant list in Appendix 1. In summer walking along side a gurgling brook, smelling the fragrance of the Meadow Sweet and seeing the profusion of butterflies visiting the flowers makes this a delightful walk. Before starting the Walk have a look at the flowers in and around the pond. There is also a fine stand of Bird Cherry trees on the mound by the pond. Walk along Newnham Lane past Lower Mill House and take the signposted footpath on the left (FP9). After a short time it follows the course of the River Loddon, and the fragrances of the Meadow Sweet and Creeping Thistle can be detected. At the end of the track enter a small copse, cross the footbridge and continue in the same direction on the other river bank. Turn left at the first hedge on the path (FP8) and follow hedge to a stile. Cross the footbridge over another branch of the Loddon, and cross the field aiming for a marked post. Turn left and follow the hedgerow on your right and then the farm track (FP7) to the point where it turns right in the direction of Basing Lodge Farm. Cross the stile on the left of the track into the field and follow the hedgerow to Pyotts Hill. Turn left and follow the road down to the Village Pond.

Walk 2c - Autumn Colours

Start: Lychpit Community Hall Distance: 13.0 km, 8 Miles The countryside in Autumn puts on a bright display before settling down for the winter. This walk takes us through the woods, copses and spinneys to see the scarlet, yellow and tan tints of the leaves, the reds of the hips and haws, the blue of the sloes. There are also the pink flowers of the spindle trees and the ivory browns of the fungi. Before starting it is worth looking at three trees close to the hall : a very old Walnut Tree [1] with its lower branches supported by wires; a pair of young Walnut Trees [3] and a couple of Paper Birch [2]. Leave down the steps past the shop, cross Great Binfields Road and take the paved footpath north. In the woods look for and take and earth footpath forking right (FP6). Climb the hill to meet Daneshill Drive, cross into the end of Heron Park, and continue along FP6 (alongside No 23) to Great Binfields Road again. Cross the road heading for the service road to the Centre Court Hotel. Just before the hotel entrance turn right onto a footpath (FP5). The footpath continues across Pyott’s Copse downhill to Pyotts Hill. At the junction of the service road to Basing Lodge Farm take the footpath to the left and follow the field boundaries to the stile leading to the A33. Turn right over the Pettys Brook and then right into the road to the Chineham Incinerator. Go down this road to the cattle grid and take the footpath on the left. This path winds through a spinney to emerge at a minor road at point “A” on the map. Continue along the road for 100m and as the road turns left continue ahead up a lane. walk to the end of the lane and use footpath to gain access to open parklands. On edge of a copse on the right are two Red Oaks (4) that are outstanding at this time of the year. Pass through a kissing gate in the middle of the parklands to the far corner of the field to meet a minor road. Take the lane leaving the road at this bend to the first cottage where the footpath goes into the field to the right of the cottage. Continue in the same direction and on reaching a spinney in the valley take a hidden stile on the right giving access to open fields. Walk through the fields and after crossing a lane using two stiles to pass in front of a house to reach the River Loddon at a concrete bridge. Turn right up the lane and within 10m take the stile and footpath on the left. The footpath winds through a spinney to emerge into the lane again. Here turn right through a gate and follow a lane to another gate and a further bridge over the River Loddon. Follow the footpath over two fields to a farm track going to Blacklands Farm. As the track bends to cross the river continue straight on keeping the river on the left. Cross two stiles and after the second turn left to a third stile and footbridge over a stream. Cross the footbridge and head for a marker post in the opposite hedge. Turn left and follow hedgerow and farm track to just before Lodge Farm. At the bend cross the stile into a field and follow hedgerow on the right to Pyotts Hill. Turn right and left along Bartons Lane and just before Great Binfields Road take the lane on the left. As the lane meets a minor road turn right along the pavement to Little Fallow. Walk up Little Fallow and take the little alley on the right (after No 17) leading back to Great Binfields Road. Follow the pavement round to the Community Hall.

Walk 2d - Trees in Winter

This Walk is designed to show the different trees at a time when their shape and structure is more evident. Start : The Millstone PH Keeping the Mill buildings to your left, cross the River Loddon and follow the path alongside the river, under the railway bridge to Basing Road. Turn left and then right into Redbridge Lane. Here the large Lime trees are famous for the mistletoe high in the branches. Turn sharp left after crossing the old canal bridge and climb over the stile into the Basingstoke Common. Follow the footpath (FP35) to the stile at the A30 and cross the A30 into the Crabtree Plantation. Walk through the woods, planted in 19th Century, keeping the road to the left. On reaching the car park, recross the A30 into the Common. Then follow the footpath (FP22) to the boundary hedge of Basing House. Turn right and follow this hedge to the British Legion. Cross the road by the white railings into a narrow lane (FP33) leading past the Old Burial Ground. Turn left at Church Lane and continue to The Street. Turn right up the path slope into the churchyard. Here there are mature English and Irish Yews, Limes and a Holme Oak (A Non-deciduous tree). The conservation area on the right is worthy of inspection. Return to The Street and turn right passing under the railway bridge. At the junction of Milkingpen Lane there are three outstanding items of Yew topiary. Just past Riley Lane is an Apple tree, with mistletoe. Soon after enter the recreation ground at the gated road on the right and cross the grass of Oliver’s Battery, observing a stand of 4 Lime trees on the hillock, to the Village Hall. Cross the road into Pyotts Hill. Follow the road as it turns sharp left into Bartons Lane. Then continue along the footpath on the left (the original route of Bartons Lane) flanked by ancient hedges containing Blackthorn, Field Maple, Viburnum, Bramble and Old Man’s Beard. Take the green gate on the left to cross diagonally Loddon Valley Open Space back to The Millstone PH. Walk 2d : The Daneshill Alternative (½ hour extra) At the green gate to Loddon Valley Open Space take the footpath (on the right) to cross Great Binfields Road into Daneshill Drive. At the top of the hill (past the entrance to Heron Park and Daneshilll Court on the right), take the left hand fork to pass in front of the Lutyens designed Daneshill House with its tall chimneys and walled garden. The woods on the left are of great antiquity. The path continues downhill past the back of the INTEC Business Park. At a meeting of cross paths turn left and follow a straight line to a roundabout at shops and doctors surgery. Follow sign to Higher Mead and take footpath behind M & W shop passing a small children’s playground. On reaching unmade road by an ancient Walnut tree (With Its branches supported by wires) turn left into Little Basing. Turn right at Bartons Lane road and left at signs for the Basing House Historic Ruins and then continue downhill back to The Millstone PH.

Walk 3a - Newnham and Wildmoor

Railway

Walk 3a - Newnham and Wildmoor

Start Point: Riley Lane Turn right out of and follow FP13 to pass Allotments and Cemetery on right. Later at railway bridge bear left and cross stile onto FP12 keeping railway line on right. Though copse then over stile and pass round to right hand side of field. Over next stile and pass round left hand side of field, over gate then follow track with copse on right. At junction with Poors Farm Road (Poors Farm straight ahead) turn right and continue to keep copse on right. Immediately before bridge over the railway turn left into Ashmoor Lane and later fork right into Water End Lane. Immediately before bridge under railway turn left onto FP11 at base of railway embankment. At far end turn left over stile then shortly cross bridge over stream and forward across field to stile on far side. Over stile into field keeping river on right. On far side of field cross two stile close together into the garden of Lyde Mill. Pass to left of tennis court and forward across garden to stile on far side. Over stile and turn right into Newnham Lane. Follow roadway over bridge over River Lyde and Parish boundary and ascend gradual incline of road. In about half a mile turn left onto NFP11. At edge of wooded strip turn left immediately after head of strip onto NFP2. Later recross River Lyde and Parish boundary and bear right onto FP10 to cross field to stile in far corner. Cross stile, farm track and second stile on far side of track. Diagonally cross field to stile on far side; continue in the same northerly direction until bridge over ditch in middle of field. Cross bridge and bear Northwest; at far end of field bear right and cross stile. Leave Parish at next field boundary and continue on SFP14. At footpath crossroads turn left onto SFP13 and cross River Loddon by bridge to enter landscaped enclosed path. At far end turn left into lane and head south/Southeast on SFP12. Later pass through wooded area with Round Copse on left and Long Copse on right on a falling gradient down to bridge and cross over Pettys Brook with stile on far side. Cross small field to another stile at Parish boundary. Over stile and continue forward across toe of field on FP9 then join track with River Loddon on left. Later pass junction with FP36 and shortly forward, keeping river on left and ignoring track turning left. At end of field, over stile, with river still on left. Over two more stiles and at far end turn left to cross river by footbridge and turn right through copse with river now on right. At end of copse continue forward on track. Later pass river bridge on right and shortly, at Piggy Dam, bear left away from the river. At far end of track turn right into Newnham Lane (Beware Of traffic) and later pass Lower Mill on right and Lower Mill Farm on left as roadway rejoins river, on right. At road junction with The Street and Pyotts Hill turn left into Village Hall and then turn right to cross Oliver’s Battery. At far end cross bridge over ditch to enter Recreation Ground2, turn left then turn right in front of The Pavilion and cross the Recreation Ground to return to Riley Lane

1 Lone Barn Lane 2 If there are dogs in the party please see note 4 on page 2

Map of the Footpaths Around the Parish of Old Basing

Map of the Footpaths Around the Parish of Old Basing duff page to be thrown away

Walk 3a - Newnham and Wildmoor

Countryside Stewardship Site

Walk 3a - Newnham and Wildmoor

Start Point: Riley Lane Turn right out of and follow FP13 to pass Allotments and Cemetery on right. Later at railway bridge bear left and cross stile onto FP12 keeping railway line on right. Though copse then over stile and pass round to right hand side of field. Over next stile and keep to the right side of the field. Over next stile and pass round left hand side of field, over gate then follow track with copse on right. At junction with Poors Farm Road (Poors Farm straight ahead) turn left. At the junction with Newnham Lane bear right and then left onto FP36, passing through the small gate to the left of the cattle grid, to join the farm track, which forms the entrance to Blacklands Farm. Pass the Farm Bungalow (on the left) then as track bears left, look to right for stile, follow fence and cross second stile. Cross over stile on right hand side of track and immediately turn left to cross gate entrance. At far end of field turn left over stile, cross track [note entrance to Countryside Stewardship Site on right; over bridge over stream] then over second stile into field. At far side of field, over stile and bridge into another field follow fence line on right to next stile. Diagonally cross this field to River Loddon, over stile and bridge and immediately turn right onto FP9 with river on right. Later bear left to cross toe of field to stile at Parish boundary. Over stile, cross next field then over stile onto bridge over Pettys Brook and forward, ascending on track through woods FP10 (Long Copse on left and Round Copse on right). At end of woods track bears right and then left. At far end of field on left reach footpath crossroads and turn left over stile/gate into that field and immediately bear right keeping field fence on right. Later pass through gap in woods to next field and bear left to cross stile over another stile and through the gap in the next woods, then cross stile on the right to enter Page's Copse. Immediately take footpath on the left, carefully watch for a stile on the left in about 200m, cross stile and into field keeping fence on left to descend to woods at far end of field. Over stile and bear left and right then shortly to Pettys Brook. Over stile, bridge and second stile to cross Parish boundary into field. Forward along FP7 with sewage works and Chineham Incinerator on right. Continue pass wooded area on right, at far end of woods cross stile and shortly note footpath link to FP9 to left but keep forward. Later join farm track to pass disused sewage works on left. Later follow farm track round to right and almost immediately turn left over ditch and stile into field. Forward across field with boundary hedge/fence on right. At far end over stile into Pyotts Hill. Cross road and turn left, later pass house No. 15A [Whitehall]1 which started life as a chapel. After car breakers yard on left, cross bridge over River Loddon and recross Newnham Lane to enter Village Hall Car Park. Shortly turn right to cross Oliver’s Battery. At far end cross bridge over gully to enter Recreation Ground, turn left then turn right in front of The Pavilion and cross the Recreation Ground2 to return to Riley Lane.

1 An independent Chapel built in 1886 at a cost of £200, and converted into a house in 1955. 2 If there are dogs in the party please see note 4 on page 2

Walk 3b - Blacklands and Basing Lodge

Start Point: The Pavilion Cross Oliver’s Battery to the Village Hall Car Park then cross Newnham Lane to enter Pyotts Hill, cross over the River Loddon by bridge and later pass No.15A [Whitehall]1 which started life as a chapel. At the bus shelter turn right to cross road, over stile into field to join FP7 and forward across field keeping boundary hedge/fence on left. At the far end climb stile and ditch the turn right onto farm track and almost immediately follow this round to left. Pass disused sewage works on right. At end of track forward into field, immediately before woods on right, keep forward but note junction with link FP8 to FP9 and Blacklands Farm, cross stile and later pass sewage works/Incinerator site on left and at end of field over stile at Parish boundary and bridge over Pettys Brook onto SFP2. Bear left then right through woods then over stile into field, continue northwards keeping boundary fence on right. Ascend to top of field then over stile into woods and turn right onto SFP1 within woods. At footpath junction turn left onto SFP4 and later cross stile by Ducketts Farm buildings (on the right) then shortly forward to join Wildmoor Lane. Almost immediately turn left onto farm track leading to Moulshay Farm, SFP8. At left hand bend in track forward into field and cross toe of field keeping farm buildings on left. Forward onto path and at far side of field turn left onto another farm track SFP5 and pass the farm buildings on the left. At the far end turn right into Whitmarsh Lane, over stile and follow SFP1 in middle of long thin wooded area. Later follow path round left hand bend and at junction with the Incinerator access road turn right. At junction with A33 turn left keeping on grass verge to recross Pettys Brook and on far side (Before the Toll House) cross stile into field on left and immediately turn right on FP4 keeping boundary fence/hedge on right which becomes the Ancient Monument called Park Pale2. Cross three fields using stile/gate between each field. At far end over stile into Pyotts Hill at entrance to Basing Lodge Farm. Turn left to descend Pyotts Hill and retrace steps to The Pavilion.

1 An independent Chapel built in 1886 at a cost of £200, and converted into a house in 1955. 2 Park Pale is the remains of the fenced edge of the old deer hunting park (cf Pale as in Palisade)

Walk 3d - Mapledurwell

Start Point: The Hatch PH

Hungry Sheetlands Lodge Copse

Five Lanes End

Ragmore Cottage

Proceed south-easterly along Greywell Road (away from A30 London Road), shortly turn right to cross stile into field on MFP1. Cross field then over stile, alongside the gate, to enter spiral bridge over M3 Motorway. On far side of bridge cross another stile and turn right keeping the Motorway boundary fence on right, later enter slightly wooded area and at end of this cross bridge over River Lyde Shortly cross over stile to enter field at Parish boundary onto FP24 and turn Southwest to follow field boundary fence on right hand side. Later pass under a number of horse chestnut trees. At far end cross stile and turn left onto Huish House/Farm access road, FP32, recross River Lyde and pass Huish Farmhouse on left then turn left to leave roadway and follow signposted bypass of Huish House. Almost immediately cross stile and turn right through gate to follow path with field boundary fence on left and thin wooded belt on left with Huish House visible through woods to right. At far end over stile into field keeping boundary fence on right, later cross over second stile and follow track around edge of field, pass through Sheetlands Copse and then into another field. At far end over stile and turn right into Tunworth Road then left at T-junction into unnamed road. Later, immediately before access to Ragmore Cottage (on the left) turn left onto Bridleway TFP7 (Note Searchlight Cottage on the opposite side of the road). Pass through first wooded area then open fields. At Five Lanes End turn left into Down Lane and later pass Hungry Lodge on right. Follow lane down hill to Mapledurwell village pond then turn second left back into Tunworth Road. Opposite Garys Farm (on left) turn right up bank and over stile to enter field and follow hedgerow on right hand side. After 100m go over the stile in hedge and then over a second stile and eventually join farm track across Webb's Farm and head towards the barn. At barn turn left to pass along north side of barn noting track to right to Island Cottages. Follow ridge to return to the spiral footbridge over the M3 Motorway then retrace steps back to The Hatch PH.

Walk 4a - Daneshill and Basing View

Start Point: Lychpit Community Hall Join FP6 to cross Higher Mead and Great Binfields Road then fork left onto town path in front of Dragonfly Drive (Note that FP6 continues to right). Forward across Harvest Way and continue on town path between Cowslip Bank(on Left) and Dewpond Walk (on right). Cross Harvest Way again and continue between Crofters Meadow (on Left) and Badgers Bank (on right) to town paths junction; forward through the remains of the ancient woodland called Hassocks Wood (With INTEC Business Park on right). On reaching Wade Road, cross road and turn right then immediately after Aviary Court turn left into town path to pass round two sides of the pond. On far side of Gas Board yard pass under railway bridge (Line To Reading). Pass under Faraday Road and later cross the cycle lane (which is an extension to Swing Swang Lane). Pass under the Northern Ring Road (A339) and on the Oakridge side immediately turn left, later pass through woods and recross railway line. [N.B. Don’t turn right into woods before the railway]. Shortly cross the Gresley Road by footbridge and the main railway line to London (Alongside Ring Road) to enter Basing View Business Area. Take second path junction to the left, then cross the bottom end of Basing View, and turn right in front of Mountbatten House. Turn left before next office building onto footpath and cross Churchill Way East by footbridge to enter Eastrop Park.

Walk 4a - Daneshill and Basing View

Follow spiral path round to pass under bridge and continue forward alongside park boundary. Shortly cross River Loddon and then another path (beware of cyclists), through trees (the former Canal boundary hedge) then turn right and almost immediately turn left into Deadmans Lane (Between Housing estates). At top of lane cross London Road (The Skewers PH is nearby) to enter the old Common and turn right to Walk parallel to London Road. On reaching footpath by Harriet Costello School Playing Field turn left and keep school on right. At far end of old Common descend steps to pass under Old Common Road then ascend steps to cross by bridge over Southern Ring Road (A30) and on far side bear round to left to enter Black Dam Park. Shortly fork left to pass around the Ring Road side of first pond then pass between both ponds to pass with second pond on left. Pass under the Motorway Access Road to enter the Nature Reserve section of Crabtree. Turn right and either follow main track or raised winding Walkway to left. At far end bear left to enter the sloping field, ascend across this area with main wooded plantation eventually on left. On reaching Scout/Guide Hut bear left to pass under Plantation Gateway Arch to the London Road (A30). Cross London Road and over stile to enter the Basingstoke Common. Follow FP22 across Common, over stile, and through field and over the stile at the end into Royal British Legion. Cross the car park, passing to left of the white railings of Canal Bridge and over Crown Lane into FP331 then forward at path junction on right and passed New Burial Ground on right and shortly join Church Lane keeping the Old Burial Ground on right. At entrance to St Mary’s Church cross The Street into Bexmoor and FP19. At foot of railway embankment the roadway becomes an enclosed footpath. At far end then right onto FP20 and pass under railway viaduct along riverside Walk (River Loddon on left). Forward at The Millstone PH and up the path (behind the hedge next to the road) to Bartons Lane. Cross the road and continue along FP6. Shortly cross road and later turn left into Little Basing to reach Lychpit Community Hall.

1 Previously Known as Wharf Lane

Walk 4b - Eastrop Park

Start Point: Royal British Legion

Cross Crown Lane into FP331 and shortly turn right onto FP342 with new Burial Ground on left. Forward into Church Lane with old Burial Ground on left then turn left through gate onto FP17 and pass to left-hand side of St Mary’s Church with War Memorial on right. Cross The Street onto FP19 which starts as Bexmoor; at far end turn left onto path at foot of Railway Embankment. At far end turn right into riverside Walk FP20 to pass under Railway Viaduct and later pass Bartons Mill/Millstone PH. Continue forward along footpath to right or the roadway to left to reach Bartons Lane. Turn left into Bartons Lane and at end turn left into Swing Swang Lane to pass under railway bridge and immediately turn right at foot of embankment onto FP21. Keep railway on right to follow up the head of the field and at far end continue forward onto path behind the Hampshire Clinic. At end of hedge boundary pass the railway sub power station at Parish boundary and continue to pass under Ring Road into Basing View Business Area. Pass the AA building and after undeveloped plot turn left. Cross Basing View roadway in front of Mountbatten House and turn right onto pavement. At next path junction turn left (before next building) and cross Churchill East by footbridge to enter Eastrop Park. At base of spiral path turn right to keep boating pool on right; at path junction by boathouse turn left. Shortly turn right following sign "To Common" to enter Deadmans Lane and pass between the housing estates. Ascend lane and just before reaching London Road turn left onto path through new housing estate to reach stile onto footbridge over the Ring Road at Parish boundary. On far side cross second stile to enter Basing Fen on FP26 and later cross canal bed (between two lines of trees) then over stile into field, then turn eastwards to pass between hedges and later join track to cross a River Loddon tributary. Recross the canal route and go over stile by animal pound then turn left into Redbridge Lane.

After Windsor Bungalow bear right opposite former Canal Bridge giving the lane its name to cross stile onto The Common and immediately turn left on FP35 to keep private access road to Basing House on left. Forward through gate (Although FP35 turns right) at end of Lovers Lane into second section of Common. Ascend the Common to ridge at top keeping Basing House boundary hedge on left. At top turn left onto FP22 still keeping boundary hedge on left. Over stile into the field behind the Royal British Legion. At far end over stile back to The British Legion

1 Previously Known as Wharf Lane 2 the Old Canal Path

Walk 4c - Reading Road

Start Point: Lychpit Community Hall Join FP6 to cross Higher Mead and Great Binfields Road then fork right to enter Town Park. Ascend through Park to Monsanto House, fork right onto Daneshill Drive and immediately after Daneshill House entrance turn left onto path between Daneshill House and Heron Park housing estate. Recross Great Binfields Road at Parish boundary into Centre Drive and just before entrance to Centre Court turn left though copse then later turn right and descend steps between Tesco’s Store and Centre Court Sports Complex. Pass behind the Chineham District Centre on the red surfaced pathway past the Service Area to the crossing point beyond the bus shelter. Cross the road into Great Binfields Copse and shortly bear left to cross A33 by footbridge. On reaching Reading Road turn right and pass along Reading Road. At Thornhill Way Roundabout turn right into Thornhill Way and shortly recross A33 at ground level (beware Of traffic) to enter Long Lane with Great Binfields Copse on right. At far end bear left, cross Parish boundary, and shortly turn right onto Pyotts Hill. Descend the hill and at entrance to Basing Lodge Farm turn right on FP5. On reaching Pyotts Copse diagonally cross Great Binfields Road and briefly descend Great Binfields Road to bus stop lay-by on right then turn right onto town path. Later bear right to join Daneshill Drive then after Daneshill House turn left to retrace route through Town Park and return to the Lychpit Community Hall.

Walk 4d - Crockford’s Farm

Start Point: The Pavilion Cross Olivers Battery to the Village Hall car park then cross Newnham Lane into Pyotts Hill. Forward at junction with Bartons Lane and ascend hill. At top turn left cross Parish boundary then right into Long Lane. Cross A33 by roundabout into Thornhill Way, then cross Reading Road by roundabout. Turn right to follow footpath through hedge, then left onto the remains of Cufaude Lane. Just after Chineham Village Hall turn left to cross Thornhill Way onto CFP3 (note that the original Cufaude Lane continues off to the right). CFP3 goes diagonally across the road and continues to Four Lanes School entrance on the right. Continue into the woodland (Great Sorrells Copse), keeping the school boundary fence on the right. At the far end of the track, cross the bridge over the tributary of the Pettys Brook, bear left, and cross the road. Continue along the path, through the housing estate to reach Hanmore Road. Cross Road and pass under the Reading Line Railway Bridge to enter the Chineham Business Area. Follow the path over two roads, and join the footpath at the rear of the office buildings. Turn left onto CFP1 and follow the path through the woods (part of the Basing Forest) back to Crockford Lane. Continue downhill along Crockford Lane. At Carpenters Down Roundabout bear round to the right and go through the underpass. Turn left at steps to road, and cross the A33. Join the footpath between the MFI and ECI Telematics buildings and pass under the railway again and continue into Bilton Road. On reaching Wade Road cross the road and turn right. After the INTEC Business Park entrance, turn left and pass through Woodland Walk. At the footpath crossroads (at the end of the car park on the right) turn left and ascend through the Town Park past the Lutyen’s designed house. Then forward into Daneshill Drive. Descend Drive to Great Binfields Road, then cross it and at junction with Bartons Lane turn left onto the footpath section, which later becomes roadway but at junction with Pyotts Hill turn right to retrace route to The Pavilion.

Appendix 1 : Flowers which can be seen on Walks 2a and 2b

1 Blue Bugle So called for its bugle like blue flowers arranged around the stalk. It is good for curing bruises (Ajuga reptans) 2 Lesser Celandine Bright yellow flowers known as “butter and cheese” (Ranunculus ficaria) 3 Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) 4 Primrose Yellow flower, named from “prima rosa” the first rose of spring. (Primula vulgaris) 5 Bluebell Individual flowers are known as “cuckoo boots”. (Endymion non-scriptus) 6 Lords & Ladies Green flower in spring with the height of the upraised finger said to predict harvest size. (Arum maculatum) 7 Ground Ivy Horizontal low plant with blue flowers. A mint that was once added to ale kegs on long sailing voyages to prevent (Glechoma hederacea) souring. 8 Dead-Nettle A nettle that doesn’t sting. Look underneath the white flowers for the reason why it is also called “Adam & Eve in (Lamium album) a Bower”. 9 Greater Stitchwort White star like flowers. Used once for healing wounds. (Stellaria holostea) 10 Persian Speedwell Low blue flower with four petals, one smaller than the other three. (Veronica persica) 11 Wood Forget-me-not Low blue flower with 5 petals all the same size. A German legend says that a suitor picking these flowers fell into the (Myosotis sylvatica) river. His last deed was to hand them to his lover and whisper “Vergis Mein Nicht” (forget-me-not).

12 Common Violet Symbolises consistancy, humility and modesty. (Viola riviniana) 13 Wood Anenome A white flower found in the woods. (Anemone nemorosa) 14 Wild Strawberry A small white flower aligned with nobility. Its leaves are woven into the Royal grandchildren’s coronets. (Fragaria vesca)

15 Common Daisy Named from “Days-Eye”. (Bellis perennis) 16 Common Solomon’s Seal Beautiful hanging white flowers. (Polygonatum multiflorum) 17 Dog’s Mercury Green leaves with insignificant brown flowers growing within. The plant with the long flower is the male, the plant (Mercurialis perennis) with the round flower is the female.

Appendix 1 : Flowers which can be seen on Walks 2a and 2b

18 Water Avens Hanging lantern-like flowers. Rare in this area. (Geum rivale)

19 Garlic Mustard Tall plant with small white flowers. Pungent smell if kept. (Alliara petiolata) 20 Bird Cherry Note the little black fruit. (Prunus padus) 21 Smooth Hawk’s Beard Small yellow flowers and arrow pointed leaves. (Crepis capillaris) 22 Flowering Rush In the pond. Feel for the triangular leaf. (Butomus umbellatus) 23 Great Bindweed Large white scentless flowers. (Calystegia silvatica) 24 Scarlet Pimpernel Small pink flowers. (Anagallis arvensis) 25 Cut-leaved Cranesbill (Geranium dissectum) 26 Field or Common Forget-me-not Blue flowers smaller than the wood forget-me-not. (Mysotis arvensis) 27 Scentless Mayweed Daisy like flower that does not bloom in May. (Matricaria perforata) 28 Great Willowherb Larger than the Rosebay Willowherb. A favourite of the Elephant Hawkmoth. (Epilobium hirsutum) 29 Field or Lesser Bindweed Smaller white or pink flowers also called Fairy Winecups. (Convolvulus arvensis)

30 Herb Bennet Small yellow flower with five petals named after St Benedict. Provides a good mouthwash for gingivitis. (Geum urbanum) 31 Blackberry Many flowers will mean plenty of fruit in the autumn. (Rubus frutilosus) 32 Creeping Thistle No spines on the stems. Loved by Painted Lady butterflies. (Cirsium arvense) 33 Meadow Vetchling A yellow pea flower with angular stems. Latin name indicates aphrodisiac properties. (Lathyrus pratensis) 34 Common Sorrel The rust brown seed head make a fine show.

Appendix 1 : Flowers which can be seen on Walks 2a and 2b

(Rumex acetosa) 35 Meadow Sweet Has been used to flavour the old English wine of mead. Also to freshen the stale smell of old churches. (Filipendula ulmaria) 36 Common Fleabane Yellow daisy like flower on tall stems. (Pulicaria dysenterica) 37 Lesser Burdock Stout downy plant with global fruits that contain hooks to fasten on clothing etc. (Arctium minus)

38 Common Figwort A smelly plant with insignificant flowers. Is used in the treatment of mastitis and conjunctivitis. (Scrophularia nodosa) 39 Water Forget-me-not Small blue flower with an ‘eye’ in its centre. Also called Bird’s Eye. (Myosotis scorpioides) 40 Water Speedwell A small blue flower growing at the water’s edge. Named after St Veronica who wiped Christ’s brow on his way to (Veronica anagallis-aquatica) the cross. 41 Common Teasel A tall tight blue flower head which when dry was used to ‘tease’ up the knap on cloth. (Dipsacus fullonum) 42 Rose Bay Willowherb Tall pink flower head also known as fireweed as it is the first to grow in areas damaged by fire. (Epilobium angustifolium) 43 Nettle-leaved Bellflower Also known as the Blue Foxglove. (Campanula trachelium) 44 Spear Thistle Thought to get its name after barefoot Danes crept upon a sleeping Scottish camp. A speared foot caused a cry and (Cirsium vulgare) alerted the Scots.

45 Beaked Hawk’s Beard Tall yellow dandelion like flower. (Crepis vesicaria) 46 Meadow Cranesbill The likeness of the fruit to the bird’s beak gives the flower its name. (Geranium pratense) 47 Redshank The flowers are whitish pink and it grows in open fields.

Appendix 1 : Flowers which can be seen on Walks 2a and 2b

(Polygonum persicaria) 48 White Bryony A creeping plant found in hedgerows, has a white flower with green veins. (Bryonia cretica or Bryonia dioica) 49 Ragwort Yellow flowers in dense flat topped clusters. An official weed. (Senecio jacobaea) 50 Common Red Poppy Also known as the Corn Rose. Seeds can survive for up to a century and still germinate. (Papaver rhoeas) 51 Pignut A short white umbellifer with an edible root. (Conopodium majus) 52 Black Knapweed A round head with pink brush like flowers. aka Hardheads (Centaurea nigra) Spelling confirmed by : The Concise British Flora in Colour W Keble Martin ISBN 0 7181 1417 5

Appendix 1 : Flowers which can be seen on Walks 2a and 2b

Walks around the Parish of Old Basing £2.00

Appendix 1 : Flowers which can be seen on Walks 2a and 2b