Chilton Candover
On this walk, children will enjoy a treat from The Yard and then a spooky exploration of the crypt - if they dare!
The Crypt under the remains of St. Nicholas’ Church
The Basics
Time: 50 mins
Distance: 2.7 km
Terrain: Farm tracks, tarmac lane and woodland path
Pushchair: Yes if it is not too muddy and with one other caveat; the final short leg is along a B road with no pavement
Dogs: Yes, on lead through farm
Refreshments: The Yard selling hot drinks, light lunches, brunch and cakes
Toilets: If using the café
Public Transport: Cresta Coaches Route 41 between New Alresford and Basingstoke, alight at Dundridge Lane and walk a couple of minutes to The Yard
Parking: The Yard, Chilton Manor Farm car park providing you are going to purchase something in the café (Postcode: SO24 9TX - W3W: zoom/spend/invoices)
Heading up to the churchyard where St. Nicholas Church once stood
Tucked away at the end of this pleasant walk in The Candover Valley is a rather beautiful churchyard with a somewhat creepy crypt. It makes an interesting place to investigate and The Yard, just next door, will warm your soul after your visit with its range of coffee and cakes.
The Route
At the top of the car park, you will see a gate leading to a farm track to the right of some farm buildings. There is a chalk board giving instructions to keep dogs on leads. Follow the track up a gradual incline through, and then beyond, the farm.
At the brow of the hill, you will be able to enjoy views of rolling farmland. Continue on the same path until you come to a T junction. Turn left here.
Walk along this next farm track until a footpath crosses the path. Take the left path along a track that will pass Dunbridge Copse to your left.
The path will exit the trees near Chilton Manor and the path will turn into a tarmac lane. Continue down the road, passing an old telephone box, until you get to the B3046. Turn left here and walk along the road back to the turning for The Yard. The road does have a grass verge for much of the way.
When you have enjoyed your refreshments from The Yard, look out for the large gate along one side of the old farm yard where the café is. It is possible to pass around the gate to the left and cross the next yard. On the opposite side is another gate that leads into a paddock. You will see a grassy path leading up to a white gate in the wall. Inside here is what remains of St Nicholas’ Church. Beneath the foundations you will find the crypt.
We suggest viewing the map as a ‘Trails Map’ to ensure all the paths are visible:
Did you know?
All that remains of the church at Chilton Candover is the Norman Crypt. The church was pulled down in 1875 and the crypt sealed and forgotten until its rediscovery in 1929. A service is conducted here once a year to maintain its consecrated status.
