Soberton
Meon Valley
Children will enjoy paddling in St. Clair’s Meadow and playing on the village green opposite the pub on this walk.
The bridge over The Meon at St. Clair’s Meadow
The Basics
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 2.1 km
Terrain: Flat disused railway, paddocks, quiet country lane, some steps and a stile (dog hole)
Pushchair: No
Dogs: Yes, but on leads around ponies.
Refreshments: The White Lion Pub is at the start/finish of the walk and has cosy log fires in winter and garden seating in summer. We like to sit out front while the children play on the enclosed village green opposite.
Toilets: None, unless visiting the pub.
Public Transport: There is no suitable public transport to this location.
Parking: Parking is very limited and is alongside the village green, opposite the pub. The pub has no proper car park of its own. (Postcode: SO32 3PF - W3W: outreach/towns/steepest)
The Benefice of Soberton
This is a gem of a walk starting out beside a beautiful old village church and pub. There is access to the River Meon via a peaceful little nature reserve called St. Clair’s Meadow. It isn’t a long walk, but perfect for a Sunday lunch and stroll.
The Route
Keep the village green and pub on your left and walk along the quiet country lane, which is called Cutts Arch, and follow it as it takes a sharp bend on your right. As Soberton Towers peeps over the hedge on your right, the road will take a second sharp bend, this time to the left. About 100 metres down this section of road, you will come to a railway bridge crossing the old Meon Valley line.
Take the footpath on your right and this will lead you down to the disused railway track below. Double back on yourself by turning left and walk under the bridge you were just on top of. Follow the Meon Valley trail back towards the village.
Continue until you come to another bridge that goes over a footpath below. Take the steps on your right down to the path and river. You can paddle here, but even better is to follow the river path into St Clair’s meadow, a nature reserve managed by Hampshire Wildlife Trust.
Once you have finished enjoying the river wildlife, having a picnic or taking a paddle, head back up to the railway bridge but this time go under the bridge and NOT back up the steps. Walk along the access lane with the cottages to your right.
At the road junction, you will see a wrought iron kissing gate into a horse paddock on your left. Follow the footpath across a series of pony paddocks and over a stile up the hill. Keep heading for the 500 year old village church at the top of the hill. Turn right through the gate to arrive at the pub and village green.
Did you know?
In the nature reserve, you may be lucky enough to spot: kingfishers, water voles, damselflies, golden ring dragonflies, butterflies, snipes, swifts and swallows.
If you enjoyed this walk…
…try this one just down the road at Droxford where you can enjoy more of the River Meon.
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