Soberton
Children will enjoy paddling in St. Clair’s Meadow and picnicking upon the banks of The River Meon on this walk.
The Basics
Time: 1 hour
Distance: 2.1 km
Terrain: Flat disused railway and meadows and paddocks, some steps
Pushchair: No
Dogs: Yes, but on leads around ponies
Refreshments: White Lion Pub
Toilets: None
Parking: Alongside the village green, opposite the pub (Postcode: SO32 3PF - W3W: outreach/towns/steepest)
This is a gem of a walk starting out beside a beautiful old village church (and pub!) with access to The River Meon via a peaceful little nature reserve.
The Route
Keep the village green and pub on your left and walk along the quiet country lane 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. 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 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. Follow the footpath across a series of paddocks up the hill. Keep heading for the 500 year old village church at the top of the hill.
We recommend viewing the interactive map below as a Trails Map:
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.