27th April 2026 Hambledon and Vann

 

 

Hambledon and Vann Leaders: FM & RM April 27th 2026 Walkers: HR, JR, FB, EC, MC, PDW, CG, DG, SK, JE, SE, RD, ME, JE, CW, PG, LG 

Summary: 5 miles, starting from Hambledon Church. Parking in Church Lane. Mostly level, with a gradual descent to Vann and a short climb from Hambledon village back to the church. 3 stiles. Mostly dry underfoot but could be muddy after rain or in winter. There is a short stretch of road walking on Markwick Lane and a longer stretch along Vann Lane, which is much less busy. Lunch at the Winterton Arms in Chiddingfold. 

April 27th was a perfect day for walking: blue sky, comfortable temperature and very little wind. 19 walkers assembled promptly at Hambledon village church just south of Godalming, having car shared to ensure that there were sufficient parking spaces. The route took us across fields containing some very young foals, past the “echo tree” and towards the chestnut coppice at the foot of Hydon’s Ball. The woodland had fresh green leaves and was carpeted with bluebells at their azure peak. The air was filled with birdsong, including many blackcaps and a whitethroat posing on a hedgerow near Little Burgate Farm. After negotiating Markwick Lane, a busy little rat run, we joined the Greensand Way heading west below Burgate Hanger. 

A short stretch of this can be very muddy but was easily walked today because of the dry April. The coffee stop was at a convenient fallen tree and offered breath taking panoramic views towards the South Downs and Blackdown. After coffee, we continued towards Upper Vann Lane, turning left along a quiet road with flower-filled verges, pretty cottages and more views towards the distinctive shape of Blackdown. 

If a much shorter walk was required, it is possible to turn right at this point to take a short cut back to the start. On meeting Vann Lane, we turned right towards Hambledon. A footpath on the right through woodland cuts off a dog leg in the road but does include 3 stiles. Rejoining Vann Lane, a short walk brought us to Hambledon village. A right turn into Woodlands Road, passing some very pretty cottages, and a right turn along a footpath returned us to the Greensand Way where we turned right beside the drive of a house, climbing some steps. A final climb first through woodland then a grassy slope with a lovely view of the church at the top returned us to our cars. 

We enjoyed an excellent lunch at the newly restored Winterton Arms, a short drive away on the north side of Chiddingfold and were joined by IP and MP.