Four Marks: Old Wood and Swellinghill Pond

This walk ambles through Four Mark’s long past. The Old Wood is part of the patchwork of ancient woodland around the village and include Hawthorn Wood and Kitwood, which are documented in medieval court rolls as woodland holdings of Winchester College from the 14th–15th centuries.

The Swellinghill Pond is the highest pond in Hampshire, sitting on a clay cap above chalk. It was historically a watering hole for cattle and oxen driven up Swelling Hill. In 1975 it won the Daily Telegraph award for “Best Restored Pond in the UK” and it continues to be a great spot for a picnic.

Just a short drive from the start of the walk there are also a couple of great options for refreshments:

Nosh Café (Lymington Bottom Road): Their site shows menus, opening hours, and specials. It’s a reliable link for walkers to check before setting out, especially if they want vegetarian, vegan, or gluten‑free options.

Loaf Bakery (Oak Green Parade): The bakery’s site covers all their Hampshire and Surrey branches, including Four Marks. It highlights their organic sourdoughs, pastries, and seasonal treats—perfect for suggesting as a picnic stop or post‑walk indulgence

Terrain: Varied terrain; forest and field paths that can become very muddy after rain.

Start/Finish: Four Marks Sports Pavilion Uplands Ln, Alton GU34 5AF; Grid: SU 66266 34325; https://w3w.co/desks.hazel.decoded

 1

From the Sports Pavilion car park, head along Upland Lane back to the junction. Turn right into Brislands Lane and follow this quiet country lane. At the junction, continue straight ahead to stay on course.

 2

Just before the tall telecommunications pole, turn left. This takes you onto a wide woodland track, marking the entrance to Old Wood.

After a few minutes, you’ll reach a waymarker—here, follow the smaller forest path on your right to head deeper into the trees, where the woodland becomes more secluded and atmospheric.

 3

At the T‑junction beside the recently logged area, turn right to join the St Swithun’s Way. This historic 34‑mile long‑distance path, named after the 9th‑century Bishop of Winchester, links Winchester Cathedral to Farnham and follows part of the old Pilgrims’ Way. As you step onto it here, you’re walking a small section of a trail that has carried travellers for centuries.

At the next fork, keep left for some nice views across the pastoral countryside.

 4

When the woodland comes to an end, turn left through the wooden gate and walk across a couple of livestock fields—be mindful of animals and keep dogs on leads here.

Cross the lane and continue along Andrew’s Lane, which climbs steadily uphill.

Follow the lane as it gradually narrows and becomes a farm track, leading you deeper into the countryside.

 5

After about 0.62 miles from the crossing, you’ll reach a double metal farm gate leading into a field on your right.

This is where you need to take a left onto a footpath. This is slightly tucked away amongst trees and shrubs.

From here, continue along the well‑marked footpath as it threads its way across several fields, offering open views and a pleasant change of scenery.

 6

When the footpath brings you to a metal gate beside a country lane, exit onto Swelling Hill Lane.

If you would like to visit Swelling Hill Pond, turn right here. The pond is only a short distance away and makes a peaceful rest stop, with reflections on the water and local wildlife to enjoy. After your visit, retrace your steps to this point and look for a path on your right.

If you would like to continue without visiting the pond, cross the lane, keep straight ahead onto the gravel drive. Look for a footpath tucked away on the left. This path will take you back into Old Wood.

 7

At a large junction of two wide woodland tracks, turn right to return very briefly onto the Swithun’s way. The waymarker is slightly hidden on the left.

At the second large junction, continue straight ahead. Follow the path as it winds gently through the trees until you reach the edge of the wood, where it opens out into a field.

 8

When you reach Gradwell Lane, turn left. Take the next right onto Brislands Lane, then simply retrace your steps along the lane back to the Sports Pavilion car park, where the walk began.