Medstead: West Loop

Medstead, in Hampshire’s East Hampshire district, is a village with roots stretching back to Saxon times—its name is thought to mean “middle place” or “mead place.” It appears in the Domesday Book (1086) as Mestrede, a small agricultural settlement.

The parish church of St. Andrew, with Norman origins, reflects its long rural history, and in the Victorian era the arrival of the Basingstoke–Alton Light Railway briefly put Medstead on the map; today its restored station forms part of the heritage Watercress Line.

A highlight of this walk is the chance to pause at the Cowshed Café in Soldridge, a welcoming spot for refreshments. The café sits within Soldridge Business Park near Medstead, about two‑thirds through the walk. Expect everything from a full English breakfast or sausage muffin to homemade cakes, and toasted sandwiches.

Terrain: A varied mix of countryside paths, bridleways and quiet lanes.

Start/Finish: Medstead Village Green, Roe Downs Road, GU34 5LG; Grid: SU 65823 36908; https://w3w.co/invite.motorist.combines

 1

From the parking bays, cross the village green, keeping the playground on your left. Aim for the end of the hedge, where you can see the red brick houses on the other side of the road.

Cross the road and follow the footpath in between the houses. The path takes you past Medstead Cemetery on your left.

 2

At the crossroads of two footpaths, continue straight ahead.

After a few minutes, you’ll reach a stile on your right at a four-way footpath junction. (On your return, you’ll arrive back at this junction from the path that is currently on your left.)

Cross over the stile and then take the path to your left across the field.

 3

When you reach the road, the footpath continues slightly up the hill on your right. Keep going straight.

As you walk along the top of the field, enjoy the views of the downs in the distance. Keep on walking straight through one of the Hattingley valley vineyards. Hattingley Valley Vineyard is a renowned Hampshire producer of award‑winning English sparkling wines, earning over 200 medals and more than a dozen international trophies for their sparkling wines. They specialise in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier blends.

Cross over the paved track and continue straight ahead along the hedgerow. A little further on, through the hedge on your right, you may catch a glimpse of Hattingley Valley’s vines from their other vineyard.

 4

Turn left onto the Chalky Hill lane after the metal kissing gate.

At the four-way road junction, continue straight up West End Lane.

Continue straight ahead at the end of the lane take the footpath straight ahead next to the Lower Paice Lane sign. Keep on following the path straight ahead.

 5

Cross the paved track and continue straight ahead, bearing slightly left into what looks like a driveway.

At the next four‑way footpath junction, turn left by a farm gate and follow the path along the edge of Gullet Wood.

 6

You’ll come to a bollard in the path, followed by a metal farm gate on the left. Go through the gate and make sure to close it securely behind you.

Further along, go through the brown metal gate on your left. Then turn right onto Upper Soldridge Road and follow it into Soldridge.

 7

Turn left into Soldrige business park, where the Cow Shed Cafe is located, a worthwhile little stop for refreshments and cake.

When you’re ready to continue, look for the dark brown wooden fence behind the café on your right. The footpath carries on just beyond it.

Follow the way‑marked path straight ahead, passing through several gates as you go.

 8

When you reach Lower Paice Lane, look for a private gravel driveway just to the left. Walk a few steps up the drive, then take the footpath on your right beside the hedge.

The path carries on across a couple of fields. Keep to the well‑worn grassy track until you reach a wooden gate straight ahead, leading back under tree cover. Then follow the new path.

 9

After crossing a larger bridleway (Homestead Road) continue to follow the path straight ahead, across a stile.

Take a left when you reach a three-way footpath junction.

You’ll recognise the next four‑way junction from step 2. Turn right here and retrace your steps back to the village green.