Micheldever Wood

This short woodland walk follows easy gravel and forest paths and is especially beautiful in bluebell season, when the woods are filled with sweeping patches of purple. It’s a lovely route at any time of year and can be extended simply by continuing along the many forest paths that branch off in different directions. It’s hard to get lost: just remember if you can hear the M3 on your left, you’re heading away from the car park; if it’s on your right, you’re on your way back.

Please note on this occasion the OS Maps and AllTrails, do you not always represent the actual path available in the wood. The map and GPS download provided on this page is as close as a fair representation of the actual walking route.

Start/Finish: Micheldever Woods Car Park, Main Road, Alresford SO24 9TZ; https://www.forestryengland.uk/micheldever-wood; Grid: SU 53012 36246; https://w3w.co/nimbly.beaks.picnic

Terrain: Gravel tracks and forest paths, which can be muddy when wet.   

Amenities on B3046 from/to Alton:

• The Woolpack Inn, a Grade II–listed 18th‑century country pub serving seasonal British dishes, award‑winning dining, a cosy bar and a beautiful garden — the perfect spot to drop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  The Woolpack Inn, Totford near Northington, Alresford, SO24 9TJ https://www.thewoolpackinn.co.uk/; Grid: SU 57091 37946; https://w3w.co/yummy.progress.coffee

• The Yard Hampshire at Chilton Candover is a lovely café and events space at Chilton Manor Farm, serving Moon Roast coffee, toasties, cakes, and juices in a beautifully converted farm building. And if you would like some extra relaxation after a longer walk, do book in advance into their Wild Sauna. The Yard Hampshire, Chilton Manor Farm, Chilton Candover, Alresford, SO24 9TX https://www.theyardhampshire.co.uk/; Grid: SU 59169 40301; https://w3w.co/cherished.linguists.polished

 1

At the car park, look for the information board with the marked trails — that’s where the walk begins. You’ll start on the Red Family Trail before joining the Blue Archaeological Trail later on.

Cross the gravel track ahead; you’ll see a blue‑and‑white arrow pointing right but ignore it and instead take the wide forest path ahead into the wood, to the left of tree stump with the sign.

 2

Follow this path as it meanders gently through the trees. When you reach a four‑way junction of forest tracks, keep going straight ahead on the wider path in front of you.

 3

When you reach the gravel path, continue straight ahead on the smaller forest trail. It’s marked with a blue‑and‑white arrow for the Archaeological Trail, and from this point on you’ll simply follow these signs for the rest of the walk.

As you cross the gravel track, glance to your right and you’ll spot a green burial mound; it’s worth a quick look before returning to this point to carry on along the route.

 4

You’re now on a lovely winding path that’s clearly signposted. Keep following it as it curves through the trees. Before long you’ll reach another four‑way crossing with a forest track; the signpost will guide you straight ahead to stay on the route.

 5

After a few more minutes, you’ll reach a sign pointing left, leading you towards a Bronze Age bowl barrow on your right.

To continue the walk, turn left again onto the wide forest track. The Archaeological Trail arrow is fixed to a tree stump here and can be a little hidden if you pause to read the information board about the site. From this point on, you will now hear the M3 on your right‑hand side as the path gently leads you through the woods towards the carpark.

 6

Continue to follow the wide forest path straight ahead. When it meets a gravel track, stay on the same line and keep walking forward.

Further on, just before a metal gate, the gravel track bends left and you’ll see the car park ahead on your right, bringing the walk to a gentle close.