Exploring Ecchinswell
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Our view
"Explore the scenery that inspired Richard Adams' best-selling novel Watership Down.Explore the scenery that inspired Richard Adams' best-selling novel Watership Down."
Walk directions
Leave the car park by the vehicle entrance, cross the road and take the footpath beside the war memorial. After a few paces, bear left onto a narrow woodland path, cross a plank bridge and continue past a turning on your right with two bridges to the T-junction by a small waterworks building.
Turn right, cross the stream and continue for 150yds (137m) before turning off onto the waymarked path across the open field on your right. Continue through a gap in the opposite hedge and over a plank bridge, then follow the winding hedge on your right to the plank bridge and stile in the far corner of the field. (Ignore an earlier path to the right). Climb the stile and cross the next field to the top corner to reach the road at a stile by a gate.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Country tracks, field and woodland paths (may be muddy), some stiles
Landscape
- Wooded farmland with downland views
Dog friendliness
- On lead near grazing livestock and in the woods before Nuthanger Farm
Parking
- Village hall car park, opposite the war memorial
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
The rolling chalk hills around Ecchinswell leapt to fame in 1972 as the backdrop for Richard Adams’ first novel Watership Down. The book was the inspiration for Art Garfunkel’s British number-one hit ‘Bright Eyes’, from the 1978 film version. Rabbits' tales Adams’ narrative traces the fortunes of...
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Hampshire’s varied landscape of hills and heaths, downlands and forests, valleys and coast are without rival in southern England. Hike across the chalk downland of the north Hampshire ‘highlands’, meander along peaceful paths through unspoilt river valleys of the Test, Itchen, Avon and Meon, or explore the lonely salt marshes and the beautiful medieval forest and heathland of the New Forest.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
Donnington Grove
Situated on the outskirts of Newbury, overlooked by the ruins of Donnington Castle, this splendid manor house, a popular wedding venue, offers comfortable bedrooms in a variety of style...
The White Hart, Overton
Located in the picturesque Hampshire village of Overton, The White Hart is reputedly the oldest inn in the village. The inn offers well-appointed bedrooms – some are in what was once th...
Donnington Hotel, Spa & Golf
In its own grounds complete with an 18-hole golf course, Donnington Hotel, Spa & Golf boasts excellent facilities for both corporate and leisure guests; from the state-of-the-art spa of...
The Vineyard
The Vineyard is a haven of style in the Berkshire countryside. Bedrooms and suites come in a variety of styles, including many split-level suites that are well equipped with indulgent f...
The Bunk Inn
The Bunk Inn is a quintessential English pub set in the pretty village of Curridge, close to Newbury Racecourse. The en suite bedrooms have plenty of character and offer good comfort. G...
Crab & Boar
Located in an enviable position high in the Newbury Downs, close to The Ridgeway, history claims that the roots of the Crab & Boar date back to the second battle of Newbury in 1644. Fam...
Manor Farm Courtyard Cottages
Welcome to Manor Farm Courtyard Cottages in Hampstead Norreys; a picturesque farming village in Berkshire, with easy access to Newbury, Oxford, Highclere Castle, the M4 and A34. The lux...
Audleys Wood Hotel
A long sweeping drive leads to what was once a Victorian hunting lodge and a private family home. Audleys Wood Hotel offers a range of very well-equipped bedrooms and suites, while the ...
Places to eat nearby View all
