Family-friendly Dog Walks
Local Dog Walks
Welcome to my series of family-friendly dog walks near Chandlers Ford. If you have been following my blogs, then I really hope the information has been useful and you have discovered some lovely new places to visit with the kids and/or the dogs! If you have, then I would love to know what you thought of any of the places!
If you are new to my blog series then welcome! I started writing this several years ago when several people asked if I could recommend anywhere good to go where they could take their children and their dogs to all have fun! I have a 9 year old son called Charlie, an 8 year old daughter called Evie and a 12 year old chocolate Labrador called Josie, so fun places to visit on a dog walk are important to us all!
I have based the walks in and around Chandlers Ford as that is where I live, although I have started branching out further afield, so you can also narrow down a walk according to the map below.
I try and vary the walks in terms of length, location and always try and include places that are accessible by wheelchairs and pushchairs. Some of the walks are just good-old-fashioned walks in totally natural environments, whereas others are more child-centred and actvity-based!
I have split the walks below into walks with water, in the woods and with views so you know what to expect before you start reading! Hopefully this will help to know to avoid certain ones if your dog (or child for that matter) should be kept away from water for example!
Walks with Water
Testwood Lakes
Based just outside Totton in Southampton this is a lovely walk around one big lake (but can be extended to include the other lake if you want a longer walk).
1.7km
25 mins
Lakeside Country Park
Based in Eastleigh, opposite Southampton Airport Parkway. This is a great walk that can be extended or shortened depending on need. Little park halfway around and steam railway operates on weeekends and during the holidays
2.5km
65 mins
Holly Hill
A lovely circular walk based just outside Sarisbury Green. This is great for climbing, feeding the ducks and generally having a gret run around!
Fleming Park
A lovely walk in the middle of Eastleigh split by the Monks Brook River. Loads of space for a kick about and the river is great depth for paddling.
Victoria Country Park
Based in Netley, Southampton. This is an awesome country park with water, a shingle beach, cafe, park and more.
Shawford to Brambridge
Based on part of the River Itchen (can be extended into one massive walk from Bishopstoke to Winchester), this is a lovely summers walk and idyllic in those hot summer evenings!
5.8km
75 mins
Lepe Country Park
On the outskirts of the new Forest this is a fabulous beach with grassy areas, a cafe and an amazing park.
2.8km
65 mins
Ramalley Woods
Based in Chandlers Ford, this is a lovely walk in summer and great for children if they want to go paddling in the Monks Brook river and then go den-building further on.
1.6km
40 mins
Heath Pond
Based in Petersfield, this is a fabulous walk all around the pond which, on a summers day has boats and pedalos for hire. There’s also a cafe, a park and bird-spotting guides.
Walks with Woods
Ampfield
Based in Ampfield (right near Sir Harold Hilliers Gardens) this is a very straightfoward and easy walk that is easy to nip off the path to go and explore the trees.
3.5km
40 mins
Stoke Park Woods
On the outskirts of Eastleigh, this little piece of tranquility is a lovely place to visit with dogs and childre. Great for den-building and for a decent walk. This particular walk starts from the Bishopstoke car park but can be accessed halfway round from the Fair Oak entrance.
4.1km
75 mins
Holly Hill
A lovely walk that centres around a lake in the middle but surrounded by woodland and paths so easy to keep away from the water if you want to.
Ramalley Woods
Based in Chandlers Ford, this is a lovely walk in summer and great for children if they want to go paddling in the river and then go den-building further on.
1.6km
40 mins
Walks with Views and Space
Farley Mount
Nestled in between Hursley and Winchester, this stunning country park is just what you need if you want to get back to nature and have space to roam. Wild horses do graze here so just be careful.
4.2km
55 mins
Farley Mount – The Monument
Faley Mount is massive so it’s inevitable that there are a whole host of different walks within them. This one is more popular as the Monument is well-known in the local area. The walk can be shortened by parking in the Monument car park.
2.3km
38 mins
Stockbridge Down
A stunning open space just outside Stockbridge. this is acres of pure space and views with horses sometimes grazing around. A beautiful walk at any time of year!
St Catherines Hill
A fabulous walk (can be steep in places) up to the top of the hill. The views over Winchester are amazing as is the space at the top just to run around!
1.5km
35 mins
Find them on the map
Farley Mount
Testwood Lakes
Lakeside Country Park
Holly Hill
Fleming Park
Ampfield
Victoria Country Park
St Catherines Hill
Stoke Park Woods
Shawford to Brambridge
Stockbridge Down
Lepe Beach
Farley Mount Monument
Ramalley Woods
Heath Pond
I would love to hear any comments you have about any of the walks featured here, or if you have any suggestions where I can review and blog about next!
Something else you might be interested in…
