Discover the Best Dog Walks in Hampshire: 12 Shady Trails with Water Access
- claire4610
- Jul 16
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 8
Summer in Hampshire is perfect for shady trails and cool dips. Here are 12 top dog walks where your canine companions can enjoy both shade and water. These locations are ideal for hot weather outings.
1. Waggoners Wells (Grayshott, GU26 6DT)
Parking & Terrain: Tiny National Trust car park (height limit ~2.4 m). Woodland paths with gentle slopes, roots, and steps—lush and cool under towering beech trees. Some paths are quite uneven with lots of big roots sticking up, so not suitable for buggies.
Experience: This loop trail (≈3.4 km) passes three man-made “hammer” ponds linked by streams, a wishing well, and the charming Tennyson story… “Flower in the Crannied Wall” was penned here. You can also head up to nearby Ludshott Common (not shaded) for a longer walk.
Swimming: The top pond (nearest the car park) is the designated dog swimming pond. Dogs that like diving can jump in, but there's a gentle slope on the far side for easier access. NB as you approach the pond from the car park, there is a flat area with concrete slabs just under the water. Many a dog (including Mango) has fallen off the edge here into deep water, so beware!
Dog Access: Mostly off‑lead allowed—but leash up if your pup chases ducks or nears the heath.
Wildlife: Watch for ducks, fish, and even hidden herons. The adjacent heathland is a protected nesting site—stick to paths from March–July
Treat Time: Just down the road is the dog‑friendly Applegarth Farm Restaurant—perfect for a post-walk treat. It even has a little pet shop selling doggy icecreams.
Score: 9/10 – A cool, shaded gem that feels part woodland playground, part storybook.
Map & Access: Google Maps ‑ Waggoners Wells
2. Beaulieu → Buckler’s Hard (New Forest)
Parking & Terrain: Park in Beaulieu (mill or village). Flat, well-shaded trail through mature forest with occasional boardwalks and riverside access.
Experience: About 4–5 miles of shaded, whispering woodland, opening to river edges where pups can paddle or pause. A timeless classic.
Dog Access: Much of the path is fenced away from adjacent fields, so encounters with New Forest ponies or deer are rare (still, remain watchful). Off-lead is fine in the wooded stretches; just use a lead when passing through Beaulieu village or if livestock appear.
Wildlife: Deer roam nearby; birds frequent the riverbanks—dogs may cool off safely in the water but keep on lead if they are likely to chase wildlife.
Refreshments: End by sip‑watering at Buckler’s Hard, with river‑side pubs and ice-cream stops.
Score: 9/10 – Perfect shade and riverside charm, with snacks to match.
3. Cadman’s Pool Loop (New Forest)
Parking & Terrain: Free parking near Stoney Cross. A loop trail through woodland and heath, with a few gentle hills—not too demanding, but beautifully varied.
Experience: Around 3 miles of storybook hiking through twisted trees, shimmering streams, and puddles just begging for paws. The trail is moderately hilly in parts– expect a few gentle slopes and uneven paths, which can get muddy after rain.
Dog Access: Off-lead fun abounds here, but note that New Forest ponies and cattle roam the area freely. Keep dogs under close control around livestock (leash if needed). The abundant water makes this ideal for hot days, allowing pups to cool off as they go
Wildlife: Ponies, cattle, ground nesting birds—stick to trail edges in spring/summer.
Refreshment tip: Royal Oak, Fritham is a great dog friendly pub for a final pit stop.
Score: 8/10 – A wild, watery adventure in a compact, shady loop.
4. Queen Elizabeth Country Park (Petersfield)
Parking & Terrain: Large pay car park with immediate access to trails. Choose forest loops for shaded strolls or head uphill to Butser Hill’s sunny summit.
Experience: Expansive woodland walks under dappled pine canopy; each path feels like its own shaded story.
Dog Access: Off-lead is welcome in the woodland (keep an eye out for cyclists and horse riders on shared trails). Wildlife includes deer and ground-nesting birds, so it’s wise to leash if your dog tends to stray far into the undergrowth during spring.
Wildlife: Deer, squirrels and ground-nesters live here.
Amenities: The park’s café by the visitor centre has outdoor seating and water bowls, perfect for a post-walk ice cream.
Score: 8/10 – A forest-fueled haven with shade, space, and creature comforts.
5. Itchen Valley Country Park (Southampton)
Parking & Terrain: Pay-and-display at the visitor centre. The terrain is flat to gently undulating; expect a mix of dirt footpaths through woods and boardwalks across wetlands. It can get muddy in the water meadows after rain, so boots are advised in winter.
Experience: A mix of shady woodland loops and open meadow stretches along the River Itchen, perfect for a quick after-work walk or a slow weekend wander.
Dog Access: Dogs are welcome off-lead in most areas – they’ll enjoy sniffing among the trees – but must be leashed in the designated nature reserve sections to protect wildlife (watch for signs). The Itchen is a chalk stream teeming with trout, swans, and ducks, so supervise any doggy swims.
Wildlife: Swans, Ducks, Kingfishers, dragonflies, and summer butterflies.
Amenities: There’s a Woodland Café at the park entrance for coffee, snacks, and dog treats. For a pub lunch, the nearby Horse & Jockey on the river at Curbridge is a short drive and very dog-friendly
Score: 7/10 – Convenient, shady, and great for a tidy pup, but limited off-lead zones.
6. Alice Holt Forest (near Farnham)
Parking & Terrain: Large pay-and-display car park by the visitor centre. The forest offers both flat, accessible paths (great for older dogs or strollers) and longer hilly tracks if you want to explore further. Surfaces are mostly compacted gravel or dirt; very easy underfoot.
Experience: A sprawling Forestry England woodland on the Hampshire/Surrey border, ideal for hot days. Towering oaks and conifers provide deep shade, and waymarked trails guide you through various terrains. There are ponds and seasonal streams where dogs can refresh their paws.
Dog Access: Alice Holt is a popular family spot, so expect cyclists, children, and occasionally horseback riders. Dogs can be off-lead and will love the freedom, but should be leashed if they won’t recall away from picnicking families or the Go Ape activity areas.
Wildlife: Wildlife is shy here – you might spot squirrels or hear birdsong, but deer sightings are rare in the busy sections.
Amenities: The Café on the Green at the visitor centre has outdoor seating where dogs can rest. Facilities (toilets, water taps) are excellent, making this an easy half-day out.
Score: 8/10 – Dense shade and easy trails; just a bit popular on weekends
7. Fleet Pond Nature Reserve (Fleet)
Parking & Terrain: Free parking at Fleet Pond car park (adjacent to Fleet train station) or at Hartland Country Park on the north side. Trails are mostly flat; some sections are paved or boardwalk, others compact earth – very accessible for all.
Experience: The largest freshwater lake in Hampshire (141 acres) surrounded by a mosaic of pine woods, heathland, and reed. A circular walk (~2.5 miles) around the pond offers a mix of shady forest and open heath with lake views. It’s great on a hot day as there is tree shade most of the way round, and there are a few spots where dogs can get close to the water’s edge to cool off (though some banks are fenced to protect wildlife)
Dog Access: Dogs love the variety here and can generally be off-lead, but be mindful of the reserve’s many bird species. Certain sensitive areas ask for on-lead (look for signs) to avoid disturbing nesting birds. Blue-green algae can occasionally bloom in summer (check notices and don’t let dogs swim if warnings are posted)
Wildlife: There are cattle in the Woodlane Heath Grazing Zone 2 so please avoid this area. The Reserve is home to many species of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and wildflowers. Fleet Pond is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Amenities: The Heron on the Lake pub sits right by the pond – an ideal spot for lunch or a cold drink, with dogs welcome outdoors.
Score: 8/10 - Lovely diverse landscapes and partial water access – just heed any seasonal wildlife advisories.
Map: Google Maps ‑ Fleet Pond Nature Reserve
8. Winchester City Water Meadows (Winchester)
Parking & Terrain: Park at Garnier Road (near St. Catherine’s Hill) – it’s a small, free lot by the bridge. The terrain is mostly flat; paths range from gravel and mown meadow tracks to city pavements. It’s stroller-friendly aside from one optional meadow loop which can be boggy in winter.
Experience: An urban-meets-nature walk combining the shaded riverside meadows south of Winchester with the city’s historic sights. Starting from the free car park on Garnier Road, you follow the River Itchen through willow-lined meadows and under the old railway Hockley Viaduct, then loop into the heart of Winchester. This ~4.5 mile route offers both tranquil greenery and interesting stops (ruins of Wolvesey Castle, Winchester College, and views of the Cathedral).
Dog Access: Dogs will enjoy off-lead time along the water meadows, where they can even paddle in a shallow spot by the Hospital of St. Cross. Once you approach the city, however, dogs will need to be onlead.
Wildlife: Cattle are sometimes present in the St. Cross meadow (behind fences). Wildlife includes swans and ducks on the Itchen – take care as you pass.
Amenities: Numerous options in Winchester: the Cadence Café by the viaduct at the start, a tea room at St. Cross Hospital mid-walk, and dog-friendly pubs like The Black Boy in the city. An ice cream from the cathedral grounds on a summer day doesn’t hurt either!
Score: 8/10 - A perfect blend of cooling nature and culture – just a portion on-lead through the city center.
9. Hamble River Country Park (Bursledon/Hamble)
Parking & Terrain: Several car parks (pay & display) are scattered through the park; for example, Barnfield car park near the café or further down by the river. Terrain is gentle – wide forest paths and some meadow tracks. A few short slopes and one boardwalk near the marsh, but overall easy walking.
Experience: Formerly known as Manor Farm Country Park, this 400-acre park along the Hamble estuary offers shady woodlands, open fields, and direct river access. Multiple looping trails wind through oak woods and along the riverbank, where at high tide confident dogs can take a dip in the creek.
Dog Access: Dogs are welcome off-lead in the woods and fields. Do keep leads handy near the working Manor Farm area (if you pass through the farm attraction, livestock will be present). Note the Hamble’s tidal currents: only let dogs swim in calm, shallow spots and avoid the fast sluice channels nearby
Wildlife: The woodlands are alive with birds, and the mudflats along the river host waders – if your dog likes mud, expect a happy (if dirty) pup!
Amenities: The park’s café (at Barnfield) serves snacks and has water bowls. For something hearty, walk or drive to the Horse & Jockey pub at Curbridge upstream – it sits right on the river and is extremely dog-friendly.
Score: 8/10 - Lots of shade and space for off-lead adventures; just mind the tide times for safe splashing.
Map: Google Maps ‑ Hamble River Country Park
10. Fritham Commons & Dockens Water (New Forest)
Parking & Terrain: Park for free at Fritham car park, opposite the old Royal Oak Pub. The car park is a decent size but does fill on weekends. Terrain is varied: wide gravel tracks on the heath and narrow dirt paths by the stream. Some gentle hills and one steeper dip to the water – nothing too strenuous.
Experience: A fabulous 4–5 mile forest and heathland walk starting at Fritham, taking in the tranquil Dockens Water stream. From the Fritham green, you’ll traverse open heather moors (with big views) then drop into shady inclosures where Dockens Water winds through the woods. Numerous little fords and pools along the brook make for “dog refreshment paddle spots” galore on a hot day.
Dog Access: This is true New Forest, so dogs can mainly be off-lead, happily splashing in the clear stream and darting between trees. Keep in mind, however, that ponies and cattle graze the open commons here. When near livestock, put your dog on a lead or under strict recall.
Wildlife: Ponies and cattle graze here freely. The area around Holly Hatch cottage and the Dockens Water ford is a common pony hangout. Also, during ground-nesting bird season (March–July), stick to main paths on the heath.
Amenities: The Royal Oak, Fritham , is a must-visit after your walk – a classic forest pub with great pies and ale) with water bowls for dogs. Grab a picnic table outside under the oaks.
Score: 9/10 - Wild and wonderful – arguably one of the best dog walks in hot weather, just exercise the usual New Forest caution with livestock and wildlife.
11. Basingstoke Canal at Odiham (Odiham/Fleet)
Parking & Terrain: Park at Colt Hill Wharf in Odiham (free) or by the Barley Mow pub in Winchfield/Dogmersfield. The towpath is flat and well-maintained – suitable for buggies or bikes too. It can get a bit muddy after heavy rain, but generally it’s an easy, level walk.
Experience: A serene waterside walk along the tree-lined Basingstoke Canal, including a visit to the medieval Odiham Castle ruins. We suggest the section between Odiham Wharf and King John’s Castle (~3.5 miles round-trip), or the stretch near Dogmersfield – in either case, the canal’s placid water and overhanging foliage keep things cool.
Dog Access: Dogs will enjoy trotting alongside the water and can be off-lead for much of these stretches. Do use a lead when passing moored boats or other users on the narrow path.
Wildlife: Swans and ducks are common here – if your dog is prone to “arguing” with waterfowl, keep control near them. In summer, duckweed and water lilies carpet the canal, so it’s picturesque but not ideal for swimming (better to stick to a quick paw-dip).
Amenities: The Waterwitch pub in Odiham sits right on the canal – very convenient for a pit stop (dogs welcome in the garden). Likewise, the Barley Mow at Winchfield end is very dog-friendly, with its own doggy menu.
Score: 8/10 - Tranquil and shady with interesting sights; just an on-lead moment here or there and watch out for cyclists on the shared towpath
12. Meon Valley Trail (Wickham to West Meon)
Parking & Terrain: Park in Wickham (free in the village square or the old station car park). The trail is wide, flat gravel – ideal for all abilities (also used by cyclists and horses). Being a former railway, there are no steep grades at all.
Experience: The Meon Valley Trail is a converted railway line stretching 10+ miles, but you can choose a shorter segment – a popular choice is the Wickham to Mislingford section (about 3–4 miles return). This old rail-bed is almost entirely in shade, cutting through deep green cuttings and over embankments, with the gentle River Meon often nearby. It’s an out-and-back route (simply turn around whenever you’re ready), and there are a few places to scramble down for the dogs to access the river shallows.
Dog Access: Dogs can be off-lead and will love the long straight runs in the cool cutting. Because this is a multi-use trail, do recall and leash your pup when bicycles or horses approach (they can appear quickly and quietly so keep an eye out).
Wildlife: The Meon Valley is rich in wildlife – you might spot trout in the river, or even deer crossing the path at quieter times.
Amenities: Wickham offers several dog-friendly cafés and pubs – e.g. The King’s Head or The Old Tea House – perfect for a post-walk cream tea or pub lunch. Also look out for the old railway platform in Wickham, often hosting a seasonal snack van.
Score: 8/10 - A reliably shaded, easy walk with quaint rural scenery – just keep an eye out for sharing the trail with bikes and horses.
Map: Google Maps ‑ Wickham
Happy Trails!
Hampshire’s shady paths and splashy streams are made for summer dog walks. Each of these routes offers cover, cool water, and plenty of sniffs—perfect for keeping tails wagging on warmer days.
Walk early or late, carry water, and follow local lead rules to keep both pups and wildlife safe.
Now grab the lead, pack a towel, and head out for a cool-paws adventure. 🌿💦
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