Circular walk Via the Hare & Hounds pub, Stoughton
Distance approx 5½ miles: Chilgrove – Bow Hill – Monarchs Way – Stoughton (Hare and Hounds pub) – Chilgrove.
The Monarchs way is Britain’s second longest signed walking trail and follows the route of Charles II’s flight after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
Turn left out of the farmhouse courtyard and walk through the park towards the main road. At the small crossroads turn right and walk across the green and along side the main road towards the Fish House Restaurant. Cross the road and take the signposted bridleway which climbs steeply uphill off the road.
When the track divides take the left hand fork up onto Bow Hill, so called because the yew trees that grow there were used to make archers bows. As you reach the top the Monarchs way crosses the track and is clearly signposted. Take the right hand turn and follow the Monarchs way signs until you reach the village of Stoughton. Turn left along the road for ¼ mile and you will find the Hare and Hounds pub.
Leave the pub and walk back the way you came but this time go past the track you arrived by and keep on the lane as it climbs through the trees. Eventually you will come to a car park which is on the left of the road on a sharp bend to the left. Enter the carpark and take the signposted bridleway along the side of the car park. This track climbs slowly through woods until you find yourself at the top of the track which you left Chilgrove by at the start of your walk.
