Crossing Counties: A Bentley Adventure
18 people attending
2 places left
1 person waitlisted
This is a varied and scenic circular walk beginning at Bentley Station. We’ll set off across quiet Hampshire lanes and fields before heading towards the sweeping landscapes of the South Downs. Our route leads us into the heart of Alice Holt Forest, where tall pines and leafy paths create a tranquil canopy overhead.
From there, we continue into Surrey, crossing heathland and open countryside until we reach Shortfield Common. Here, we’ll pause for a relaxed lunch break. We can opt to have a pint at the cosy Holly Bush pub or relax at the cricket green.
After lunch, we’ll make our way back through a patchwork of fields, woodland trails, and village paths, returning to Bentley Station to complete the circuit. With its blend of rolling hills, forest trails, and open commons, this walk offers a little bit of everything — plus the fun of stepping between Hampshire and Surrey in a single day.
Total distance is 18.67 km (11.6 miles) with a 226m (742 ft) of ascent spread throughout the route. We will be walking over dirt, grass, mud and tarmac.
Dogs
This walk is very suitable for dogs. There’s plenty of open space and several fields with livestock (dogs on leads in these areas, please).
Don’t Waste That Space!
Walks get filled up quite quickly, so please only sign up if you know you are free to attend. Plans do sometimes change, but remember to free up your space so someone else can attend.
New Members:
If this is your first event or you are new to OutdoorLads we’d love to see you. Please message me if you have any questions.
(All photos taken by the leader and permission is given for OutdoorLads to reuse them.)
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and water. There will be a pub stop in Shortfield Common.