The best city hikes and walks around Harewood Forest

There are 6 urban hiking trails around Harewood Forest featured in this guide. These routes offer a mix of easy and moderate options, perfect for exploring the local area.

Spring is particularly beautiful for urban hikes around Harewood Forest, as the nearby ancient woodlands burst with bluebells, violets, and primrose. However, the trails are accessible year-round, with autumn offering vibrant foliage and winter providing crisp, quiet walks. Be aware that clay soil can make some paths wet in winter.

Yes, there are several easy options. The Anton Lakes Nature Reserve loop from Andover is a great choice, covering about 7.7 km with minimal elevation gain. Another easy route is the Anton Lakes Nature Reserve loop from Anton Lakes, which is slightly shorter at 6.2 km.

Many of the urban trails around Harewood Forest are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings with your canine companion. Always keep dogs under control, especially near wildlife or livestock, and check local signage for any specific restrictions.

Yes, all the urban hiking trails listed in this guide are circular routes, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. For example, the Charlton Lake – Anton Lakes Nature Reserve loop from Andover offers a moderate 8 km circular experience.

The terrain on these urban hikes often features a mix of paved paths, gravel tracks, and natural earth trails. While predominantly flat, some routes may include gentle undulations. The underlying chalk bedrock and clay soil mean paths can be firm in dry weather but potentially muddy after rain, especially in wooded sections.

While the guide focuses on urban trails, many routes are adjacent to or incorporate natural features. You can explore areas like Anton Lakes Nature Reserve and Charlton Lake, which offer tranquil waterscapes and opportunities for birdwatching. The broader Harewood Forest area is known for its ancient woodlands, diverse trees, and historical elements like the Dead Man's Plack monument, though these may require venturing slightly further from the immediate urban routes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the trails, the peaceful natural settings close to urban areas, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable walks.

Many of the urban trails, particularly those starting from Andover, are accessible via public transport. Andover has a train station and bus services, making it a convenient hub to begin your hike. Check local bus schedules for routes that serve the specific trailheads.

For routes starting in or near Andover, there are usually public car parks available in the town centre or close to key access points like Anton Lakes Nature Reserve. Specific parking details can often be found on the individual route pages on komoot.

As these are urban hiking trails, you'll find various cafes, pubs, and other amenities in nearby towns like Andover. These establishments offer convenient spots for refreshments or a meal before or after your hike.