Midhurst Footpath Companions
Walking in Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

Chawton Walk on 13th August 2025

Celina and Bernard’s 3.8 mile walk was at a gentle pace following some of the footsteps of Jane Austen and her family starting in Chawton, Hampshire.

Passing a duck themed thatched roof we turned down the drive to Chawton House, the 400-year-old Grade II* listed Elizabethan manor house that once belonged to Jane Austen's brother and its neighbour, St Nicholas' Church.  The church suffered a disastrous fire in 1871 which destroyed all but the chancel.  The rebuilt church was designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield and is now listed Grade II*.  The churchyard graves include that of Jane Austen's mother and sister, both called Cassandra 

The heat and sun held off although it was a bit muggy as we crossed the meadows and fields, enjoying the brief respites afforded by the woodland heading to Farringdon.  An early coffee stop in the Farringdon communal garden spurred on the gardeners amongst us. 

We turned west, over the main road, taking the footpath onto the disused Meon Valley Railway that was opened in 1903 and closed in 1968.  We walked under a bridge, across fields and copse, over the main road again to return to Chawton to enjoy a well earned lunch and refreshments at The Greyfriar.  A birthday cake miraculously appeared to celebrate a big birthday of one of our group with the pub staff helping to spring the surprise.

Lined up in front of the Jane Austen Museum

Striding in the footsteps of the great with St Nicholas’ Church behind

Rolling countryside and sheep taking the shade

Lots of chat on the way to Upper Farringdon, along a path almost certainly used by Jane Austen on her numerous trips to Farringdon

Sometimes you just have to stop for a cracking joke

Looks as if everyone else has made a run for the coffee stop

Early coffee stop at Upper Farringdon communal garden

Even the bee stopped off with us for a break

Hampshire scenery

Walking the disused railway, back carriage

Front carriage

Trees forming a guard of honour for us

Tunnel vision

Spread out along the wild meadow

Getting close to the end of the walk

The enjoyable lunch

A glorious mushroom birthday cake

The cake party

Our leisurely 3.8 mile walk

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