Section 1 - Titchfield Haven to
Tichfeild Church

Introduction

This is a simple 2½ mile walk up a flat public footpath,
beside a canal, through the edge of the Titchfield Haven
National Nature Reserve.  As it takes only about an hour, it is
suggested that you combine it with a visit to this excellent
Nature Reserve.

Location

Head for the coast at Hill Head and follow the brown signs "Bird Reserve".
The River Meon flows in to the sea at the tiny Hill Head Harbour, which is now a sailing club.  Hampshire County Council runs the National Nature Reserve, where there are a Visitor Centre, several hides for watching the birds, and a restaurant serving light meals.  One could spend a whole day here and it is highly recommended.  The Reserve is open Wednesday - Sunday and, at the time of writing, the entrance fee was about £3. Phone: 01329 662 145.

Parking

Very near to where the walk starts, there is free parking along the seafront; an alternative is the car park beside the Hill Head Sailing Club.

The Walk

The start is about 500 yards to the west of the harbour (GR 530 023).
Enter the small gate, beside the "Public Footpath" finger sign.

(This path passes through the edge of the Nature Reserve.  We follow beside an old canal.  Four hundred years ago Titchfield, although 2 miles from the present shoreline, had its own harbour; but it was silting up and the 3rd Earl of Southampton decided to close it in order to bring the land into farming.  There was much public opposition and so in 1611 this canal was constructed by the people, but it was small and not much used.  It is the second oldest canal in England)

Follow the Hampshire County Council's Meon Valley Trail (yellow arrows), which runs beside the road for about 400 yards and then turns northwards.  The path is very obvious and follows the east bank of the canal.  Just keep straight on!  There are views over the Nature Reserve to the right.  After about two miles, a road is reached.  Cross over and follow the Footpath which leads to Titchfield Church. (2½ miles; 1 hour)

The Church, which is believed to have been founded by St Wilfrid, is a very fine building.  It contains much of interest, including a tomb and memorials to the Earls of Southampton.  There are good guide books.

The village square has several good pubs and shops.