Section 4 - Droxford Church
to Exton Church

Introduction

This walk of about 2½ miles (4 km) takes in the group of four churches: Droxford, Meonstoke, Corhampton, and Exton.  These are four lovely and important churches; each is worth a detailed visit and there are good information guides.  Droxford Church is mentioned at the end of Section 3.  For the most part, the route is close to the River Meon.  Time: 1¼ hrs.

Parking

Free parking is available in the little Droxford Square, near the Church and Village Hall.

The Walk

Go down the churchyard on the north side of the church, and through a wicket gate and turn left on the indicated "WW" path to the north.  Over a stile and pass the fine old mill.

This pleasant path widens out to become Mill Lane and, after about 400 yards, reaches a road; turn left for 50 yards, and then right at a Footpath finger beside Brockbridge House.

Follow the path through a wood for about 600 yards to a road; continue along this road for about 400 yards, passing Meonstoke House, and after another 100 yards turn left (Footpath sign) through a gate and follow this footpath past Meonstoke School.  Walk up the High Street with its pleasant houses; at the top, turn left and go down the hill.  Just before the "Bucks Head" (which is recommended for food and drinks), turn right up a lane to the 13th C St Andrew's Church.

Coming out of the lichgate of Meonstoke Church, turn right and take the indicated Footpath to the left of the garden hedge belonging to St Andrew's Cottage.  After 50 yards, cross over the River Meon by a footbridge and so out to the A32.  Turn right and, after 100 yards, keep right into Warnford Road.  Cross over the road to the Church.

(Corhampton Church is of national importance, as being one of the best surviving examples in the country of a small almost untouched Saxon church which also contains important 12th C wall paintings depicting the life of St Swithun.  The churchyard contains a famous yew tree which is over 1000 years old and a Roman sarcophagus.    The church is open daily and has a detailed guidebook)

After visiting the Church, retrace your steps to the A32 and turn left following the churchyard wall.  Just before the bridge, turn left up a drive; then, after 50 yards, fork right up a grassy track between some fine old houses.  Climb over a stile (HCC footpath signs) and follow the footpath through a paddock.  Keep to the left and go through a metal kissing gate.  Follow this grass footpath out to a road (Allens Farm Lane) and turn right along it.  At the end, turn right by "Beacon Cottage"; then, after 150 yards, turn left into a road which takes you to the pretty church of SS Peter & Paul, Exton, which was built in the 13th C and almost completely rebuilt in 1837.

Section 4: 2½ miles; allow 1¼ hrs for the actual walk.