Meet at West Town Car Park for car share to Chalton, leaving at 9.15.
Park at the Red Lion, Chalton, postcode PO8 0BG, grid reference SU731160 for walk start at 10 a.m.
We walk through the churchyard onto Chalton Down with good views in every direction then descend under the railway line to the 1000 year old Idsworth Church, which is a good coffee stop after 2 miles. We turn back northwards along a section of the Staunton Way then cross the railway and ascend the down from the eastern side. The start of this path had a lot of leg-height nettles on the recce so you might want to wear trousers for this walk! As we ascend, there should be a chance to spot downland butterflies and orchids.
Lunch is booked at the pub for 12.30 and we may need to pre-order our meals (dependent on numbers).
It should be generally dry underfoot though puddles and mud may accumulate after rain in the railway crossings.
The total distance is 4.2 miles with 500 feet of height gain and no stiles.
This is the planned route: