Happening Hook

In the heart of everything that north Hampshire has to offer, the village of Hook takes some beating this October

- Viv Micklefield

A rich harvest of different activities can be enjoyed during this month of mellow fruitfulness with good communication links. And it’s why Hook scores big time. Not only are there plenty of things to do within the village, you only need to journey a few miles in any direction to find even more.

MAKE TRACKS

Why not lace-up your boots or dig-out the wellies? Autumn is one of the best times of year for getting out and about, and exploring the local countryside.

From the village centre, take in oak trees laden with acorns, fishing lakes and open fields on an 8.6km (5.4 mile) circular walk whose outermost landmark is West Green House. It follows part of the tranquil River Whitewater, where brown trout swim within the chalk stream habitat, and passes the Crooked Billet pub with an optional amble around Bassett’s Mead (a walk in its own right). One of Hook’s own hostelries: The Raven Hotel, The Old White Hart or the White Hart, provides a rewarding final destination.

Alternatively, a family-friendly walk goes from Hook to the nearby village of Rotherwick and back (5.5km/3.5 miles). Deer may be spotted in the fields with the promise of late autumn blackberries to forage. And there’s a charming village duck pond and 13th-century church, as well as a two country pubs, providing welcome detours.

Meanwhile, the Basingstoke Canal walk (9.5km/6 miles) leads through woodland to Greywell, before following the canal past King John’s famous 13th-century castle to North Warnborough. It then returns across Bartley Heath which is a haven for wildlife including many species of autumn fungi. GPS waypoints and maps can be downloaded at hook.gov.uk/walks

APPLE ACTION