In the footsteps of Jane Austen

This is a 9 mile circular walk from Overton passing through villages significant to Jane Austen's time living in the area.

We begin by walking along Overton High Street, and after crossing the River Test we have views of St Mary's Church where Jane's eldest brother James was curate.

Heading East on quiet lanes and footpaths, often crossing the River Test, we occasionally glimpse the chimneys and buildings of Overton Mill. This historic bank note paper manufacturing mill closed in 2022 and the site is now undergoing redevelopment planning.

Reaching the village of Ashe we can see the source of the River Test, which flows 40 miles south and joins the English Channel at Southampton Water. Passing Holy Trinity and St Andrew's Church we continue along footpaths to the next village of Deane, where Jane's father George Austen was rector. He was also rector at Steventon, the next village we visit.

To reach Steventon, the birthplace of Jane, we pass the area of Cheesedown Farm where Jane's father was allowed to farm, to supplement his rector's income. We now join a section of the Wayfarer's Walk, before branching off towards Steventon's St Nicholas Church where we stop for lunch. The Church was built around 1200 and has changed little since that time. If the Church is open we can see memorials to the Austen family. 

After lunch we walk past the imposing Steventon Manor and make our way back to Overton crossing fields and woodland. 

Back in Overton we have the option to stop for refreshment at the 15th century White Hart Inn.