Serene river scene with a white swan and ducks swimming, surrounded by trees and blue sky.
Group of people wearing colorful outdoor clothing, standing on a rural path with fields and a blue sky in the background.
Group of people with backpacks smiling outdoors near trees and a house.
A scenic view featuring a calm river reflecting sunlight, bordered by a wooden fence and trees with bare branches. A house is visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Serene river landscape with calm water reflecting trees and a clear blue sky; lush greenery and bare tree branches frame the scene.

Walking Through Stories: Jane Austen & Watership Down

Join us for a unique hotel-based walking weekend as we explore the literary landscapes of Hampshire. This special weekend, launched in 2025 to mark the 250th anniversary year of Jane Austen's birth, takes you into the world of her novels on the Overton Jane Austen Trail. The weekend continues with a walk through the Hampshire countryside, including Watership Down, immortalised in Richard Adams’ beloved story of rabbits and resilience.

Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hotel
Group Size: Maximum 8
Level: Leisurely

Pricing & Accommodation: From £195 per person. Shared rooms, single rooms, twin rooms, and double rooms available - see booking calendar for specific dates and pricing.

 

Booking Calendar…

A Guided Walking Weekend Through Hampshire’s Literary Landscapes

Celebrate the beauty of walking alongside the richness of literature on this relaxed weekend in Hampshire. Based in a hotel, you’ll join guided walks and enjoy sociable dinners out, with plenty of time to immerse yourself in the stories and landscapes that inspired two literary icons.

On Saturday, we’ll follow the Overton Jane Austen Trail, which takes us through picturesque villages and areas closely linked to Austen’s life and writing. This walk celebrates the 250th anniversary of her birth and offers fascinating insights into the places that inspired her timeless novels.

Sunday’s walk takes us through the rolling hills, ancient drovers’ routes, and woodland of Hampshire’s countryside. We’ll explore the area of Watership Down, the backdrop to Richard Adams’ classic tale. Along the way, we’ll reflect on the story of the rabbits as they faced challenges, built community, and embraced their freedom.

With expert guides, great company, and leisurely walks, this weekend is ideal for book lovers and walkers alike.

A group of walkers stand on a bridge over the River Test in Hampshire

Suggested Itinerary

Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!

  • You’re welcome to check in at the hotel from 3pm, giving you time to settle in and relax before the weekend begins. For those arriving by train, your host will be offering a free collection from Basingstoke station at 6pm. Shortly after, we’ll meet up in the bar for introductions, and then head out for a sociable dinner, the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow walkers and chat about the plans for the weekend ahead.

  • After breakfast, we set off to explore the Overton Jane Austen Trail. This picturesque 9-mile route meanders through the Hampshire countryside and into Overton village, rich with connections to Austen’s life and works. You’ll pass key locations that inspired scenes in her novels and learn more about her upbringing and her ties to this charming area.

    The walk is at a leisurely pace and includes plenty of stops to enjoy the surroundings and reflect on Austen’s enduring legacy. After returning to the hotel mid-afternoon, there’s time to freshen up before heading out together for dinner at a nearby restaurant.

  • Our final day takes us on a delightful 9-mile walk through the countryside that provided the setting for Watership Down, Richard Adams’ famous story of a group of rabbits in search of a new home.

    As we walk through ancient drovers’ routes, open hills, and peaceful woodlands, you’ll recognise elements described in the book, from the sweeping landscapes to areas that evoke the spirit of the rabbits’ adventure. We'll share anecdotes about the story and reflect on its themes of courage, freedom, and the natural world.

    We’ll finish the walk by early afternoon, with time to enjoy a coffee or cake stop before saying our goodbyes.

Beacon Hill as viewed from Ladle hill

Beacon Hill from Ladle Hill in the North Wessex Downs

Essential Information

  • Meeting Time: from 3pm.
    You can arrive any time from 3pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation’s bar to welcome you from 6pm. Dinner will be booked around 7pm, so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.

    Meeting Location:
    Premier Inn - Basingstoke West
    Basingstoke Leisure Park,
    Worting Road,
    Basingstoke,
    RG22 6PG

    Parking: There is parking available at hotel

    Pickups: This is one of Large Outdoors’ Car Free Experiences - we offer a courtesy Pickup Basingstoke Train Station at 18:00 on Friday and can drop you back off there on Sunday after the walk (usually between 3pm-5pm). Please select this option when booking if required.

    Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 3pm and 5pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.

  • Accommodation Address:
    Premier Inn - Basingstoke West
    Basingstoke Leisure Park,
    Worting Road,
    Basingstoke,
    RG22 6PG

    Room Types:
    Single Rooms (en-suite bathroom) are for one participant and have a king-sized double bed.
    Double Rooms (en-suite bathroom) sleep up to two participants booking together, in a king-sized Double bed. 

  • Included:

    • 2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Basingstoke

    • Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door.

    • Optional free collection from the local train station - see the Meeting Location & Time section above.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.

    • Guided walks on 2 days (Day 2 and Day 3).

    • A hearty cooked breakfast each morning, prepared by the accommodation.

    • Complimentary tea, coffee, provided in your room at the accommodation, but please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up with tap water and take out with you.

    • Bedding and a towel - but don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Packed lunch, we will stop at a local shop in the morning.

    • Dinner each evening - we’ll book a table at a local restaurant to enjoy dinner as a group and you can purchase whatever you fancy from the menu available.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Bottled water - tap water is available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.

    • Alcoholic drinks - the accommodation has a licensed bar if you wish to purchase alcohol.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

  • • What level of fitness is needed?
    This trip is graded as Leisurely. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.

    • Can I attend on my own?
    Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
    Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.
    This particular experience offers a little more flexibility catering wise, as evening meals are taken at local restaurants, so please contact us if you’d like to check whether it is suitable for your dietary needs.

    • What transport is provided during this trip?
    We offer transport with a Pickup service (see Meeting Location & Time section above) and transfers from the accommodation to the activity start points.

    • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

 
St. Nicholas's Church in Steventon, Hampshire

The North Wessex Downs National Landscape, situated in the heart of southern England, is a haven for walkers seeking rolling countryside, tranquil woodlands, and sweeping views. This protected area is known for its chalk escarpments, picturesque valleys, and an abundance of wildlife, making it an idyllic setting for a leisurely walking weekend.

In the south-eastern section, you’ll find charming villages, ancient drovers’ routes, and a patchwork of fields and hedgerows that showcase the area’s agricultural heritage. As you wander, you’ll encounter stunning viewpoints, such as those overlooking the meandering River Test, one of England’s most famous chalk streams.

The Downs are steeped in history, with Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hill forts, and remnants of ancient trackways blending seamlessly into the natural landscape. During spring and summer, wildflowers carpet the chalk grasslands, while autumn and winter walks offer crisp air and peaceful trails. Keep an eye out for red kites soaring overhead and the occasional sight of deer in the woodlands.

Whether tracing paths through quiet valleys or following trails across open ridges, the North Wessex Downs offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and serenity, perfect for a weekend of walking and exploration.

Image: St. Nicholas's Church in Steventon, Hampshire

 

This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.