Best dog walks in East Meon
We are so lucky to live in our beautiful county of Hampshire. As a dog owner and dog and puppy trainer, I love to get out and about as much as possible - especially at this time of year when the winter blues are starting to set in.
To encourage people to get out and explore with their dogs, I will be continuing my new new series of blogs that look at dog-friendly places to visit in our fair county, along with suggestions for places to eat and walk.
This month I am focussing on the beautiful village of East Meon! This blog explores (what I think are) the two of the best dog walks in East Meon. One is a circular dog walk in East Meon and the other is a short dog walk in East Meon.
EAST MEON
East Meon by Colin Smith
The highest lying village in the beautiful Meon Valley, East Meon is a fascinating mix of building styles including a Norman church, All Saints, and the Old Court House which features a medieval hall. The village is believed to have been around since around 400 - 600 AD - it was even mentioned in the Doomsday Book!
As you take a stroll through the village you’ll be treated to picturesque thatched cottages worthy of being on a Christmas card, as well as a variety of houses built using traditional Hampshire flint. Known as “the swift one”, the River Meon lazily winds its way through the centre of the village. Be sure to keep an eye out for some incredible wildlife including vibrant Kingfishers, wild trout, and playful otters.
Local Walks: Circular dog walk in East Meon
For serious walkers looking to stretch their legs, there’s a fantastic circular walk that begins at All Saints church in the heart of the village. As you leave the village, you’ll take in the peaceful local fields and the River Meon, before joining the famous South Downs Way. You journey to the source of the river, all the while walking on a mixture of byways, stony paths, and marked footpaths - all of which will offer your dog some great sniffs! This 7 - 8 mile walk brings you back to the village in a circle and gives you a great flavour of the beautiful local landscapes. Find out more about the route and see a map here.
Local Walks: Short dog walk in East Meon
For those looking for a more gentle amble, a shorter 4 mile walk route also starts at All Saints and loops around the back of Pidham Hill to the northeast of the village. The walk has some gentle inclines which give you some incredible views of the surrounding countryside, and the well-marked paths make it a walk you can enjoy with all the family. In the summer months, the long grasses will give your dog some great enrichment opportunities, and even more so if you play a game of hide and seek with a toy or treat they have to snuffle out among all the other smells lingering in the grass. Find out more about the route and see a map here.
Where to eat
After all that walking you’ll definitely need a sit down and something to eat and drink (and maybe a biscuit or two for your dog)!
Ye Old George Inn is a stunning 15th-century coaching inn that offers a good range of a la carte and lighter meals. Here you will find a mix of traditional pub grub such as pies and burgers, as well as soups and salads for anyone looking for something lighter. The chef strives to use locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, and the menu changes with the seasons so you’re always eating the best of what Hampshire has to offer. The bar area is dog friendly, so be sure to cosy up to the fire with your pooch and a glass of your tipple of choice.
Ye Old George Inn by Colin Smith
If you’re looking for something more low-key, The Izaak Walton operates as both a tearoom and a pub so you can have the best of both worlds. Open from 10 am, the tearoom is a cosy space with a range of homemade cakes and freshly ground coffee on offer. If you’re a bit more peckish, the pub menu offers everything from jacket potatoes and sandwiches to burgers, fish and chips, so everyone is catered for. Dogs are welcome to join their owners, and in the summer months, there is a large beer garden so you can enjoy your meal outside making it perfect for refuelling after a long walk!
River Meon flows past the Izaak Walton pub by Peter Facey
Local Places of Interest
While the village is quite small and quiet, there are a couple of local attractions that may be of interest to you.
For anyone with reactive or nervous dogs, Paw Paddock East Meon is a short way out of the centre of the village and offers completely secure paddocks to let your dog exercise off lead in total privacy. Their paddock extends to 4 acres and has a range of wooden agility equipment for your dog to use, and your session allows you to bring up to three dogs for exercise and training in total peace. Poo bags are supplied as well as a water tap for rehydrating, and there’s a picnic bench and a shelter for you to relax safely in the knowledge your dog is having a whale of a time. You could even make a party of it and invite two friends and their dogs to join in the fun!
Meon Springs Fly Fishery by Chris Heaton
Meon Springs is just a short drive outside the village and is a haven for anyone who loves field sports. From fly fishing to clay shooting, dogs are welcome to join their owners as they take part in a range of activities. They also offer a range of different accommodation options if you fancy a night away, as well as experiences like wild yoga and bushcraft (very Bear Grylls), as well as an onsite cafe for a bite to eat and a cuppa.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog!
Do you have a tried and trusted pub you can visit with your dog with a great walk nearby? Is there a shop where you know your dog is welcomed with open arms? Share your favourite places to visit with your dog so we can get everyone out and about with their pooches!
Enjoy your walkies!
Sarah-Jane x