- Leader: Fiona El Hasnaoui
- Date: 4 March 2026
- Distance: 9 miles
Kingsley Pond to Binsted circular
On a slightly misty morning, 16 ramblers gathered at Kingsley Pond, hoping for some Spring sunshine to emerge later in the day. Setting off from the pond, we proceeded down a muddy track and emerged at the back of a farm with sheep grazing. We then walked across two large fields, spotting some running deer in the distance.
The going was wet and muddy but flat so it was a good leg stretch with open views all around. At one stage, we emerged through a gap in the hedge to discover a burnt-out vehicle (just about recognisable as a Land Rover) which we stopped to inspect.
Continuing on northwards we ascended gently past several ponds and through woodland up to the back of the small hamlet of Wyck where we emerged to a fine view back towards Kingsley and an ideal spot for a coffee break. After coffee, we walked on past some corn stubble, down some steep steps and turned just before a large pool of water which would have impeded our way. The path then climbed gently up to Binsted with open, elevated views of the Hampshire countryside. By the time we reached Binsted, the sun had finally come out and there was a lovely blue sky.
Buried in the graveyard of The Church of the Holy Cross at Binsted is the grave of Field Marshal Monty of Alamein, which we stopped to view. We then had a look around the church which houses Monty’s banner (previously in Westminster Abbey) and a quite beautiful painted glass window designed by Capronnier (a famous Belgian glass artist) and recently refurbished. We then partook of lunch in the churchyard whilst admiring the charming houses opposite, one of which dates back to the 14th Century. The blossom has started to emerge and there were joyful daffodils everywhere.
After lunch, we started the gradual descent passing the hamlet of Wheatley, with more wonderful views, and on down grassy paths, at one stage crossing the disused railway line, to the outer edge of Alice Holt Forest. We walked for a while on a tree-lined path and having turned on to a longer path, emerged at the back of the Country Market. A further path with very open views, and a crossing of the main road, led us back to Kingsley Common.
Kingsley Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is characterised by heather, birch and pine, with dry sandy paths. There were many trees covered in lichen (a sign of healthy air) and one area in particular which was quite beautiful, with lichen not just on the trees but scattered all over the mossy floor.
A short stroll to the edge of Kingsley Pond took us back to the cars.
Author: Fiona El Hasnaoui
Photography: Fiona El Hasnaoui, Clare McCullough, Rose Field, David Roberts