Getting There
Sat Nav: RG27 9JJ
Leave the M3 at Junction 5 and take the A287 signed Newnham, Northbound 1st exit, Southbound 3rd exit.
Park in the Dorchester Arms car park, just before the traffic lights. If you don't intend to patronise the pub, there is limited off-road parking in Holly Bush Lane.
Return to M3 Junction 5
Turn left out of the car park onto the A287 and this road returns to the motorway.
Hook Common
Length of walk: 30-45 minutes
From the car park, walk across the road towards the Gate of India restaurant and then head into Holly Bush Lane. Walk past the immaculately kept mobile homes on the left and enter the common proper just after ‘Oaklands'. There's a sign here announcing that a dog warden is on duty, and notice of hefty fines for dog fouling – but alas, not a poo bin to be seen.
The woodland path is quite narrow, but easy to follow as it winds through old trees with a carpeting of bracken. For dogs, this must be a smell sensation of delight, as on the very damp day we were there the chief aroma seemed to be damp squirrel fur.
There is plenty of space for dogs to run around safely, and only the one small path so you won't get lost here.
Walk until the trees begin to thin out and then bear left on the track to stay on the common, as the other fork leads to a lane.
The Hampshire Wildlife Trust are currently restoring the Common to re-create its heathland habitats, so don't be surprised to find foresters at work here.
Facilities
At the Dorchester Arms. Food is served all day.