Overton to Steventon Jane Austen guided walk

Jane Austen was born in 1775 in Steventon, less than three miles from Overton. This corner of Hampshire was Jane’s home for her first 25 years and where she wrote early versions of Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility and Northanger Abbey.

The guided 9 mile circular walk from Overton to Steventon crosses Hampshire countryside on footpaths, bridleways and lanes following in the footsteps of Jane Austen, her friends and family.

See historical churches, grand houses and coaching inns where everyday people prayed, worked and were in service during Jane Austen's time.’

The trail follows the path of the River Test over to Ashe. Then on to Deane, where Jane’s father was rector passing Deane House, where Jane Austen danced and dined.

The trail then follows in the footsteps of Jane Austen to Steventon, passing the site of her former home at Steventon Rectory (demolished in 1823/4) and on to St Nicholas Church, where her father was also rector.

The return journey crosses the grounds of Ashe Park, the home of the Austen family friend, Mr Holder, past Ashe Parsonage, the home of Jane’s ‘beloved friend’ Mrs Lefroy, and back across fields to Overton, passing the site of Mrs Lefroy’s accident at the top of Overton Hill.

Refreshments will be available at key locations for a donation. Toilet facilities will also be available.

See also separate HODs events on 12th & 13th September 2026, based at or starting from Overton Community Centre.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

1000

Location & directions

Overton Community Centre, High Street, Overton, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 3HB

Directions:

Getting here The trail will start at the information board in the centre of Overton. OS Grid Ref: SU 51500 49676 ///qualify.revives.goofy (what3words) Train: Overton is on the London Waterloo to Exeter line, see www.nationalrail.co.uk Car: Park at the car park on Overton Hill OS Grid Ref: SU 51749 49671 ///crusher.fabricate.huddle (what3words) Bus: 76 and 86, www.stagecoachbus.com

Contact on day:

Noelle Gibbs

Telephone number:

+447557094040

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Pre booking required via link below.

Booking contact name:

Hampshire History Trust

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hampshire-history-trust

Booking opens:

27 Aug 2026 09:00 AM

Booking closes:

11 Sep 2026 03:00 PM

Accessibility details

We recommend: • Good walking shoes or boots • Legs covered to minimise risk from ticks • Top clothing suitable for the weather conditions • Drinking water • Snack / packed lunch The trail includes roads and footpaths with some steep sections and uneven ground. You must be able to tackle these at a reasonable pace throughout the 9 mile walk. Toilet facilities at start and finish. Please advise the walk leader of any medical conditions that might present an issue whilst walking.

Additional information

Max number of people:

40

Estimated duration:

5 hour(s)

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