Exploring Stour & Avon…
with retired Dorset rights of way officer 

Hinton Martell and Hinton Parva have been combined into one parish, Hinton, so this walk is a little longer than usual, approaching nine miles.
But most of it is easy going on Tarmac and (apart from the Chalbury visit) not too steep.
Park near the church at Hinton Martell, which is worth visiting as it has some lovely decorations, including statues. Then follow the road north east, soon veering eastward through Uppington where there’s a left turn taking you uphill to Chalbury.
It’s over the parish boundary but worth a visit. The church has rare box pews.
Now head east-south-eastwards along road and footpath to Chalbury Common and then turn right and head south down the road, which follows the parish boundary with Holt, passing through Gaunt’s Common. After a mile or so you’ll find a road to your right which weaves its way north-westward for a mile past Woodcutts Farm to a cross road at High Lea Farm.
Turn left and head south for a mile, passing through Hinton Parva. The few scattered dwellings explain why it got its name: parva is Latin for small. On your left you’ll see a smooth (not rough) road which takes you in a loop through Stanbridge and back to the road.
About a furlong down the road is the church and also, on your right, a footpath (sometimes soggy) that takes you down to the River Allen, a tributary of the Stour.
Having explored, and looked at the old buildings, make your way back to the road and retrace your steps back up to High Lea Farm, after passing which turn right and head eastwards back to Hinton Martell where, after passing a fountain you’ll soon find yourself back at your car.