15k Run West Meon: Scenic Journey Through Meon Valley Trail

Route Overview & Local Insights

Experience one of Hampshire’s finest off-road running corridors with this 14.5km point-to-point journey along the Meon Valley Trail. Starting in the charming village of West Meon, this route follows the old Meon Valley Railway line, offering a remarkably flat and consistent surface with only 11m of ascent. Runners will enjoy a firm, well-maintained dirt path that cuts through a lush green corridor of woodland and open fields. Because it follows a decommissioned rail bed, the gradients are exceptionally gentle, making it a perfect choice for a steady endurance run or a high-cadence tempo session away from traffic. While the path stays relatively dry, be prepared for some soft ground and muddy patches during the winter months.

The trail occupies a storied piece of local history, follows the path of the "Meon Valley Line" which once linked Alton to Fareham until its closure in 1955. As you run southward toward the historic market village of Wickham, you’ll pass under Victorian brick bridges and catch glimpses of the chalk-stream clarity of the River Meon. The area is a haven for local wildlife; keep an eye out for kingfishers and buzzards that frequent the surrounding South Downs National Park. Completing the run in Wickham offers a rewarding finish, where the medieval square provides a perfect backdrop for a post-run coffee or meal after exploring one of the most scenic rural arteries in Southern England.