The Overton Jane Austen Trails
Explore the Hampshire countryside that Jane Austen walked in the 25 years she lived in Steventon.
Choose your trail:
“The Overton Scotchman has been kind enough to rid me of some of my money, in exchange for six shifts and four pair of stockings.”
– Jane Austen’s letter to her sister from Steventon, 25th November 1798
TRAIL 1 – VILLAGE WALK – 2.5 MILES
Overton in Jane Austen's Time
A 2.5 mile circular walking trail exploring Overton in Jane Austen’s Time, following country lanes, streets and pavements. Allow 1 hour at a leisurely pace.
Located just 2.5 miles from Jane Austen’s home in Steventon, Overton was described as a ‘neat little town’ in Jane Austen’s time.
The New Inn in Overton was the Austen family’s post office and all Jane Austen’s letters from Steventon are postmarked Overton and addressed Steventon near Overton.
Jane’s brother, James Austen, became curate at Overton in 1790, living firstly in Overton Vicarage and then, after marrying in 1792, moving to Court House, which still stands, as it did in Jane Austen’s time on a hill next to the church.
As well as Jane’s curate brother, her father, George Austen, the rector of Steventon, occasionally also performed services at St. Mary’s Church in Overton.
With its grocers, tailors, dressmaker, shoemakers, the local apothecary and of course, the ‘Overton Scotchman’, Overton was the closest place to the Austens’ home for the necessities of life.
The Overton in Jane Austen’s Time trail explores the ‘neat little town’ that Jane knew.
“She has nothing, in short, to recommend her, but being an excellent walker.”
– Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
TRAIL 2 – WALK – 6.5 MILES
Overton, Ashe and Deane
A 6.5 mile circular walking trail from Overton exploring Hampshire countryside that Jane walked in her 25 years living in Steventon.
Following footpaths, bridleways and country lanes. Allow 3 hours at a leisurely pace.
The trail follows the path of the River Test across the beautiful Hampshire countryside to its source in Ashe and then across the fields to Deane, where Jane’s father was rector.
Passing the beautiful parkland of Deane Park and then the home of the Austens’ friends, the Harwood family, Deane House, where Jane visited, danced and dined.
The return journey crosses the beautiful grounds of Ashe Park, the home of the Austen family friend, Mr Holder, and then past Ashe Parsonage, the home of Jane’s ‘beloved friend’ Mrs Lefroy, and back across the fields to Overton, passing the site of Mrs Lefroy’s accident at the top of Overton Hill.
“I do not wish to avoid the walk. The distance is nothing when one has a motive.”
– Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
TRAIL 3 – WALK – 9 MILES
Overton to Steventon
A 9 mile way marked circular walking trail from Overton to Jane Austen’s birthplace and home for 25 years at Steventon.
The trail follows the path of the River Test across the beautiful Hampshire countryside to its source in Ashe and then across the fields to Deane, where Jane’s father was rector.
The trail then follows in the footsteps of Jane Austen herself to Steventon, passing the site of her home at Steventon Rectory (which was demolished in 1823/4) and on to St. Nicholas Church, where her father was also rector.
The return journey crosses the beautiful grounds of Ashe Park, the home of the Austen family friend, Mr Holder, and then past Ashe Parsonage, the home of Jane’s ‘beloved friend’ Mrs Lefroy, and back across the fields to Overton, passing the site of Mrs Lefroy’s accident at the top of Overton Hill.
“… we have been obliged to take advantage of the delightful weather ourselves by going to see almost all our Neighbours.”
– Jane Austen’s letter to her sister Cassandra from Steventon, 25th October 1800
TRAIL 4 – CYCLING – 12 MILES:
Overton to Steventon
A 12 mile circular cycle trail from Overton, following bridleways, country lanes and roads. Allow 1 hour and 5 mins at 12.5mph.
The trail starts in Overton, briefly following the beautiful River Test before moving on to single-track country roads across the Hampshire countryside.
Passing the home of the Austens’ friends, the Harwoods at Deane House, where Jane visited, danced and dined.
Then on to Steventon, past the site of Steventon Rectory, Jane Austen’s birthplace and home for 25 years (demolished in 1823/4) and on to St. Nicholas Church, where Jane’s father was rector.
The return journey has stunning views across the Hampshire countryside before passing Ashe Parsonage, the home of Jane’s ‘beloved friend’ Mrs Lefroy and back on country roads to the start at Overton.
