Butser Hill
Butter Hill is in the east of the county between Petersfield and Havant and is a nature reserve as well as it is a biological and geological site of Special Scientific Interest.
It is a chalk hill, one of the highest hills in Hampshire and is the second highest point in the South Downs National Park. It is set within Queen Elizabeth Country Park. It is used for activities such as grass skiing and if we ever get snow again makes a great spot for tabogganing. The slog up is hard but worth the effort and the tea shop in the country park is always there for a rewarding cuppa, cake or ice cream. (thanks Tom Austin for unsplash image).
St Giles Hill to Old Winchester Hill
For a longer walk, follow the South Downs Way from St Giles Hill in Winchester to Old Winchester Hill in the East of County.
The route is just over 12 miles. It was quite a hilly route, passing through valleys and countryside. Chilcomb, Cheesefoot Head, quiet farm tracks, country lanes, Beacon Hill, Meon Valley, and lots more to see on route, so it’s well worth it.
As the South Downs Way is part of the ‘national trails’, it was great to have a few water refill spots on route too.
It’s also very popular with cyclists.
This walk isn’t a circular one, so we parked up at the end of the route at the top of old Winchester Hill, but there is another spot near St Giles Hill. The route is well-signposted and simple to follow, there’s plenty of info online too. We did it as an adults only group – children would need to be pretty experienced and fit to push through the whole walk.
St Catherine’s Hill
This nature reserve is right next to Winchester’s city centre so its a great place for locals and visitors to enjoy – an amazing slice of the countryside with some impressive history too. It offers stunning views over the Winchester district and is a top spot to explore with the family.
The hill stands 70m above the river valley and places to spot from the top include Winchester Cathedral and the Hospital of St Cross and the Itchen Navigation wending its way along at the base of the gill..
We enjoy heading up on summer evenings to enjoy a glass of wine or picnic whilst watching the sun slowly go down.
Pushchairs – Not one for pushchairs to get the top unless you fancy lifting up!
Danebury Iron Age Hill Fort
We love this spot just outside of Stockbridge near Winchester and another hill with history and views!
There is a free car park at the bottom of the hill and a nice leisurely walk up the hill and route. You can also ride there on a bike or walk of course 😉Great views from the top. There are also loos by the car park.
🅿️ SO20 6HZ
Ashford Hangers
Just north of Petersfield in East Hampshire, Ashford Hangers is one of Hampshire’s most beautiful woodland areas and is a very different walking experience from our previous spots. The name “Little Switzerland” has been given to this part of Hampshire due to its fantastic scenery. Spring is a brilliant time to visit as it’s full of gorgeous flowers and the smell of wild garlic is in the air.
It is a very good spot to wear out the kids with its uphill walk to the top, and you are rewarded with some stunning panoramic views over the Hampshire and Sussex countryside from certain vantage points between the woods. It is a really tranquil spot to unwind and get away from the crowds in the busier spots like the country parks in the summer.
There isn’t a car park but there are a few spots by the road, most park at one of the nearby villages and walk down the quiet countryside roads.
Beacon Hill to Exton
Stunning views from this South Downs spot in Hampshire nestled in the Meon Valley.
Walking through Beacon Hill Nature Reserve to Meonstoke through Exton is around 8km. It’s a beautiful walk in green Hampshire countryside with amazing views, rivers and streams, and of course, picnic spots. Lots of wildlife to spot and shorter and longer circular walking routes aplenty. Tow significant hills to climb so its a route with ups and downs but lots of interesting spots and sights along the way
We parked up at a small car park by Beacon Hill National Nature Reserve and donated to the car park via a mobile app. https://goo.gl/maps/ny6Zd1bbReLXF6i59
