North Wessex Downs Walk
Watership Down and Ladle Hill from the Sydmonton Estate
Walk Route Description
Click thumbnails for larger images.
A delightful short walk that features a fantastic section of the North Downs on the renowned Watership Down made famous by the eponymous novel about rabbits! The walk also features the incomplete iron age fort on Ladle hill and the genteel Sydmonton Estate. Views from the ridge (now forming part of the Wayfarer's Walk) are superb.
Click thumbnails for larger images.
The walk commences near Wergs Farm, grid reference SU477582. Park on the side of the road, just before the farm if heading North towards Burghclere. Head North towards the farm and then after the farm buildings turn right along a broad track with superb views to the North up to Watership Farm. Take the first turn right down another broad track that passes paddocks, tree lined avenues and the impressive stately pile itself. Upon reaching the road through Sydmonton, turn left and after a few metres take a hedge-lined track that heads straight for the imposing Downs ahead. Ladle Hill is to the right, its fort hidden from view from below.
The track veers off left as it rises. Follow it as it turns into a tree lined lane with spectacular views into the valley below and Watership Down to the left. Upon reaching the crest, turn right onto the Wayfarer's Walk and follow it as it twists right then left towards the edge of a wood. At the end of the wood through a swing gate turn square left and follow the track as it turns square right passing a tumulus (ancient burial mound). The path climbs to the fenced off summit of Ladle Hill, an incomplete Iron Age Hill Fort. Explore this at your leisure and then return to the path.
At the end of the fort, the path turns left and descends slightly. The return route is marked with a waymarked post and a cairn. This bridlepath turns right at an acute angle, heading for the woods below. Enter the woods and follow the enclosed path all the way back to the start point. Note the view of Beacon Hill, highest point in Hampshire, by the A34 to the left.
Please maintain social distancing - keep at least 2 metres away from other walkers.
Maps | |||
Ordnance Survey Explorer 144 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Anquet OS Explorer 144 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Ordnance Survey Landranger 174 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Anquet OS Landranger 174 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
It is recommended you take a map. The preferred scale is 1:25k. |
Recommended Books & eBooks
Walking Hampshire's Test Way
Guidebook to walking the 71km (44 mile) Test Way in Hampshire from high on the chalk downs of Inkpen Beacon to the Eling Tide Mill near Southampton Water. Following the beautiful, crystal clear River Test, it passes picturesque villages and fascinating historic sites. Also includes 15 day walks to explore this lovely part of pastoral England.
More information
Walking in the Thames Valley
Walking in the Thames Valley describes 25 adventurous day walks in the area covering the North Hampshire Downs, Berkshire and the Southern Chilterns with easy access to London and Reading. The circular walks vary from 10 to 18 miles, including one 2-day walk, as well as shorter route options for those who want a less strenuous day out.
More information
Navigation
This pocket handbook to navigation will help you master the necessary map and compass skills for mountain walking. Chapters include map scales, symbols and contours, grid references, map reading, bearings, route planning and night and bad-weather navigation, as well as navigating with a GPS.
More information