Chalton & Butser Ancient Farm from Buriton

South Downs Walk

Downs + Woodland + Countryside

Walk Route Description

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Circular walk from the lovely village of Buriton with its pond and fine church the focus of the village. The undulating route climbs south over Head Down to the village of Chalton. The walk continues west over Windmill Hill and allows a visit to the Butser Ancient Farm if time permits. Turning north the route enters Queen Elizabeth Forest and Country Park to join the South Downs Way which leads most of the way back to Buriton.

Parking in Buriton is available near the village pond (grid ref. SU739200). After parking follow the gravel track that runs in front of the gate to St Mary’s Church. The track soon bends left around the church and reaches a kissing gate. Turn right up the enclosed path which soon enters woodland and climbs more steeply. The path curves right and leads up to a lane which is part of the South Downs Way. Turn right and after 150 metres turn left between wooden barriers to enter Head Down Plantation. The path heads south and after 350 metres meets a track. Continue ahead over Head Down for just over a kilometre to Head Hanger and a T-junction of tracks (grid ref. SU738181).

Cross the track to the narrow path opposite into trees. The path soon emerges into a field. The path runs to the right of the first pylon and then to the left of the second pylon descending to a stile and New Barn Lane (grid ref. SU737171). Turn left and follow the lane which briefly runs beside the railway on your left. Reaching gravel tracks on either side of the road, fork right and follow the track between hedges to a lane in Chalton. Bear right along the lane into Chalton. Reaching a junction keep ahead keeping a small area of grass on your left. Bear right at the next junction signed to Clanfield. Follow the lane for 600 metres. Just after passing under power lines, turn left through a kissing gate (grid ref. SU726163).

The path heads half-right across the field towards Windmill Hill. Pass through another gate and head more steeply uphill. As you gain height the views improve including Butser Ancient Farm. The path then curves right and leads to the access drive to Windmill Hill. Note that the windmill is now a private residence. It is worth a short climb left to benefit from the views before returning down the access drive which leads down to the A3. Just after the drive bends right, turn right over a stile and head across a field. Cross the entrance driveway to Butser Ancient Farm and continue across the field to gap in the left-hand hedge and a lane (grid ref. SU721166).

Bear right along the lane. and then turn left at fingerpost up an enclosed path towards Queen Elizabeth Forest and Country Park. Nearing the trees the path joins a track which runs along the edge of the woodland with fields on your left and trees to your right. After 600 metres, fork right (just before the trees end) and after 300 metres reach the South Downs Way (grid ref. SU719181). Turn left for the Visitor Centre, toilets and café or to continue the walk turn sharp right. Within a few metres, turn left to continue along the South Downs Way.

The path heads up through woodland and is signed. After a kilometre of gentle uphill walking the path starts to descend. And leads down to Halls Hill car park (grid ref. SU733198). Exit the car park under the barrier and cross the grass island to the Hangers Way. The path descends quite steeply through trees and leads back to the start by the village pond in Buriton.

Walk GradingMore South Downs Walks

Other walks nearby

Walk 2422	Butser Hill and Wether Down from Buriton	moderate	12.5 miles
Walk 3260	Butser Hill Circular	easy/mod	6.9 miles
Walk 2533	Old Winchester Hill from East Meon	moderate	12.0 miles
Walk 2394	East Meon & Wether Down Circular	easy/mod	8.0 miles
Walk 3162	Butser Hill from East Meon	moderate	8.4 miles