Butser Hill Circular
Hampshire Walk
County/Area - Hampshire
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 6.9 miles / 11.2 km Ascent - 700 feet / 212 metres
Time - 4 hours 10 minutes Grade - easy/mod
Maps
Ordnance Survey Explorer OL8 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Anquet OS Explorer OL8 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
Click image to see photo description.
This Butser Hill walk explores the Hampshire countryside lying to the west of this excellent viewpoint. The route follows tracks and quiet country lanes which provide a pleasant insight into the rural nature of this part of Hampshire. Along the way the walk passes the source of the River Meon before joining the South Downs Way which leads you back to the start.
The start is the large car park on the west side of Butser Hill (grid ref. SU712200). From the car park take the footpath up past the public toilets and continue through the metal gate to follow the tarmac driveway. Follow the driveway past the radio mast (on your left) and continue over grass to reach the trig column (grid ref. SU717203). Take some time to enjoy the extensive view.
From the trig point follow a wide grassy path north (with fence on your right). The path descends the northern flank of Ramsdean Down swinging west and then northwest to reach a track (grid ref. SU706212). Bear right up the track to reach Oxenbourne Lane (grid ref. SU706217). Turn left and then take the first lane on the right. After 200 metres turn left onto a track (sign hidden in the undergrowth on the left). Follow this track for 800 metres to reach a junction of several tracks (grid ref. SU696220).
Turn left along Cumber's Lane to reach Oxenbourne Lane again (grid ref. SU696214). Turn right and then first left through a metal gate to follow a track which soon passes a pond on your right and a cottage. Continue ahead to Harvesting Lane. Turn right and continue to the next junction (with a thatched cottage on your right. Bear left here re-joining Oxenbourne Lane. Continue along this lane for about a kilometre to reach a T-junction (grid ref. SU685210).
Turn left (signed to Clanfield). And after 200 metres turn left through a kissing gate onto a signed footpath (grid ref. SU684208). Cross a small field and then continue on the clear track through the yard of South Farm to cross a bridge over the source of the River Meon (grid ref. SU685205). Follow the track south to reach Upper Barnes (grid ref. SU689196). After Upper Barnes, the track becomes grassy and climbs steadily to reach the South Downs Way (grid ref. SU693190).
Turn left along the South Downs Way. Pass an equine centre on your right and continue ahead to reach a road. Bear left and continue along the South Downs Way. Where the lane forks, keep right, and continue back to the start.
Other walks nearby
Walk 2422 | Butser Hill and Wether Down from Buriton | moderate | 12.5 miles |
Walk 2533 | East Meon to Old Winchester Hill | moderate | 12.0 miles |
Walk 2394 | East Meon & Wether Down | easy/mod | 8.0 miles |
Walk 2373 | Hambledon Circular | easy/mod | 6.1 miles |
Walk 2662 | Beacon Hill and Warnford | easy/mod | 6.0 miles |
Walk 2710 | Old Winchester Hill from Exton | easy/mod | 5.5 miles |
Walk 1835 | Treyford & Didling from Hooksway | easy/mod | 6.0 miles |
Walk 1034 | Beacon and Old Winchester Hills on the South Downs | moderate | 10.5 miles |
Walk 3548 | Stoughton, Kingley Vale & Bow Hill from Stoughton Down | easy/mod | 5.2 miles |
Walk 1976 | Noar Hill from Selborne | easy/mod | 5.0 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
The South Downs Way
Guidebook to walking the South Downs Way National Trail, a 100 mile (160km) route between Winchester and Eastbourne through the South Downs National Park, described in both directions over 12 stages. Easy walking on ancient and historical tracks, taking in wooded areas, delightful river valleys and pretty villages. With 1:25K OS map booklet.
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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.
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