Hilltops in Hampshire

Hampshire is a pretty big county in Southern England were hurricanes hardly ever happen. It used to be even bigger as it contained Bournemouth until 1974. The ceremonial county now contains three tops, Hampshire county and the two unitary authorites, Portsmouth and Southampton. The hilly parts are in the north and south of the county. Probably the most famous bit of Hampshire is the New Forest, a National Park of forest and heathland in the south west. It is a excellent county for walking with National Trails, several long distance paths and plenty of coastline and estuaries.


40. Pilot Hill, Hampshire 286m/938ft

Pilot Hill, located in the far north of the county, is part of the North Hampshire Downs. It's about two miles from Walbury Hill, the high point of Berkshire. I bagged this hill back in 2008, accompanied by Noddy. I had to nip over a fence to get to the trig point. It was a pleasant enough walk along the Wayfarer's Walk, a 70 mile path across Hampshire. Nearby is Highclere Castle, otherwise known as Downton Abbey, but I can't remember seeing it.



110. Fort Southwick, Portsmouth 122m/400ft

Ports Down is a chalk ridge to the north of Portsmouth with a string of Victorian forts designed to keep out those pesky Frenchies. There are some impressive views of Portsmouth, the harbour, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. I walked up Crooked Mile Lane from Southwick, the HQ of General Eisenhower before D-Day Sadly, the actual top is locked away being near a covered reservoir. Trespass was possible but I decided against it , as Fort Southwick is still a military establishment. The military have no sense of humour and guns. The views made it worthwhile.


=145. Bassett Avenue (A33), Southampton 82m/269ft

This one was a pretty naff top, being in the middle of a very busy road. I walked up from Southampton Common but the gradient was barely discernable. The Common is well worth exploring, as is the Old Cemetery next door, and the locals were out in force, enjoying the splendid weather. There were no views from the top but some of the side roads dipped quite steeply, giving a glimpse of the municipal golf course. Best bit about the day was lunch with my pseudo-nephew and his wife at the Cowherds pub on the Common.


Butser Hill, Hampshire [Marilyn] 270m/886ft

Butser Hill is Hampshire's only Marilyn and the highest point of the South Downs. Access is very easy as you can drive up and park just below the summit. I walked up via the South Downs Way from the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire's largest country park. It was a sunny bright day but with a very fresh wind. It took me about 45 minutes to get to the top but at least I walked it. I saw a couple of old codgers motoring up in mobility scooters. The views are panoramic; I could see big boats heading up the Solent, the Isle of Wight and Ports Down. Plenty of people were ignoring the wind and picnicking on the summit. More rewarding weather for the kite flyers.

Hampshire Photo Album

Hampshire hills

Some things to do in...

Hampshire
There's no shortage of things to in Hampshire. Below are some of the places I've visited or would like to.

Stately homes abound... Highclere Castle, Broadlands, Beaulieu Abbey & Motor Museum
Visit Winchester, the former capital of England
Bucklers Hard - chocolate box village
Aldershot - home of the British Army
Chawton House - home of Jane Austen

Portsmouth
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Mary Rose, Victory and Warrior
Old Portsmouth

Southampton
I've not actually visited Southampton except the Common so check out the Tourist Information Centre