Old Winchester Hill long run – Difficult, hilly and long
An SSSI, a National Nature Reserve and a Dark Sky location, it’s no surprise that Old Winchester Hill is a firm favourite
Park up at Old Winchester Hill car park, which is free, and run through Old Winchester Hill Nature Reserve, an old Iron Age hill fort rich in both history and wildlife. The flock of Herdswick sheep may seem out of place on the sunny South Coast but they’ve been here so long they’ve become part of the scenery.
It’s a steep run down to the Meon Valley Trail, a straight, flat disused railway line dating back to the Victorians. Make your way through the charming town of Exton which boats a very nice pub, The Shoe Inn, with its own in-house pantry selling the most delicious bread. In autumn you’ll pass a large wall just past the church which is covered with vibrant red Boston Ivy. It’s quite spectacular.
Heading up Beacon Hill through farmland is another challenge for the legs and those who persevere will be rewarded with beautiful views over the Meon Valley and the South Downs. Beacon Hill, like Old Winchester, is a great space to watch birds and butterflies. It has a small colony of Adonis Blue, bright purple in colour.
Joining the Monarch Way, it’s a lovely long, runnable section into Warnford where you’ll join a quiet road and continue through Peak Farm and its stables. You can run up Haydon’s Lane for a more direct route but it’s far more enjoyable to stick to the traffic-free trails.
Follow the South Downs Way down to Meon Valley Springs, popular with anglers. It’s another long climb up and around chalky Long Down and Wether Down before looping back along the well-trodden National Trail.
A Site of Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve and a Dark Sky location, it’s no surprise that Old Winchester Hill is a firm favourite to take time out and enjoy a peaceful post-run brew.
This route guide is part of the Taylor’s of Harrogate Coffee Bag Adventures Collection and was created by OS Champion Helen Newman
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