East Meon - South Downs Way - Butser Hill

Sylvia Saunders

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

As soon as you leave the village the views start to kick in! A gentle meander at the bottom of Small Down gives you some stunning views back to East Meon. Field-paths take you to the source of the River Meon and then a fairly gentle ascent of Butser Hill begins along the down, with soft Hampshire views opening up. At the top of the hill there are far-reaching views in all directions, so do try and walk this on a clear day! There is a slow, gradual descent of Butser Hill along a quiet track with a different set of stunning views opening up all around you. Towards the end of the walk when you are feeling tired, you will really appreciate the tour of the delightful cottages in East Meon, meandering along the river. Back in the village, enjoy a warm welcome at Ye Olde George Inn with its roaring log fires in the winter and a new patio area at the back for the sunny days.

England - South England - Hampshire - South Downs

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Public Transport, River, Toilets, Wildlife

11/2/2015 - Glenn Crooks

Walked this in lovely weather on 1st Nov 2015 (Sunday) The route takes you on various stretches of the South downs Way and Limekiln Lane (Waypoints 12 and 14). These are regularly used by motorcycles and due to their chalky soil are extremely slippery and too muddy to walk on. We must have come across at least 30 such motorcycles. May be more easier in summer months? We found it dog friendly with nearly all sheep fenced in securely and only short stretches of road use.

1/5/2015 - Jonathan Kershaw

Another excellent walk from Sylvia in the South Downs, which myself and a friend completed 03/01/2015. Although it rained almost all day and was extremely muddy in some spots this did not stop us enjoying ourselves and made the end of walk pint in the old George even more enjoyable.

3/7/2013 - Kevin and Mary Wood

Waypoint 4, 4th line. This should be - 'Now walk with the hedge on your RIGHT', instead of left. Looks like the path has been moved. Also, on the next line: 'diagonally right across the field,' please add 'with fence on your right' before 'heading for the fingerpost'. Again a fence has been put in to enclose the field to the right of it.

3/7/2013 - Kevin and Mary Wood

4/03/13 Excellent walk,but most of lane between 15/16 was extremely muddy despite recent dryish conditions. The Isaak Newton unfortunately does not open on Mondays.

8/2/2011 - Betty Moxon

This was our first walking world walk and it was excellent - wonderful downland flowers, well chosen route with good views and a chance to explore the pretty village of East Meon with its streams and greens. The good news is that the Isaac Walton pub has now reopened and serves an excellent Doombar ale - very welcome at the end of the day! Betty and David Moxon

1/3/2008 - Ian and Sarah Jane Lloyd

We made this our first walk of 2008 and set out at 9.45am on New Year's Day, strangely enough there was only one other car in the carpark and we didn't see many people. Whilst there was some mud to negotiate it didn't spoil this lovely walk and we were fascinated by the countless badger setts in Cumber's Lane. Sylvia's directions are as always very accurate and add to the enjoyment of the walk.

3/11/2007 - Stephen Harris

Great walk through some lovely countryside. We would say that you don't benefit from the views until you are way up on the hills of the South Downs as the start is a little bit un-eventful but all in all another gem from Sylvia. The section described as muddy... understatement... 3 feet deep marsh in places, but GREAT fun!. Boots DEFINITELY advised during the winter and spring / wet months or you will have a LOT of mud on you as our pictures show at www.walkerz.co.uk!

7/18/2006 - Walkingworld Administrator

I would suggest to walk leaders to ring ahead to any pubs en route especially if planning to take a large party as in Mr Carswell's case.

7/16/2006 - I Carswell

15 Jul 06 28 people from Winchester Tennis Club did this walk and the general concensus was very favourable. Of the two pubs in East Meon the Isaac Walton was as unhelpful as The George was helpful. Definitely recommend The George

6/23/2006 - Ray Churcher

Did this one on 23/06/06.A terrific walk with a change of scenery at every turn. Amazing that a small village like East Meon has such a massive car park-unbelievable!