Exton to Old Winchester Hill
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One of Hampshire's great hill-forts, splendidly situated on the southern chalk ridge, there are fine views in every direction. Old Winchester Hill provides a sample of the natural flora of Hampshire downland. There can be seen juniper and hawthorn, the most usual shrubs to be found on chalk, yew, which has been called the Hampshire weed and which appears to be indigenous on this site, as well as a wide variety of smaller, chalk-loving plants. There are large numbers of butterflies in summer. On sunny days the hill can shimmer with many thousands of chalkhill blues feeding on wild marjoram.
The area also provides refuge for a range of wildlife including rabbits, dormice, squirrels, badgers, roe deer and foxes.
The walk has an excellent pub called The Shoe in the delightful village of Exton, which has many pretty houses in its tidy streets. The clear stream of the Meon glistens along part of the route, which then continues to cross the Meon Valley Railway line. This section also provides wildlife interest and is mostly flat until the steep climb up the hill begins.
England - South England - Hampshire - Countryside
Features
Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Pub, Public Transport, River, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland
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