Beacon Hill

viewspicnichill fort

15 Oct

Written By Sally Broom

Children will enjoy a picnic at the top and running around the circular track on this walk.

The views are well worth the short climb

The Basics

Time: About 15 minutes to reach the top of the hill and the same to walk around the top

Distance: 2km

Terrain: There is no denying the initial climb is steep, but don’t let that put you off. It is a very short climb and the views are well worth it. There are steps cut into the chalk, which I can imagine being slippery after wet weather.

Pushchair: No

Dogs: Yes, on leads in spring/summer due to ground nesting birds

Refreshments: A picnic area at the bottom of the hill, but we think it is nicer to picnic at the top

Toilets: None

Public Transport: There is no public transport to this location

Parking: Two free parking areas signposted just after the turn off from the A34 (Postcode: RG20 9LP - W3W - dozens/suitable/takes)

View over the Highclere Estate from Beacon Hill

You cannot miss this walk if you are a fan of Downton Abbey as the view from the top of this iron age hill fort has views to Highclere Castle. These have to be the most far reaching views we have found in Hampshire, and you can enjoy them in every direction.

The Route

This is a walk where directions are not really necessary. Follow the paved path from the first parking area into the second parking area, and at the end you will see the start of the path on your right.
The path will climb through vegetation first before soon opening out onto chalk downland. It is just one, straight climb up.
At the top, the chalky path circling the hillfort will be obvious and does not take long to complete. You will find views to Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) on the north side as well as the grave of the 5th Earl of Canarvon, best known as the financial backer in the excavation of Tutenkhamun’s tomb.

Route map for Beacon Hill by Sally Broom on plotaroute.com

Did you know?

There are a few public footpaths that pass through the estate and on certain days of the year you can walk and explore the estate even closer.

You can find out more about the walks here.

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downton abbeyhighclereburghclerenewburybeacon hillviewsiron age hillfortdownlandpicnicnorth hampshirehampshire walk

Sally Broom

Beacon Hill

Children will enjoy a picnic at the top and running around the circular track on this walk.

You cannot miss this walk if you are a fan of Downton Abbey as the view from the top of this iron age hill fort has views to Highclere Castle. These have to be the most far reaching views we have found in Hampshire, and you can enjoy them in every direction.

Butser Hill

Queen Elizabeth Country Park