Old Winchester Hill to Butser Hill

This linear section of the South Downs Way is a beautiful trek of open chalk-downland ridges, rolling hills and dramatic views. At Butser Hill — the highest point of the South Downs Way at roughly 270 m — you’ll get wide panorama across the Hampshire countryside and, on a clear day, even to the sea and the Isle of Wight

Throughout the route you’ll find good amenities to break up the walk:

Bolly's Café @ Meon Springs offers seasonal, locally-sourced food in a relaxed setting with lovely lake views—ideal for a bite to eat.

Beech Café at The Sustainability Centre is near the halfway mark of the walk and provides vegetarian and vegan-friendly options (homemade soups, cakes, coffee

Roundhouse Café near the summit area of Butser Hill has great views and is perfect for rest after the walk.

This walk is ideal for moderate-level walkers who enjoy long countryside trails with a mix of open views, rolling hills, and well-marked paths. The South Downs Way section between Old Winchester Hill, and Butser Hill isn’t technically difficult, but it does include a few steady climbs and descents, so a reasonable level of fitness is helpful.

Terrain: Because the terrain is mostly chalk and woodland, in autumn/winter or after rain, the chalk can become slippery.

Start: Old Winchester Hill, Corner Doxford Road/Old Winchester Hill Lane, GU32 1HW; Grid: SU 64492 21725; https://w3w.co/edge.muted.manual

Finish: Butser Hill, GU31 5SP, Petersfield; Grid: SU 71105 20010; https://w3w.co/stocky.occupiers.ducks

(Address, OS Grid, what3words)

 1

The walk begins at the road junction, through a wooden gate. On fair-weather days, you might spot Alan’s coffee van nearby—perfect for a pre-walk pick-me-up. If you’ve parked at Winchester Hill Car Park, turn left and follow the road for a short distance to reach the gate.

Once through, the valley opens up beautifully, offering sweeping views as the path begins its gentle descent towards Meon Springs Farm.

 2

At Meon Springs Farm, the path is well signposted. It continues to the left, passing directly in front of a flint barn and heading towards Bolly’s Bistro.

After the Bistro, take the first right turn onto a tarmac lane.

 3

A few minutes further along, after passing Hall Cottages on your left, take the path on the left that climbs gently uphill.

Once the ascent levels out, you’ll reach a four-way footpath junction. Turn right here and continue along the path beneath the trees—a peaceful stretch with dappled shade in summer.

Continue along the path, heading straight across the first country lane. Follow the South Downs Way waymarkers, which guide you onward as the ascent towards Salt Hill begins. It’s a steady climb from here, with expansive views gradually unfolding as you gain height.

 4

After a short descent, the path meets Doxford Road. Turn left here and follow the route parallel to the road.

You’ll soon pass the Sustainability Centre on your right—a peaceful spot with a small café on its grounds, perfect for a pause if time allows.

 5

At the first road junction, continue straight ahead. A second junction follows shortly after—keep going straight here too, as the South Downs Way continues onto a bridleway.

From this point, the route settles into a peaceful rhythm, with wide skies and gentle terrain guiding you onwards to Butser Hill, it’s distinctive radio tower visible in the distance.

 6

Continue along the bridleway until it intersects with three country lanes. At this junction, take the left-hand turn—this leads uphill to Butser Hill Car Park.