Dan posted an update
Old Winchester Hill, Hampshire
Early September 2024
This was an awesome spot and I loved it but it wasn’t where I had originally planned to camp.
I had planned to camp a few miles before in a forest but when I got there, I had a bad feeling that something wasn’t right. I soon discovered fallen trees that were used as seating and half cut barrels used as bbqs. There were also a few shotgun cartridges on the ground.
I got out of there as quickly as I could. Soon after leaving, and a short distance away, I could hear the sound of barking dogs coming from the area I had just left.
Here’s the coordinates of the woodland I am talking about, 50°59’40.2″N 1°03’11.7″W. It is a large woodland area and accessible via a bridleway which leads off from the South Downs’ Way. I would advise not to go there.
As luck had it, I saw Old Winchester Hill on the map, and it turned out to be an amazing spot. When I arrived at dusk, there were some dog walkers just leaving and I discovered it was also on the South Downs’ Way.
I set up the tent in almost darkness right at the top of the hill fort, between the burial mounds. While setting up, a couple appeared via the route from Winchester. We saw each others’ silhouettes and they respectfully camped at another spot some distance away.
Great views of Portsmouth and Southampton in the distance along with a fantastic view of the stars. If you get a chance to camp here, don’t pass on it.
Coordinates:
50°58’51.4″N 1°05’19.7″W
Getting there:
As I said, the hill is on the South Downs’ Way and about 13 miles / 20 kms from Winchester. There is a car park for the hill and the sign states it’s a 550m walk to the hill fort. The path from the car park to the area I camped is flat and well maintained.
Heads up:
The car park signage warns users that the car park is targeted by thieves and not to leave any valuables inside your vehicle.
It is on the South Downs’ Way so expect plenty of passing walkers and campers like me. The night I was there, it was windy and some bad weather set in during the night. This may have been the reason why it wasn’t too busy.
#hampshire #oldwinchesterhill #hillfort #southdownsway #tent
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What3words: ///rolled.nuzzled.families
