We are the Winchester Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This is a circular walk exploring the beautiful North Hampshire Downs, starting and finishing in Ashmansworth. We walk through picturesque villages, open country and woods. Weather permitting, there should be fine views at many points on the walk.
Initially we head for Cruz Easton and cross high, open country. We follow the Brenda Parker Way through a delightful valley before making our roundabout way to Faccombe with its pub and church. There is a short, sharp climb just before we get to our lunch-stop in the village. We will be taking that slowly. After lunch we make a slow and steady climb up Pilot Hill, the highest point in Hampshire, before returning to our starting point along the flat at the top of the escarpment following part of the Wayfarer’s Way.
This is a picnic walk. Please bring drinks, snacks for a morning break and a picnic lunch, as required.
The walk crosses rolling countryside and there are the climbs and descents you would expect in such terrain. We walk mainly on paths and tracks, with some grass and some road. There is one steep but short climb before lunch and a longer drag up Pilot Hill after. We have no need to hurry and will take these as slowly as necessary. Please bring walking poles, if you find them useful, on such terrain.
There are 9 stiles, for those who like to count them.
Please let the leader know you are coming as we may set off early, if all known walkers have arrived.
We meet ouside Ashmansworth Village Hall, in the centre of Ashmansworth village, overlooking the war memorial. We have kindly been given permission to use the Hall's car park.
