We are the Winchester Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Steven L.
This is a circular walk exploring the beautiful North Wessex Downs, starting and finishing in Ecchinswell. We take a meandering route gradually climbing to the top of Ladle Hill. Here we can explore the (incomplete) Iron Age hillfort and enjoy some fine views across to Beacon Hill. Yet more wonderful views await us as we follow the Wayfarer’s Walk along the ridgeline across the top of Watership Down before descending Cottington’s Hill to Kingsclere, returning across fields and through woods to our starting point.
This is a picnic walk. Please bring drinks, snacks for a morning break and a picnic lunch, as required.
Please let the leader know you are coming as we may set off early, if all known walkers have arrived.
We will be having our morning break at Ladle Hill. Those who wish to can join me in a circuit of the ramparts. Ladle Hill was never completed and we will be able to see clearly how hillforts were built. Others can enjoy an extended coffee break (and shorter walk) while we circulate.
Nowhere in Hampshire can be said to be flat but the walk is in the main undulating. The most significant climb is up to Ladle Hill and that is fairly gentle, The descent from the Downs is steeper. We walk mainly on paths and tracks, with some grass and short sections of quiet roads.
We meet at the village hall and recreation ground car park in Ecchinswell.
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