We are the Winchester Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Steven L.
This goal of this walk is the Iron Age hillfort of Danebury and its place in the landscape of the Test Valley. We start by walking the floodplain of the Test Valley. Now that winter is here and the vegetation dies back, we can see more of the river and the landscape. From there we climb onto drier ground. Today this is cow country but in its day sheep ruled and the area was home to numerous farmsteads and other settlements. Before and after lunch those who want to can join me in exploring Danebury hillfort inside and out. On the return leg of our journey we will see more signs in the surrounding land of those who were once lived there.
HFW1
This is a circular walk on a combination of tracks, paths and roads.
This is a picnic walk. Please bring drinks, snacks for a morning break and a picnic lunch, as required.
The walk is not particularly hilly. There is a gentle climb up from the Test and then on up to Danebury hillfort itself. When I recce-ed the walk in the first week of December after a night of heavy rain, there was plenty of mud but quite passable. There were two short sections (no more than 10 yards each) where there was deeper mud or ankle-deep standing water. No problem in boots but those wearing walking shoes my need to pay attention. On all recent form expect mud and please bring walking poles, if you find them useful, on such terrain.
There are no stiles.
Please let the leader know you are coming as we may set off early, if all known walkers have arrived.
We meet and start at the West Down car park just off the A3057 on the side road to Chilbolton.
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