A Short Walk on the Downs

Description:
This 2 mile (3.2km) circular walk starts at the Silver Plough and follows an old drove to reach downland with views across the valley. After a short circuit on the downs it returns by the same route.

Walk Grade:
Easy

Distance:
2 miles / 3.2km

Time:
45 mins – 1 hour

Parking:
This walk starts from the Silver Plough public house in Pitton (SP5 1DU) (Grid Ref: SU212312). Please only use the pub car park if you intend to stop for refreshments before or after you walk.

Walk Route:
Starting from the Silver Plough turn left and then immediately left along The Green.  Ignore the footpaths leading to the right and left and stay on the lane to reach a bridleway (Grid Ref: SU214315) opposite Glebe House.

At the end of the bridleway (Grid Ref: SU216316) turn right to walk up the track, Winterslow Hollow.  Pass a footpath on the left and then within 10 metres turn left to join the permissive path (Grid Ref: SU220318) running along the edge of the fence line.  The fenced area to the right is enclosed to protect wild orchids.

The route continues on the permissive path along the edge of the field for 500 metres to reach a way-marked footpath on the left (Grid Ref: SU223322), turn and cross the stile to enter “Access Land”. 

Areas designated on the Ordnance Survey map as access land are open for everyone to use with “freedom to roam”.  However, there are some restrictions, in particular between 1 March and 31 July dogs must be kept on leads of no more than two metres long to protect ground nesting birds.

Access Land is marked on Ordnance Survey 1:25000 maps as a shaded yellow area with yellow boundary.  On the OS 1:50000 maps they are shown with purple banding.

Now follow a well-worn path across the top of the downland to reach a metal gate besides a stile and leave the access land (Grid Ref: SU220319).

The route is now along a hedge-lined footpath to reach Winterslow Hollow.  Turn right and retrace your route back to the village.

Toilets:
There are no public toilets.
Customer toilets available at the Silver Plough during opening hours.

Refreshments:
Pitton: The Silver Plough, Pitton Stores

To download GPX and print map click “Learn More” below:

To follow this  walk you will need Ordnance Survey Outdoor Explorer Map 131 – Romsey, Andover & Test Valley.

Additional Information:
A narrative of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest can be viewed on my associated Two Dogs and an Awning website.

© Walking Moonraker (2023)

All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.