The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Siddown Hill

If you’re looking for a spot with a "dark history meets beautiful views" vibe, Combe Gibbet is exactly that. Perched high on Gallows Down (the name gives it away, doesn't it?) on the border of Berkshire and Hampshire, it’s one of the most atmospheric places in the North Wessex Downs. Here’s the story behind this lonely landmark: The "Double Trouble" Origin Story The gibbet isn't just a random decoration; it was built in 1676 for a very specific and grim reason. A local man named George Broomham and his mistress, Dorothy Newman, were convicted of murdering George's wife and son. As a warning to others, the authorities built a massive double-arm gibbet to hang them in chains right on the parish boundary. The one you see today is a replica (the 7th or 8th version!), but it stands in the exact same spot, looking quite eerie against the skyline. Why It’s Actually a Lovely Visit Despite the macabre history, people flock here for reasons that have nothing to do with 17th-century crime: The Views: Because it sits on the crest of the ridge (near Walbury Hill, the highest point in South East England), you can see for miles. On a clear day, you can look across the Kennet Valley all the way to the Cotswolds. The Paragliders: It’s a legendary spot for paragliding and hang-gliding. It’s incredibly relaxing to sit in the grass and watch them launch off the steep scarp and circle over the valley like giant birds. Ancient History: The gibbet is actually built on top of a Neolithic Long Barrow (a 5,000-year-old burial mound). So, it’s been a significant "high place" for humans for a very, very long time.

All Saints Church is a Grade I listed building located in the historic hamlet of Old Burghclere, Hampshire. Its origins date back to circa 1100, making it the original parish church. The architecture is a rich blend of styles, featuring an aisleless Norman nave and an Early English chancel. Notable features include blocked Norman doorways, a 17th-century bell turret, and two extremely plain external mausolea. The church fell into disuse in the 19th century as the population shifted, but was restored by the Carnarvon family (of nearby Highclere Castle) in 1861. It remains a historic gem adjacent to Burghclere Manor. It is only used on Christmas Day.

Wide gravel path that runs alongside the Family Private Chapel.... which we didn't go in to honestly.

Now don't tell anyone, but....we went..... no, shouldn't really say. forget I said anything.

Ivy is pesky stuff.

I must have been looking elsewhere, as I can't see the Hill fort from here.

Ladle Hill Fort is a famous unfinished Iron Age hillfort in Hampshire, England. Its abandonment mid-construction makes it invaluable for archaeologists, revealing the building methods for univallate enclosures. The site, also a Scheduled Monument, features well-preserved earthworks, a disc barrow, and earlier Bronze Age linear ditches, offering clear insights into ancient construction.

The Wayfarer's Walk is a 70-71 mile (113-114 km) long-distance footpath in England, running from the highest chalk downland to the coast. Here are the key details, which clarify its route regarding Wiltshire: Overall Route: It stretches from Inkpen Beacon (near the border of Berkshire/Hampshire) in the north, southwards to Emsworth Harbour on the south coast of Hampshire. Wiltshire Connection: The trail is primarily located within Hampshire and starts just over the border in West Berkshire. It does not pass through the main body of Wiltshire. Highlights: The walk follows ancient drovers' tracks and includes spectacular scenery over the North Wessex Downs, passing notable sites like: Walbury Hill (England's highest chalk hill) Watership Down Ladle Hill (the fort you asked about previously) Views of Highclere Castle The Meon Valley The path is well-marked with a distinctive "WW" waymarker.