Old Winchester Hill – Meon Valley Trail loop from East Meon

Old Winchester Hill – Meon Valley Trail loop from East Meon

Hard

4.0

(1)

riders

Old Winchester Hill – Meon Valley Trail loop from East Meon

02:28

33.1km

550m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Includes a very steep uphill segment

You may need to push your bike.

After 4.64 km for 128 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

4.01 km

Whitewool Pond

Lake

6.46 km

Old Winchester Hill

Highlight • Climb

The route for bikes skirts the bottom of the fort instead of heading straight over it, so you're in for a steep climb, but if you've got the time it's well worth poking your nose around. Little remains of the fort itself except for the substantial earthern ramparts – but even if you decide to press on, the views are fantastic.

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12.7 km

Beacon Hill – The White Way

Highlight • Summit

Tough climb but worth it for the nice view from the top.

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13.5 km

View from Beacon Hill

Highlight • Viewpoint

To the south of Beacon Hill, you can see the Hampshire basin in all its majesty.

As it's a chalk hill (they all are around here) it can get pretty slippery when it's wet – but you probably already knew that.

There's been controversy over the routing of the Way over Beacon hill due to the fragility of the surface – so if you come across any diversionary signs, make sure to follow them.

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13.5 km

Beacon Hill Trig Point

Highlight • Summit

Directly on the South Downs Way. Great views.

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14.4 km

South Downs Way – Lomer Farm Track

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

I low friction gravel and hardpack chalk

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23.3 km

Meon Valley Trail

Highlight • Trail

A fantastic, well kept trail that takes you all the way from Wickham up to the South Downs Way at Old Winchester Hill. The trail gets busy at weekends and is popular with dog walkers, cyclists, families out on bikes, walkers etc. Although some sections can get very busy, it's worth it.

The trail is lovely, leading through the Meon Valley and into the South Downs National Park. There are lots of routes to the local villages en-route. You follow the river and go through some beautiful forest areas – you will be up at old Winchester Hill in no time! It's a great route.

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26.4 km

Old Winchester Hill Hill Fort

Highlight • Natural Monument

The South Downs Way passes over Old Winchester Hill, affording views as far as Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. The hill is a wildlife-rich National Nature Reserve and Iron Age hill fort.

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