The best MTB trails around Burghclere

Watership Down Star rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars4.7Category:📍 Scenic spot Click to open side panel for more information'... I’m a huge Watership Down fan and it was magical to be here. ...'Opens in a new windowKaylaIf you’ve ever wanted to live out your own bunny adventure (minus the scary owls and general peril), Watership DownClick to open side panel for more information is a real, spectacularly beautiful place in North Hampshire. It’s part of a high chalk ridge that feels like the "top of the world" with views that stretch on forever.Everything in Richard Adams’ famous book—from the steep slopes to the specific farmhouses—is based on the real-life geography of this area. Here is how to enjoy it in a fun, relaxed way:The "Summit" ExperienceThe hill itself rises steeply on its northern side and slopes gently to the south. It’s a favorite for hikers and cyclists who want to feel like they’re standing on the spine of England.The Memorial Tree: At the top, you’ll find a beech tree planted in memory of Richard Adams. The original "Beech Hanger" from the book was destroyed in a 2004 storm, but the new one is protected by a wooden fence where fans have carved the names of the rabbits like Hazel, Bigwig, and Fiver.The "Iron Age" Vibe: The top of the hill is actually a partially completed Iron Age hill fort. You can still see the ancient earthworks and burial mounds (tumuli) that give the place a mysterious, ancient energy.Real Rabbits: Yes, there are actually plenty of rabbits! If you go at dawn or dusk, you’ll see the modern-day descendants of the book’s heroes hopping around the chalk grassland.Hidden Book LocationsYou can actually "track" the rabbits' journey through the local landscape, as almost every landmark in the story exists in the real world.Nuthanger Farm: This is a real working farm located just below the down. You can see it from the public footpaths, and it looks remarkably like the descriptions in the novel.The River Test: The rabbits famously crossed this river on a wooden punt. In reality, the Test is one of the clearest "chalk streams" in the world, famous for its trout and crystal-clear water.The Wayfarer’s Walk: This is the main "highway" for hikers that runs right along the ridge of the down. It’s the easiest way to navigate the area while soaking in the 360-degree views of the North Wessex Downs.

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.

Not only are these old Cold War Cruise missile bunkers but Star Wars used them in the Force Awakens film as the rebel base

From 1160 until 1838 the principal church in the parish was All Saints at Old Burghclere with the Rectory [now Burghclere Manor] adjoining it. From 1216 Newtown had its own church with the Rectory being shared, so that the northern end of Burghclere was partly served by the church at Newtown. After the centre of the population shifted north a chapel-of-ease, built in Harts Lane, was consecrated in 1838. Soon afterwards All Saints, owing to its dilapidated state, fell into disuse and so remained until the Carnarvon family had it repaired. It was reopened in 1861. The Church is only used by the Carnarvon family on Christmas Day.

The hillfort on the top of the hill has never been excavated, but the land and ditch are sharply defined and well preserved. This Iron Age fort is roughly rectangular and enclosed seven acres within an embankment and ditch. There are two probable entrances to the east and west. The work seems to have been undertaken by several different labour forces, each working on a section of the defences, but for some reason the task was abandoned and the fort left unfinished. Great to walk along the unfinished ramparts, it's windy and flipping huge!!!

As a child the tale of Watership down haunted me, the movie traumatised me, to finally be able to visit where Richard Adams based it on was amazing. Such a beautiful area, I rewatched the film a day before coming. I'd not seen it since I was a child. Still a harrowing tale, but can see the genius and beauty of what was hidden in it.

Win win walk - not too muddy, and a cafe. Happy teenagers.

This track is running amazingly at present (September 2024). Nice hard packed surface and some kind people have laid a chalk path at the bottom where it used to get boggy.