High above Highclere Castle
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Our view
"From a hilltop on Beacon Hill to a uniquely decorated chapel."
Walk directions
Climb Beacon Hill by following the path on the opposite to the parking area. Retrace your steps, leave the car park via the access road and cross the A34 bridge to reach a T-junction. Take the footpath opposite, downhill to a gate and walk along the field’s edge to Old Burghclere. Pass beside the churchyard wall and Burghclere Manor. Continue down the drive and go through a gate onto a lane and then proceed ahead, crossing the old railway bridge and taking the path left to enter a field via a kissing gate.
Keep to the left-hand field edge, leaving through a kissing gate and enter woodland. After a few steps, bear left onto the old trackbed. Turn right and follow the track and later a narrow path for half a mile (800m) to a bridge.
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Additional information
Terrain
- Tracks, field and woodland paths, some roads, 6 stiles
Landscape
- Open downland and farmland, with patches of woodland
Dog friendliness
- Keep on lead on Beacon Hill March to July and around livestock
Parking
- Beacon Hill car park off A34
Toilets en route
- None on route
About the walk
Due to the steep gradient leading to the summit of Beacon Hill, the highest point of the North Hampshire Downs at 857ft (261m), it’s advisable to climb the hill at the start of the walk. Don’t miss the Earl of Carnarvon’s grave and the views across to Highclere Castle (open spring and summer). Set...
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Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
About the area
Hampshire’s varied landscape of hills and heaths, downlands and forests, valleys and coast are without rival in southern England. Hike across the chalk downland of the north Hampshire ‘highlands’, meander along peaceful paths through unspoilt river valleys of the Test, Itchen, Avon and Meon, or explore the lonely salt marshes and the beautiful medieval forest and heathland of the New Forest.
Nearby places to stay
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Nearby places to stay
The White Hart, Overton
Located in the picturesque Hampshire village of Overton, The White Hart is reputedly the oldest inn in the village. The inn offers well-appointed bedrooms – some are in what was once th...
The Vineyard
The Vineyard is a haven of style in the Berkshire countryside. Bedrooms and suites come in a variety of styles, including many split-level suites that are well equipped with indulgent f...
Donnington Grove
Situated on the outskirts of Newbury, overlooked by the ruins of Donnington Castle, this splendid manor house, a popular wedding venue, offers comfortable bedrooms in a variety of style...
Donnington Hotel, Spa & Golf
In its own grounds complete with an 18-hole golf course, Donnington Hotel, Spa & Golf boasts excellent facilities for both corporate and leisure guests; from the state-of-the-art spa of...
Crown and Anchor
The Crown and Anchor is a delightful traditional country inn set in the peaceful village of Ham, within easy reach of both Hungerford and Marlborough. Complete with oak panelling and fl...
The Bunk Inn
The Bunk Inn is a quintessential English pub set in the pretty village of Curridge, close to Newbury Racecourse. The en suite bedrooms have plenty of character and offer good comfort. G...
Crab & Boar
Located in an enviable position high in the Newbury Downs, close to The Ridgeway, history claims that the roots of the Crab & Boar date back to the second battle of Newbury in 1644. Fam...
Three Swans
Centrally located in the bustling market town of Hungerford, this charming former inn dates back some 700 years. Visitors will still see original arch under which the horse-drawn carria...
Places to eat nearby View all
