DAY 1
The South Downs Way Trail begins in Winchester, following the Itchen River through fields and woodlands. It climbs past Cheesefoot Head, a large natural amphitheatre offering spectacular views, then crosses rolling farmland toward Beacon Hill. The route then descends into the Meon Valley, passing through quiet villages and countryside before finally reaching the charming village of Exton at the foot of the Downs, and our first stop on the trail.
Route Overview
- Date: Saturday 28th June
- Start: Winchester
- End: Exton (Meon Valley)
- Distance: 12.6 miles
- Terrain: Mostly gentle inclines, chalk downland, and some wooded areas
- Difficulty: Moderate (some climbs but not too steep)
- Water stops: Holden Farm and Lomer Farm
- Lunch stop: The Milbury pub at Beauworth
- Accommodation: Crossways B & B
Key Highlights
1. Winchester – Trail Start Point
- The trail begins at Winchester City Mill, close to the statue of King Alfred, considered the first true king of England.
- Winchester, the ancient capital of England, is rich in history with landmarks like Winchester Cathedral; one of the largest of its kind and built from 1079 to 1532. Wolvesey Castle was built in the 12th century, and is now a ruin but for its fifteenth-century chapel.
2. Cheesefoot Head
- A natural amphitheatre offering expansive views over Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
- Historically used for entertaining American troops staying locally, and as rallying point before D-Day in WWII.
3. Chilcomb & Telegraph Hill
- Chilcomb is a small hamlet in the parish of Itchen Valley, and has beautiful rolling chalk grasslands with wildflowers and birdlife.
- Telegraph Hill was once part of an old semaphore signalling system.
4. Beacon Hill Nature Reserve
- One of the most challenging climbs on this stretch, Beacon Hill offers stunning panoramic views of the Meon Valley and surrounding countryside.
- Beacon Hill National Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), On a clear day you can see the distant Solent and the Isle of Wight.
5. Descent into Exton
- A gentle downhill route through farmland and woodlands ending in the charming village of Exton, located in the picturesque Meon Valley.
- Day 1 ends in Exton where we are staying at Crossways B & B. Dinner is booked at The Shoe Inn in the village where we will be taking in some well-earned refreshments!
Day 1 Route
Day 1 Elevation
Day 1 Route details with stops
You can see more details of Day 1 with our detailed route on Garmin Connect
Trail Experience
This first section of the South Downs Way is a great introduction to the trail, starting in the historic City of Winchester with its impressive Cathedral. It features some WWII history and some classic South Downs landscapes.
