South Downs Way Relay

Leg 17: Old Winchester Hill to Holden Farm

Route

Start on lane near Old Wincester Hill Car Park (646 215).

Leave Car Park following footpath and circle around Old Winchester Hill (you must not run across Winchester Hill Fort).

Continue downhill on path between fences into a narrow section beside stream. This section can be very muddy.

Cross footbridge over river at Exton Bridge. (2.5m)

Cross road and continue along lane through Exton to last house where you turn right on clear footpath (3m).

Through gate continue diagonally across field and through stiles then climbing more steeply to meet the road at the top (4m).

Turn right and continue along this road until you see a stile into field (4.5m).

Take this footpath which cuts across the field and saves time.

Continue straight along road for 300 yds and bear left on track then left and right around some farm buildings to continue on wide track to Lomer Farm (5.5m).

Continue ahead to Wind farm (6.5m) and out through gate onto road.

Cross road and continue left along footpath which opens out onto the road.

Ignore right turn and take next right turn at crossroads past the pub (7.5m) and take the next left.

At 8m the road turns right but you continue on track straight ahead which leads to the changeover at Holding Farm.

Access

Old Winchester Hill bus 67 Winchester 60 mins or Petersfield 15 mins to East Meon (3mSDW/ path) or Winchester 50 mins/Petersfield 25 mins to West Meon (2m road) Car(55 m): 50m: exit A3 (Butser Hill Hambledon E.Meon) and L Chalton Ln (Clanfield Hambledon); 51m R East Meon Rd; 52m L (and round bend to R and past Sus. Centre)S Downs Way/Droxford Rd

Rules

  • Only the clearly waymarked SDW route to the south of Old Winchester Hill is permitted (643204). Runners seen taking the old route directly over the top of the hill will be risking a time penalty which exceeds the advantage gained or disqualification at the Race Director’s discretion.
  • At the disused railway bridge (625212), any route over or under the bridge is permitted.
  • After the railway bridge either the river bed or the path to the right of it can be used.
  • This section of the SDW is subject to change; runners are strongly advised to recce the leg in advance and follow waymarkers for walkers.

Elevation

Elevation graph

Route