Stoughton Bow Hill Inholmes wood

Stoughton Bow Hill Inholmes wood. This walk is all about Views.There are views across the valley as you climb the first hill. There are magnificent views at the top of Bow Hill. There is a fabulous view from the seat at the top of Stoughton Down. Even where there are no views there are lots of wildlife and flora to interest you.

Starting at Hare and Hounds. On leaving the pub walk towards the triangle and turn left at the first opportunity. Up the path to the left of a house called Jeremy’s

Then its a case of following the path right to the top of the hill. This is a very steep and tiring hill but take your time and it is well worth it. There are two spots where you can sit and rest and of course take in the view. At the top take the first path on your left. Which is a wide grassy avenue with trees to your right and brambles to your left. Again follow this path for about ½ a mile until you reach three burial mounds in a clearing.(Point 2) This is Bow Hill. Take a bit of time to view over to Chichester on the one side. Over the Stoughton valley on the other. Have a good look round you will find the Tansley stone a monument to sir Arthur Tansley. The pioneer of what was to become the national park movement in England. His efforts kept Kingley vale for the nation. On the Chichester side, a bit lower down there are Chalk hill blue butterflies. Mostly seen in June, but only on very warm windless days.

Continue along the path down the hill with the view to your left. Eventually you will arrive at a clearing with several paths converging were you arrive, (Point 3). If you feel your not going to make it. Turn left here and make you way back to Stoughton village. A little down the path that is to your left you will find a seat. Enjoy magnificent views right over the Solent to the Isle of White. Back to point 3 and Looking straight ahead take the main path going down the hill. This is a meandering path. At one stage you will meet a path joining from the right keep on in the direction you were going. (Point 4) On over a short hill and down until you reach a small car park on your left. (Point 5)At this point you will also meet a made up road, turn right here and walk down the hill. If your needing a shorter route from here you could turn left at (Point 6) Otherwise carry on until you arrive at a turning on your left signed Inholmes Wood. (Point 7) Take this path and firstly walk up the hill. At this stage of the walk this is a little cruel but its worth it,. After about ½ a mile At (Point 8) the path levels off. This wood is by far the best butterfly area in the region. There are lots of trees to shelter them from the wind and on a warm day. The variety of butterfly species is amazing. Most of the going after you reach the top is a gradual downhill. Walk for about ¾ of a mile (20 minutes)from (point 8). Eventually you will come to a clearing in the wood with a four finger post (Point 9). Turn left at this point and walk until you meet the road.

At the road turn right and walk to the Hare and Hounds.