This walk can be viewed at https://youtu.be/n3Q7dY4Ahvo

You could be forgiven for thinking that at 3.1 miles this walk would be the toddle its said to be, it is far from a toddle. One look at the profile and you will see that the initial climb will be quite a strain and the down hill section takes it out of the back of your legs. All that said this walk is a wow when it comes to views and you will definitely have earned your pint at the end.

Starting at Hare and Hounds

On leaving the pub walk towards the triangle and bear left. Walk a few yards and turn left at the first opportunity up the path to the left this is by a house called Jeremy’s . Shortly after you start the climb you will come across a memorial stone to a 23yr old Polish pilot who died in an Ariel battle over the downs in 1940. I’m so glad that he is remembered in this way

From here its a case of following the path all the way 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 a few spots where you can sit and rest and just as you enter the forest going up the hill there is a granite seat (Don’t get a lot of Granite on the downs) and of course its a very good spot to take in the view. Talking of views at the top You will have great views over to the Isle of Wight. Carry on the same path that you came up until you meet a path approaching from the right. The path becomes very civilised from here all well cared for and in fact it stay quite comfortable under foot right up to joining a downhill stretch at the end. Turn up this path and walk for about 500 yards when you will meet a path on your left carry on straight and the path becomes very rough and flinty. Be very careful on this path since not only is it rough going it is downhill. The other danger is that the view is so gorgeous that your likely to be distracted. You will see a derelict barn in the distance and the path will lead you to it. At this building turn right and carry on for about 300 yards until you meet another path turn right here. Just a few yards up the path and you will see a yellow sign post on your left turn left here and find the steps leading down the hill. This is the point where the path becomes all country again and it is very steep. The steps themselves are very well made but take care none the less. (these steps are quite new so chances are they haven’t got a name yet but someone will get round to calling them Jacob’s Ladder, before long you watch.) Stay in the direction that the path wants to take you and eventually you will meet a road. Turn right here and make your way back to the pub. Oddly I find this bit the hardest under my feet, but then I don’t like road walking. This road can be busy but there is a grass verge to your left.