- On trail 3.7 mi 5.9 km
- Walking time 1–2 h
- Ascent 140 m 450 ft
- Descent 150 m 500 ft
- Difficulty Moderate
A steep drop into Exton, then the climb to an Iron Age fort.
Section 2: Beacon Hill to Old Winchester Hill map
Cross-check: National Trails route description . Opened 25 October 2026. The distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends. The route page's miles stay in the answers below.
The walk
This is the short section, and the steep one. From the beeches on Beacon Hill the path enters the nature reserve and reaches the summit, 201 m (659 ft), before dropping on stiles into Exton. Horses and cyclists take the lane. Meonstoke is the next flint village. A gradual climb then brings you to Old Winchester Hill and its Iron Age fort, looking back at Beacon Hill.
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Start of section
Beacon Hill
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Beacon Hill summit
The reserve and the top, 201 m (659 ft), with the steep grass and the beeches. In spring and summer the slopes flower. The drop comes after the top.
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The night
Exton
Walkers take the steep path and the stiles. Horses and cyclists take the lane. The usual first walk stops in this flint village. Meonstoke is the next one along the valley.
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Not the night
Old Winchester Hill
The Iron Age fort, and the view back to Beacon Hill. You climb gradually out of the valley to reach it. The beds are behind you, in Exton or Meonstoke.
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End of section
Old Winchester Hill
Section 2: Beacon Hill to Old Winchester Hill overview
The ground
- Steep drop
- Stiles
- Hill fort
A short section. The steep part is the walkers' drop into Exton. The tracks before Beacon Hill are quieter. Butser Hill, on the section after this, is the highest point on the Way.
Stops
Refreshments
- Exton and Meonstoke are the flint villages in the valley. The route page names no cafe on Old Winchester Hill
Toilets
- The route page does not name a public toilet on this section
Before you go
Opposite direction
Old Winchester Hill to Beacon Hill
You leave the fort and drop toward Meonstoke and Exton. The steep part is then the climb to Beacon Hill, on the walkers' path. The beeches and the reserve are the finish.
End of section
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill to Old Winchester Hill FAQ
How long is Beacon Hill to Old Winchester Hill?
The route page lists 4.5 miles (7.2 km). The distance at the top of this page is measured between these ends.
Where do I sleep on this section?
In the valley, not on the fort. The 8-day and the 9-day stop at Exton. When that village is full, the bed may be in Warnford. The 10-day stops at Meonstoke. The 6-day and the 7-day walk through both and sleep later, at East Meon.
Can I download a GPX for Beacon Hill to Old Winchester Hill?
Yes. Use the GPX button at the top of this page. It is this section's line, for Garmin, Komoot, or your phone. Open the planner if you want a file built around your overnight stops.
Walk this as a day
Exton, in the valley, is the night on Day 1 of the 8-day. Open the planner on that preset, then export a full-trip or per-day GPX.
Open in planner Read the 8-day itinerary
Full-trip and per-day GPX files. Free, no account.
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