This cache is a tribute to the great walking and mountain biking to
be had in this area... and to encourage sustainable forms of
transport is PURPOSELY DESIGNED to be a challenge which is rather
inaccessible by car (no more whinging about limited parking, mud
and hills PLEASE!). You might approach this cache from Hambledon or
Soberton which are joined by the Wayfarer's Walk although the
chache is only a short diversion from many of the other officially
marked routes in the area (O/S Explorer 119):
* Monarch's Way *
The Monarch's Way is the longest long distance footpath in England.
A total of 982 km (610 miles), this walking route with a historic
theme follows the escape route of Charles II after his defeat at
the Battle of Worcester in 1651. For six exciting weeks, and hotly
pursued by the Parliamentary forces under Oliver Cromwell, the king
travelled first north then south through the Cotswolds and the
Mendips to The South Coast, and finally along the South Downs to
Shoreham Harbour where he made his escape to France. Following the
death of Oliver Cromwell, Charles was eventually restored to the
throne.
* King’s Way *
Starting at the Roman Forth in Portchester and ending in Winchester
the route was devised in memory of Allan King an early contributor
to the work of the Hampshire Area Rambler's Association.
* South Downs Way - National Trail *
The South Downs Way runs between Winchester and Eastbourne and is
entirely within the two areas of outstanding natural beauty, East
Hampshire and the Sussex Downs which make up the area of the South
Downs.
Rolling chalk downs, deep dry valleys, steep scarp slopes, and
wide views over the wooded farmland of the Sussex Weald with
glimpses of shimmering sea, characterise the Way. The well-loved
open chalk landscape, with its variety of wild flowers and
butterflies, is a result of sheep and cattle grazing over the
centuries. Sadly much of the downland was extensively ploughed for
food production during World War II.
Encouragement is now being given to farmers on the Downs to
return their arable land to more traditional forms of management,
and the Sussex Downs are designated as areas of outstanding natural
beauty. The area has been inhabited by hill forts, tumuli and cross
dykes, while the Way itself was probably an important trade route
in the Bronze Age.
* Wayfarer's Walk *
The Wayfarers Walk extends 70 miles between the coast near
Portsmouth and Inkpen Beacon just across the Berkshire border. It
connects with other long distance paths at Emsworth (the Sussex
Border Path), at Bedhampton (the Solent Way) and at Inkpen Beacon
(the Test Way).
NB You will need a bike equipped for off-road use if you choose
to cycle to the cache.
