With only two weeks left to go until my Atlas Mountain trek, I left the stress of the working week behind on a day hike escape to Hampshire. Tramping through the stunning 2000 acre Queen Elizabeth Country Park, the fourteen mile circular walk took me to the highest point in the South Downs to experience exhilarating panoramic views all the way to the Isle of Wight. If you’re looking for a challenging walk with spectacular scenery and sumptuous rural retreats – this day one not to be missed.
Thatched cottage in Hampshire
Setting off from Petersfield, we were soon mincing our way through the jungley pathways of Hangers Way before emerging two and a half miles later into the picturesque village of Buriton. Met by the clonking of wedding bells pealing out from the 12th century St Mary’s Church, we plonked ourselves down by the village pond to enjoy a quick pit-stop – much to the delight of the opportunistic ducks.
Office Breaks traditional thatched cottages
Office Breaks Buriton village
Setting off at a brisk trot, we speed past traditional thatched roof cottages on a steep climb to Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Set in 2000 acres of woodland, the park is a haven for wildlife, boasting thirty-eight types of butterfly and twelve species of wild orchid. It also attracts legions of two-legged cyclists and the odd Nordic Ski walker. Marching on, the chirp of sky larks trills above us as the autumnal scents of damp, decaying earth fill our nostrils. Unused to all this fresh air, we arrive in a state of starvation at the park’s café for a quick lunch al-fresco. Enviously eyeing up the huge burgers being devoured by the cyclists all around me, I make a mental note not to bother bringing sarnies next time.
Office Breaks Queen Elizabeth Country Park
As the gentle patter of rain starts, we press on to Butser Hill – a 200 metre indigestion-inducing bruiser. Puffing and panting, the hill has a maddening habit of concealing further steep inclines just as you think you’ve reached the top. After twenty minutes, we finally make it to the top. Gulping in lungfuls of air, we take in jaw-dropping views stretching as far as the Isle of Wight’s glittering Needles, while below us, match-box cars hurtle past on the endless race-track of the A3. Stretching all the way from Eastbourne to Winchester, Butser Hill is the highest point on the South Downs Way – providing rolling hills and sweeping vistas for a few miles to come.
Office Breaks Butser Hill descent
Once back down to ground level, we follow a circular route back to Petersfield, amidst bountiful trees laden with apples and possibly the world’s biggest pumpkin nestled under a tree. I’m amazed at how quickly nature changes – from leafy shoots to mellow fruitfulness, all in a matter of weeks.
Office Breaks Apple trees, Hampshire
On the way back to the station, we make an impromptu stop at the Seven Stars pub on the Winchester Road, (two miles from Petersfield.) Braving a drink outdoors, we soon beat a hasty retreat to a sanctuary of wooden beams, sumptuous, leather armchairs and the odd dog or two wandering in. Bizarrely, there’s also a chance to indulge in one of your five a day with a free fruit basket by the bar.
Seven Stars pub
Fortified once more after our day hike escape to Hampshire, we wind our weary way back to the train station and the thriving metropolis where fresh air and free fruit is in rather shorter supply.