Car free walk, catch the bus from Petersfield
Distance:
<10 miles. 6-7 miles
Location:
Hampshire
Type:
Moderate. South Downs Way
Duration:
3-4 hours
Enjoy a morning coffee at the Country Park Café , stunning views from the top of Butser Hill and end with dinner or a drink in one of East Meon’s cosy pubs.
Look out for downland flowers and insects, interesting eco-buildings at the Sustainability Centre and picture-perfect cottages in East Meon village.
Print or download the guide for full details of the route.
Getting here
The journey out: The no.37 bus (no bus on Sundays) leaves Petersfield Square and takes just 10 minutes to get to Queen Elizabeth Country Park. Make sure the driver knows that you want to get off at the bus stop on the busy A3.
The journey back: The no.67 bus runs from East Meon to Petersfield (limited on Saturdays, no bus on Sundays). The journey takes 15 minutes.
Useful information
Refreshments: Country Park Café, Beech Café @ Sustainability Centre
and pubs in East Meon.
Toilets: Country Park, Sustainability Centre and East Meon.
Maps: OS Explorer OL8 & OL3, or the South Downs Way Guide (available from nationaltrail.co.uk/ south-downs-way).
Directions
Start: From the bus stop follow the path down into the Country Park and turn left to the Visitor Centre. Follow the South Downs Way signs through the tunnel under the main road and up Butser Hill. Then simply follow the South Downs Way signposts.
Finish: 1 ¼ miles after the Sustainability Centre you arrive at a crossroads with a lane at Coombe Cross. Continue straight across for a further ½ mile then turn right at the next path junction marked East Meon. On meeting the lane turn left to the village of East Meon. The bus stop is outside the Church.
For more information about the South Downs Way and inspiration on future routes please visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk/south-downs-way