The best running trails around Ecchinswell, Sydmonton And Bishops Green

Watership Down Star rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars4.7Category:📍 Scenic spot Click to open side panel for more information'... I’m a huge Watership Down fan and it was magical to be here. ...'Opens in a new windowKaylaIf you’ve ever wanted to live out your own bunny adventure (minus the scary owls and general peril), Watership DownClick to open side panel for more information is a real, spectacularly beautiful place in North Hampshire. It’s part of a high chalk ridge that feels like the "top of the world" with views that stretch on forever.Everything in Richard Adams’ famous book—from the steep slopes to the specific farmhouses—is based on the real-life geography of this area. Here is how to enjoy it in a fun, relaxed way:The "Summit" ExperienceThe hill itself rises steeply on its northern side and slopes gently to the south. It’s a favorite for hikers and cyclists who want to feel like they’re standing on the spine of England.The Memorial Tree: At the top, you’ll find a beech tree planted in memory of Richard Adams. The original "Beech Hanger" from the book was destroyed in a 2004 storm, but the new one is protected by a wooden fence where fans have carved the names of the rabbits like Hazel, Bigwig, and Fiver.The "Iron Age" Vibe: The top of the hill is actually a partially completed Iron Age hill fort. You can still see the ancient earthworks and burial mounds (tumuli) that give the place a mysterious, ancient energy.Real Rabbits: Yes, there are actually plenty of rabbits! If you go at dawn or dusk, you’ll see the modern-day descendants of the book’s heroes hopping around the chalk grassland.Hidden Book LocationsYou can actually "track" the rabbits' journey through the local landscape, as almost every landmark in the story exists in the real world.Nuthanger Farm: This is a real working farm located just below the down. You can see it from the public footpaths, and it looks remarkably like the descriptions in the novel.The River Test: The rabbits famously crossed this river on a wooden punt. In reality, the Test is one of the clearest "chalk streams" in the world, famous for its trout and crystal-clear water.The Wayfarer’s Walk: This is the main "highway" for hikers that runs right along the ridge of the down. It’s the easiest way to navigate the area while soaking in the 360-degree views of the North Wessex Downs.

Not only are these old Cold War Cruise missile bunkers but Star Wars used them in the Force Awakens film as the rebel base

A short section of twisty Singletrack linking Watership Down to Ladle Hill. it's rideable in most conditions but can get overgrown with tree branches in summer. It's best ridden E to W to get the downhill

As a child the tale of Watership down haunted me, the movie traumatised me, to finally be able to visit where Richard Adams based it on was amazing. Such a beautiful area, I rewatched the film a day before coming. I'd not seen it since I was a child. Still a harrowing tale, but can see the genius and beauty of what was hidden in it.

Win win walk - not too muddy, and a cafe. Happy teenagers.

Disused bunkers that once were home to the USA mobile nuclear missile deterrent - now more famous for being a filming location for the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the 2017 film Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Yellow Route around Greenham and Crookham Commons is straightforward, mostly flat, and accessible for various ages and fitness levels. Be aware of livestock along the way, best to keep pups on a lead.

Old airfield so this is a very appropriate sculpture