Encouraged by the accessibility of the South Downs Way from Holden Farm to The Milburys, I checked out another section of the walk.
I walked from Exton to Beacon Hill along the Walkers route of the South Downs Way, across fields. Sadly this scenic route is NOT accessible. It starts with a kissing gate, then there are a series of stiles, and a steep grassy slope to climb.
I returned down the the cyclists route, down a single lane road. With stretches with no verges, I began to feel that I would not feel comfortable/safe pushing my daughter in her off road buggy. But midweek in term time I met no cars, only 2 cyclists, and a local couple happily pushing a baby in a pram up the road. So the decision is yours. And wide vehicles ie lorries are signposted down a different, wider, road. Open OS Maps in a new window.
The walk from Exton to Beacon Hill viewpoint and back along the road is 8.3km/5.1 miles, starting and ending at the car park opposite the track to Manor Farm Cottages.
Back close to Exton, there is a wooden kissing gate that leads back to the metal kissing gate. Or you can follow the road back into Exton.
Parking - Parking in Exton is limited. There were several cars parked off the road at the northern end of Church Lane just off the A32, opposite the track to Manor Farm Cottages. There is also a car park Beacon Hill National Nature Reserve (with suggested parking charges). On a previous visit we noticed glass from broken car windows in the car park, so I chose to park in Exton this time.
Toilets - There are no public toilets. The nearest Changing Places toilets at in the public toilet block, New Road, Swanmore SO32 2PF
Refreshments - The Shoe Inn, Shoe Lane, Exton SO32
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