Meon Valley attractions
The Meon Valley can be explored using the OS Explorer map 119 Meon Valley.
Old Winchester Hill, Warnford
This National Nature Reserve is a chalk downland site and is the location of an Iron Age Hill Fort. It is home to a wide variety of characteristic chalk downsland species of plants, butterflies and birds and the views from the top are fantastic!! The site is managed by Natural England. The site is grazed by livestock and therefore at all times, dogs must be kept under close control or on a lead.
More information can be found here.
Meon Valley Disused Railway Line
The railway line was abandoned to rail traffic in the 1950's, and in the 1960's it was purchased by Hampshire Country Council. Since then, it has been designated as Bridleway which gives walkers, cyclists and horse riders an opportunity to pass right through the beautiful Meon Valley. There are many sources of information on the history of the railway line and on the Hampshire County Council website there is a route map available for download.
Pilgrims Way/Churches of the Meon Valley
The Meon Valley is steeped in history and this is reflected by the churches which date from the Saxon to Victorian period. The full route is approximately 24 miles but it can easily be divided into smaller sections. The Winchester City Council website or the Pilgrimage Trail website has more details about the route and churches seen along the way.
Titchfield Haven, National Nature Reserve
Not only is this site designated at a national scale for its bird species, it is also included in the internationally designated site which incorporates much of the Solent. There is a visitors centre at the south of the site and a public footpath which follows the historic Titchfield Canal from the coast up to the town of Titchfield.
South Downs Way
A section of the National Trail route, the South Downs Way, passes through the Meon Valley. This bridleway takes walkers, cyclists and horse riders through open countryside and small villages, offering panoramic views across the valley.
