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The North Wessex Downs

The North Wessex Downs offers a unique landscape that lies at the hub of the chalk landscapes of southern England. The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is located in the counties of Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. The area covered being better known by various overlapping local names, including the Marlborough and Watership Downs, the Berkshire Downs, the White Horse Hills, the Lambourn Downs, the Vale of Pewsey and Savernake Forest.

Ultimately it is the stunning scenery, highly attractive and unspoilt villages, and sense of isolation that are the primary attractions of the area for recreation and tourism. Its extensive rights of way network provides access to some of the most spectacular views and secluded valleys in southern England.

Watership Down

'Watership Down' is the title of Richard Adams' first and most successful novel. The novel is about a group of rabbits and is named after a hill in the north of Hampshire, near Basingstoke. For the images of a landscape which inspired the novelist please click here.

Cycling on the Watership Down

Watership Down Trail is an invigorating ride which takes in some of Hampshire's finest scenery. The route begins on a quiet country lane out of Kingsclere followed by a challenging off-road climb to the top of Ladle Hill. The route continues along the ridge of Watership Down, south past North Oakley, through Ibworth and off road back to Kingsclere. Download the cycling route map and chose between the 9 or 17 miles long trail.

Whitchurch off road cycle trail is a challenging trail covering many of the places that were an inspiration for Richard Adams' 'Watership Down'. Stunning views from Woodcott Down and Ladle Hill contrast with the picturesque Hampshire villages of St. Mary Bourne and Binley.Click here to download the leaflet and map.