周辺の天然記念物・トップ10

St Catherine's Hill is a prominent chalk downland hill on the outskirts of Winchester, notable for its layered historical and ecological importance. Now a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) managed as a nature reserve, its summit is ringed by the impressive earthworks of a univallate Iron Age hillfort dating back over 2,000 years. The top is marked by a distinctive copse of beech trees, known as 'The Clump', which contains the scant ruins of the 12th-century St Catherine's Chapel, while the hillside features a turf-cut labyrinth known as the Miz-Maze; the entire site provides spectacular views over the city, the Itchen Valley, and supports a rich variety of wildflowers and butterflies, including the protected Chalkhill Blue.

The River Itchen is one of England's internationally renowned chalk streams, rising south of New Alresford in Hampshire and flowing for approximately 28 miles through the historic city of Winchester before eventually meeting Southampton Water. Famed for its crystal-clear, stable-temperature, and nutrient-rich waters, the river supports an exceptionally diverse ecosystem, leading to its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), vital for species like the Atlantic salmon, otter, and southern damselfly. Historically, the river was modified to form the Itchen Navigation, a former canal that once connected Winchester and Southampton for trade, and today its valley is characterised by a system of disused water-meadows, making it a globally significant natural habitat.

Nearly the furthest point on our ride today. It's a great way to access the South Downs Way.

There are two hills with the name Beacon Hill on the South Downs Way. This one is 201m, trig pointed, and closer to Winchester. It has a cool old style beacon on the top.

Beautiful spot to watch the sunrise and look down at the city lights in the distance. Great route up with steps from the south west side of the hill

Great ice cream in the car park..

Nice clear track underfoot, but does get muddy after rain. Only suitable for trail shoes.

A super cool but heart thumping 220ft climb up St Catherine’s Hill’s wooden stairs reveals show-stopping views of Winchester city as well as the Itchen Valley and the downland it nestles in. At the summit are the earthworks of an Iron Age fort, buried ruins of the Norman chapel that gives the site its name, and a copse of beech trees. In the summer you’ll be able to hear the cackle of a woodpeckers, spy buzzards and kestrels. It is such a great place to run or walk to.