ノースイントンの天然記念物・トップ7

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.

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..

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.

Cheesefoot Head is a natural amphitheatre and beauty spot that provides sweeping vistas of the South Downs. The area holds historical significance as well. During World War II, it served as an important military training area for British troops preparing for the D-Day invasion in Normandy. You can still spot remnants of military training, adding to its historical interest.

An example of a late bronze age to early iron age univallate hill fort. Some of the ramparts and ditches have been infilled but what remains is clear. You will have to ride up or push up a section of off road trail to view this properly.