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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 visitor centre in Lyndhurst is known as the New Forest Heritage Centre. It is considered the ideal place to begin your exploration of the New Forest National Park, offering a comprehensive introduction to its unique history, culture, and wildlife.

Bolton's Bench is a well-known natural knoll and landmark situated on the edge of Lyndhurst, the "capital" of the New Forest. A prominent ancient yew tree grows at the top of the hill, which is surrounded by grassy lawns where the New Forest's famous ponies, donkeys, and cattle often graze freely. According to a medieval tale, a dragon that terrorized the nearby village of Bisterne was slain on the site by a knight named Sir Maurice de Berkeley. The dragon's body supposedly became the hill, and the ancient yew trees grew where the knight and his hounds later died.

Bolton's Bench is a well-known landmark and natural knoll in the New Forest, located just outside Lyndhurst, named after an 18th-century Duke of Bolton. It features ancient yew trees at its summit and offers picturesque views over the village, heathlands, and surrounding landscapes. The site is popular for walks, dog walking, and picnics, and is home to free-roaming New Forest ponies and cattle. While the bench itself commemorates the Duke, a local legend also attributes the hill's formation to a battle with a dragon, with the yew trees growing from where the knight and his dogs fell.

Ferry out of action till at least the start of September

The carpark here can get really busy especially on weekends or holidays. If you're planning on driving here to start your ride make sure it's early to beat the parking madness

There is a public bike tool station located at the Beaulieu Bakehouse, just off the high street

Winchester Cathedral in southern England is an impressive building steeped in history. Its Gothic architecture and intricate details make a visit a fascinating experience. Particularly impressive are the high vaults and the historic artworks that adorn the church. The interior exudes a serene and dignified atmosphere, inviting you to linger. The cathedral is a significant cultural and religious center, reflecting both history and spirituality. Overall, it is a worthwhile destination for visitors interested in architecture, history, and art.