Local walking and cycling trails
One of the many benefits of Petersfield being surrounded by the gorgeous South Down is the scenic walking and cycling trails we have for those days you want to immerse yourself in nature and get outside. Now the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to get to know the area, whether it be on two wheels or two feet.
Poet’s Stone
One of our personal favourites is The Poet’s Stone Hill- also known as The Edward Thomas Memorial Stone. You can even catch a glimpse of the top as you approach Petersfield. This climb has a few steep spots but is so worth it for the view and the bench next to the memorial stone at the peak. There is another less intense route up, winding throughout the Ashford Hangers, if you feel the direct route is too much. You can also choose it as a gentle return down the hill with the trickling chalk stream and pond at the bottom, surrounded by ferns, wild garlic and stunning bluebell woodland. You can start this route from Petersfield near Tilmore Gardens or Steep Church.
Find out more: Old Litten Ln, Petersfield GU32 1AA
Butser Hill
With a direct route up the face of the hill you can set yourself a challenge and scale it in one go, or if that is not your style you can use the customer car park and enjoy the trails at the top. Both options have stunning views of the South Downs and are the perfect spot to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. If you don’t have time for a long hike or you have work during the day, Butser Hill is one of our favourite places to enjoy the sunset. The golden glow engulfs the rolling fields below and coats the hill, so grab a picnic blanket, head to the fields and enjoy the view.
If walking isn’t your style, Butser Hill can still be the perfect place for you, with its trail around the peak it can offer a wonderfully scenic cycle ride.
Find out more: Petersfield GU31 5SP
Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Just a short drive, or cycle from Petersfield is QE park. This stunning area of woodland offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature.
Cycling is an excellent way to stay active and spend quality time with family. It’s a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. This stunning area of woodland is the perfect cycling destination for all ages. It has lovely flat trails for a light family ride as well as some terrain for the dare devils among you.
Find out more: Gravel Hill, Horndean PO8 0QE
Serpent Trail
This trail is a great quest to conquer if you’re in need of a challenge. You can either set off from Petersfield or end the trail in Petersfield, depending on which direction you choose. The purple waymarkers guide you from Haslemere to the tail in Petersfield. The green waymarkers follow the Serpent Trail from Petersfield to the head in Haslemere. All together, the trail comes to a whopping 65 mile trek; however, it is broken up into 11 stages. You can complete it section by section over time or push yourself to do one round trip. This trail was designed to highlight the unique and wonderful beauty of the South East, taking you through purple heather, green woods and golden valleys.
For more details about the trail stages and addresses, click here!
Durford Wood
Just a short drive up the old A3 and right before the Jolly Drover, you will find the stunning woodlands of Rogate. Park on one of the sections along the road next to the forest, pick a direction to go and follow any trail of your choice. You’ll be taken through a huge variety of gorgeous sights, habitats and fields.
Find out more: Combe Hill Cl, Rogate, Hill Brow, Petersfield GU31 5DS
Old Winchester Hill
Another wonderful spot on the South Downs National Park is Old Winchester Hill, this gorgeous area consists of 150 acres of National reserve. Home to a huge variety of fauna and flora you can sit back and enjoy the rolling fields all the way to Portsmouth and even Southampton.
Following the signs and footpaths you can enjoy the steep slopes and woodlands in all directions, even finding a hill fort route taking you to the top.
Find out more: Warnford, Petersfield GU32 1HN
Rogate Downhill Bike Park
Cycling is an excellent way to stay active and spend quality time with family. It’s a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. If you are more of a daredevil rider, why not head to Rogate Downhill Bike Park. Filled with different routes and trails through the woods it’s a brilliant day out.
Find out more: Rogate, Petersfield GU31 5DL
Those are just a few of the wonderful local areas we are so lucky to call home. Why not get outside and discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this stunning area.
If you would like to see more outside areas in and around Petersfield, head to our “What to do” page.