Danebury Hill Fort
On this walk, children will enjoy climbing the mounds, running around the ramparts, discovering tree swings and dens, taking in the view or trying out the story trail.
The Basics
Time: It will take around 30 minutes to walk up the hill fort and around the circumference, but allow plenty more time for explorations!
Distance: 2km
Terrain: One steep but short climb and then rough, chalky paths. Lots of slopes if you plan to explore fully.
Pushchair: Not ideal due to gradient and rough paths
Dogs: Yes, although it is a popular spot so leads may be advisable, especially around grazing ponies and cattle
Refreshments: None, but bring a blanket for a picnic in the summer or Stockbridge is a few minutes drive away with plenty of dining options
Toilets: Yes, in the top car park in a replica roundhouse!
Parking: Two free car parks, one smaller one near the road and a larger one at the top of the access road (Postcode: SO20 6HZ - W3W: strictly/cork/work)
Standing high above the surrounding countryside, Danebury Iron Age Hill Fort is a site of national importance in terms of archaeology and nature conservation. The spectacular downland setting and the ancient ring of ramparts makes this a very special place to walk around.
The Route
A walk where no directions are needed! Easy!
Just pick one of the paths heading up the hill from the car park and explore. You will not get lost as the car park will be easy to locate beneath you. You will have no problem picking out a path either across the middle of the ring, or around the circumference.
You will find a trig point, far-reaching views, Highland cattle, Exmoor ponies, diy rope swings, dens, mounds (one with steps), interpretation boards and beech woodland and chalk downland on the slopes. Families could spend hours exploring, playing and picnicking!
Following your walk, we highly recommend stopping in Stockbridge, which is a gem of a little town sat on the banks of The River Test.
Hampshire County Council Countryside Services have created a story trail to go with this walk, which you can download here
Did you know?
Danebury Iron Age Hillfort is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is believed to have been built around 2500 years ago. A community of between 3-400 people would have lived within the ramparts, ensuring the safety of grain and livestock. The earthworks are still visible to this day and you can read here to find out more about iron age life at the fort.