Getting There
Southbound: Leave the M3 at Junction 11.
At the traffic lights turn right following signs to Winchester B3335, Hockley Link.
At the next roundabout taken the 2nd exit B3335 signed Winchester.
Northbound: Leave the M3 at Junction 11 and at the roundabout take the 1st exit signed Winchester B3335.
Then (both routes) take the 1st exit at the next roundabout, signed Compton, Otterbourne.
Enter Compton , drive over the motorway and immediately turn left signed Shawford, Twyford.
The car park is on the left hand side as the road bends to the left.
Return to M3 Junction 11
From the car park turn left. At the T-junction turn right, signed Compton, Winchester and then continue as signed to return to the motorway.
Shawford Down
Head towards the dog poo bin in the car park and then the path leading up the hill becomes clear. Follow this path to pass an information board to the right and head in the direction of the war memorial further up.
As this is access land, there may be shaggy highland cattle grazing on the down, as part of the Down conservation program. If this is the case, there is also the option to take the signed Public Footpath to the left of the first gate and follow this to the top of the hill. On a wet day, the hard surface of the path makes walking much easier if wellies are not to hand.
This latter path is designed to be wheelchair accessible, although the gradient is significant.
From the top, there are a number of gates leading into 57 acres of woodland which offer plenty of scope for exploration. There are also some wooden seats at the top, handily placed for admiring the view over the Itchen Valley.
Facilities
Free car park. Information board, dog poo bin in car park.