Butser Hill

Butser Hill

Butser Hill Group Walks | Join a Walk

270m Elevation
156m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m Tump

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Elevation

270m

887 ft

Prominence

156m

Coordinates

50.9779, -0.9803

SU716203

OS Map

197

Explorer: OL8 OL33 120 133

At the Summit

The summit features a prominent trig point with sweeping views, making it a perfect spot for a picnic, or simply to catch your breath while admiring the vistas on offer.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy and chalky with some uneven surfaces typical of the South Downs.

Butser Hill is primarily composed of chalk, a soft, sedimentary rock that is part of the larger South Downs formation. The chalk bed has fostered unique flora and fauna, giving rise to a landscape dotted with grazing sheep and vibrant wildflowers.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the rolling hills of the South Downs, the Meon Valley, and on clear days, even the shimmering coastline of the Solent.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Butser' is believed to derive from the Old English term for 'a place of many burrows' or 'burrow hill'.

Historical Significance

Butser Hill is an important archaeological site, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Bronze Age, including ancient burial mounds.

Popular Routes

Butser Down Circular Walk

Easy

This leisurely circular route traverses the stunning chalk downlands of Butser Hill, offering both scenic views and a gentle gradient, perfect for families and less experienced walkers.

5.5 km 2 hours

South Downs Way

Moderate

A longer trek that forms part of the famous South Downs Way, starting from Exton and ascending through wooded paths and across open fields up to the summit.

12 km 4 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at the top of Butser Hill, located off the A3. Spaces are generally available, but arrive early on weekends.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is Petersfield, which is about 5 miles away. Regular bus services also connect Petersfield to nearby villages.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on Butser Hill, but the village of Buriton nearby has a lovely pub and a café for refreshments post-walk.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • As with many hills, watch out for sudden changes in weather and ensure you're prepared for muddy paths after rain.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Butser Hill?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Butser Hill through the maps

Are there other walkers around Butser Hill?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Butser Hill search or of course create your own walk for Butser Hill

Can I organise a walk to Butser Hill?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Butser Hill.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Butser Hill?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Butser Hill here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible