SU5327 : South Downs  Way near Cheesefoot Head

Cheesefoot Head

176m Elevation
49m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

SU5327 : South Downs Way near Cheesefoot Head

Robin Pearson Photo source

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Route planning notes

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Cheesefoot Head Circular Walk

A delightful circular route starting from the small village of Easton, it winds through the picturesque countryside before summiting Cheesefoot Head.

8.5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

176m

579 ft

Prominence

49m

Coordinates

51.0465, -1.2428

SU531277

OS Map

185

Explorer: OL32 132

At the Summit

At the summit, hikers will find a trig point offering panoramic views, and on a clear day, the rolling hills of the South Downs stretch out like a green quilt.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with some rocky outcrops and gentle slopes making for a pleasant walk rather than a scramble.

Cheesefoot Head is primarily composed of the chalky deposits characteristic of the South Downs, formed from marine sediments during the Late Cretaceous period. This geological setting results in not only impressive scenery but also porous soils that allow for unique flora and fauna.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can enjoy stunning views over the Weald and back towards Winchester, with spots like St. Catherine's Hill visible in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Cheesefoot Head is believed to derive from the Old English words ‘ceos’ (cheese) and ‘fōt’ (foot), potentially referring to the shape of the hill or historical cheese production in the vicinity.

Historical Significance

Cheesefoot Head has historical importance dating back to ancient times, having been a site for the Downland's prehistoric inhabitants.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small parking area at the base of Cheesefoot Head along the B3047, suitable for cars but may fill up quickly during weekends.

Public Transport

The nearest bus services run from Winchester to Easton village, with about a 30-minute walk to the start of the route.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on Cheesefoot Head, the nearby village of Easton has a charming pub and cafe. Winchester boasts a wider array of options including shops, cafes, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for sudden changes in weather, as the South Downs can be fickle. Also, keep an eye out for livestock on the trails.

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

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Cheesefoot Head?

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

Are there other walkers around Cheesefoot Head?

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 Cheesefoot Head search or of course create your own walk for Cheesefoot Head

Can I organise a walk to Cheesefoot Head?

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 Cheesefoot Head.

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 Cheesefoot Head?

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 Cheesefoot Head 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

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SU531277

View on OpenStreetMap

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