SU4029 : Wheat field, Farley Mount

Farley Mount

178m Elevation
81m Prominence
England Country
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SU4029 : Wheat field, Farley Mount

Pierre Terre Photo source

Overview

Farley Mount

Introduction
Nestled in the picturesque South Downs of Hampshire, Farley Mount stands as a charming spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. Elevated at 202 meters, it offers sweeping panoramas that sprinkle a dash of magic over your walk.

Geology
Farley Mount features classic chalk downland geology, typical of the South Downs. The terrain boasts a delightful mix of chalk uplands and rolling valleys, with flint nodules adding a bit of rustic charm. Geological quirks abound, showcasing the area’s ancient environmental history.

Access and Parking
Accessing Farley Mount is straightforward. You can park in the quaint village of Farley, which provides limited spaces. Just remember to mind your manners and not park too close to the neighbors, as they’re not fans of being boxed in. The nearest public transport links run from Winchester, with regular buses easing your journey to this delightful hill!

The Route
The Mount Trail from Farley is a well-loved route that meanders through the countryside before leading you to the summit. It’s a moderate trek of about 5 km, and you'll find yourself surrounded by the gentle hum of nature. The trail is perfect for those keen to immerse themselves in the serenity of the South Downs.

Summit Features
At the summit, hikers are greeted by a sturdy trig point and the welcoming arms of the monument dedicated to the 8th Hampshire Regiment. It’s a lovely spot to take a breather—just be careful of the wind, as it can playfully tussle with any hats around!

Views
The views from Farley Mount are nothing short of spectacular. On clear days, you can spot the striking silhouette of Winchester Cathedral and the sprawling Itchen Valley below. Spring and autumn are particularly delightful, with the best views. Bring a picnic and soak it all in.

Hazards
As with any adventure, keep an eye on the weather, as it can turn quicker than you can say 'chalk hill'. The paths can be slick when wet, especially where chalk dominates, so fancy footwork is the order of the day.

Nearby Summits
For additional adventures, consider exploring nearby summits such as Cortin Hill and Old Winchester Hill, both of which offer their unique charm.

Conclusion
Farley Mount encapsulates the heart of the South Downs—rich in history, beauty, and a touch of whimsy. Whether you’re hiking solo, with friends, or even just considering a casual stroll, you’re in for a treat. So lace up your boots, pack your sense of adventure, and head on out!

Explore routes near Farley Mount

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

South Downs Way: Winchester to Exton via Beacon Hill

20.2 km ~6h 30m Hard

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Hinton Ampner: Dutton Estate Woodland and Downland Circuit

6.8 km ~2h 15m Moderate

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Meon Valley Trail: West Meon to Wickham

14.6 km ~4h Moderate

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Wilverley Inclosure Walk, New Forest

5.2 km ~1h 30m Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

The Mount Trail from Farley

This circular route starts in the village of Farley, winding through beautiful countryside before ascending to the summit of Farley Mount.

5 km ~2 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

178m

584 ft

Prominence

81m

Coordinates

51.0592, -1.4262

SU403290

OS Map

185

Explorer: OL32 132

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a prominent trig point and an impressive stone monument dedicated to the 8th Hampshire Regiment.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with some rocky outcrops and chalky paths providing a lovely change of scenery.

Composed primarily of chalk, with flint nodules scattered throughout. The region showcases some classic South Downs geology, including steep scarp slopes and gentle dip slopes.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, enjoy uninterrupted views over the surrounding South Downs, including glimpses of Winchester Cathedral in the distance and the Itchen Valley.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Farley' is derived from the Old English 'Fearn', meaning 'fern' and 'leah', meaning 'clearing'—thus, 'fern clearing'.

Historical Significance

Farley Mount has historical significance dating back to the time of the Roman occupation, with evidence of ancient trails and artifacts discovered in the area.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is limited parking available in the village of Farley, located approximately 1 km from the foot of the path leading to the summit. The nearby roads can be narrow, so be cautious when parking.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate to and from Winchester, where connections to the surrounding areas are available. The nearest bus stop is in Farley.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on Farley Mount, Winchester offers a wealth of cafes, restaurants, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for sudden weather changes; the chalk paths can be slippery when wet, so tread carefully.

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 Farley Mount?

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

Are there other walkers around Farley Mount?

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 Farley Mount search or of course create your own walk for Farley Mount

Can I organise a walk to Farley Mount?

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 Farley Mount.

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 Farley Mount?

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 Farley Mount 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

Farley Mount location map

Grid reference: SU403290

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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