Day 5 - Sunday 6th July - Winchester to East Meon

Mindful that at least in theory I couldn't check into my destination until 6pm, I took it easy and left my perch in Winchester only around 10.30. The route took me downhill to the city centre, then through all the busy tourist bits to the start of the South Downs Way at Winchester Old Mill.

Out of town then, inevitably uphill, to a bridge over the M3 motorway, an encouraging sign reading "Eastbourne 98½ miles" and a quiet field path leading to the hamlet of Chilcomb. 

It was grey and threatening to rain as I followed a little track steeply uphill, then more gently over Telegraph Hill and on to Cheesefoot Head, with a crossing of the busy A272 and an information board about the nature reserve up there.

The path heads northward for a while - and here it rained heavily for a few minutes - before turning eastward and setting its direction for several miles ahead.

The route climbs relentlessly over Gander Down, drops down to pass through Holden Farm with a little café, then slogs uphill for almost two miles to the Millbury pub at Millbarrow Down. Although I'd been popping my waterproofs on and off for trivial showers the puddles and wet roads here showed that I'd missed the worst.
The official route follows a road for a while before turning off to a field track - here the shower and storm clouds dominated but somehow I still missed the worst of it.

The track wanders on with improving views until it reaches Beacon Hill nature reserve - and the top of Beacon Hill at 660ft, although the climb up to it had been barely noticeable.

The way now takes a long dive downhill to the village of Exton, graced with a pretty little church.

After the village the climb begins to Old Winchester Hill, a conical lump of 600ft teasing from a distance.
The route is gentle and flat at first, then gets progressively steeper through zigzags before the South Downs Way cops out and goes south of the last steep climb. I took the direct route up, having to pause yet again to put on waterproofs near the top.
The climb was rewarded with amazing views, from a summit scattered with ancient tumuli.

I rejoined the national trail, which after shadowing a road for half a mile or so turned almost through 180 degrees to go steeply downhill.
I was passed here by several mountain bikers going the other way - bottom gear all the way...
With just a couple of miles left to East Meon the South Downs Way took me up yet another hill before leaving me to another track to descend into the village - a fine distant view on the way.

My resting place is in the main village inn, which for a Sunday night has been incredibly busy.
British country pubs aren't dead yet, as long as they serve amazing food and decent beer....