Find “Frith on the Hills” at Watership Down, Kingsclere
One of the things I find fascinating about Watership Down is that Richard Adams based the rabbits’ journey on actual places that can still be visited today. Breathtaking Watership Down is one of these places.
Note: there are spoilers for the book Watership Down in the post below!
Watership Down – The Novel
Hazel’s band of rabbits hop seven miles from their warren at Sandleford to the top of Watership Down.
Along the way they push their way through Newtown Common, cross footbridges, float along the River Test and discover Nuthanger Farm.
Watership Down – The Hill
“O Frith on the hills!” says Dandelion as the rabbits marvel at the new home Fiver has found them on Watership Down. Standing at the top of Watership Down it is easy to see why. The views are some of the best I’ve seen.
Standing at the bottom of Watership Down is like looking up at a wall of grass.
An ideal spot for the hillfort built here during the Iron Age.
Gallops
The top of Watership Down is separated from the hillside by Gallops, which are tracks and fences used to train racehorses.
The fences are enormous!
There is a footpath across the Gallops but be careful to check for charging horses before you cross.
The gate onto the footpath is about a ten to fifteen minute walk from the parking area near Ashley Warren Down (see below).
The Warren under the Beech Tree
In the book, the warren the rabbits find on top of Watership Down is hidden amongst the roots of an old beech tree.
This tree stood at the top of Watership Down but sadly was destroyed by a storm in 2004. This spot is now marked by a young beech tree and a plaque in recognition of Richard Adams.
When I visited, the rabbits Fiver, Bigwig and Hazel had also been unofficially remembered…
Wayfarer’s Way
A long-distance route called the Wayfarer’s Way runs along the top of Watership Down, connecting Ladle Hill (to the west) with Whitehill (to the east).
This can be used by walkers and cyclists.
A Fossil Find
On my walk up the hill I randomly discovered a mussel shell fossil just sitting on the path.
Finding Watership Down
To walk to Watership Down from the lay-by near Ashley Warren Down (RG28 7QH) take the path across the road from the lay-by.
This will lead you up a small hill, through a gate and on towards the Gallops and the Richard Adams memorial plaque.
The Paths
The paths are not surfaced. They can be grassy, stony, narrow and steep.
The path along the top of the hill is pretty flat. It is only the footpath up and down the hill that is steep.
Note that this is not a circular route. The path down the hill is also the path you come back on.
Visit the Watership Down hill website
Further Information
Nearest Town: Kingsclere, near Basingstoke
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: RG28 7QH (or RG25 3EJ)
Opens: Daily
Cost: Free
Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None
How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: I wouldn’t bring one as there are steep hills and narrow paths.
Parking: There are a couple of options – there is a lay-by to the west of Watership Down near Ashley Warren Down (RG28 7QH) and there is a car park to the east at Whitehill (RG25 3EJ).
Cost of Parking: Free.
Wildlife You Might See: Rabbits and hares, butterflies and other insects, red kites and other birds.
Information Written: June 2022
Ratings
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