Four Marilyns and two hundred and ninety two miles motoring

My intention was to have a day off and view Salisbury Cathedral, but invigorated after a good sleep I was back on the M trail again by 7:30 am.

Even after delays on the M27 I was up and down Chanctonbury Hill (TQ 134 130) by 11:30. Situated on The South Downs Way, with cropped turf, cloudless blue sky and warm sunshine it was an idyllic start to the day. I even removed my zip off legs and walked in shorts for the first time - what a feeling of freedom. A local, well educated guy of similar age to myself provided pleasant conversation on the top ranging from mutual wartime memories, the construction of dew ponds, WW2 aircraft, dog walking, and the advantages of walking alone amongst other subjects.

So far I have taken these hills one by one rather than having a fixed plan. Research established that Leith Hill (TQ 139 431) was only about 40 mins. drive so off I went. A steep ten minute climb through woods brought me onto a pine scattered plateau and a grand tower. I had a long chat with a cyclist who lived closer in to London and thrived on getting out into the country. The tower had a kiosk (coffee and shortbread for me). The lady told me the tower was built by a guy in the 1750s for his own visitations, not only as a folly. There were a few people about enjoying the glorious weather, and it is obviously a popular spot, but compared with recently visited Butser Hill which was like Blackpool, Leith Hill would have to be compared with Harrogate.

I was conscious of getting further and further east from my caravan, but reckoned I could squeeze in Botley Hill (TQ 396 553) because it was actually on the side of a road. It turned out to be about three metres from the road on the other side of a barbed wire fence which was easily straddled.

It was now decision time. North Downs (TQ 804 586) is the most easterly Marilyn in south England and logistically a problem. If I tackled it now it would probably save me a whole day later but it was a long way - not far off The Channel Tunnel !

Hard driving on the M25 and M26 eventually got me to this popular dog walking spot perched in the top of the North Downs.

More hard driving for over two hours saw me back at Salisbury and welcome beers, thoughtfully stashed in the fridge before departure, with accomplishment of the statistics shown in the title herewith.





Dew pond on Chanctonbury Hill





Chanctonbury Hill summit looking along The South Downs Way - I reckon that must be a good walk.





Approaching the tower and summit of Leith Hill






The kiosk in the tower can be seen





Botley Hill trig. The road is just on the others side of the hedge





North Downs summit and trig


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