Chalk downland

For the last 21 years, travelling to and from the south coast, we have thought it a good idea to climb this attractive chalk hill close by our route. But time constraints in each direction have prevented it. Until today.

From the top, fine views. In one direction Watership Down (it’s real). In another, Highclere Castle - which everyone knows now as Downton Abbey, courtesy of the TV series.

Interesting topography - not only a steep hill, but an Iron Age Hill fort, so remodelled for defensive purposes.

Just below the top, set within iron railings, the grave of the Lord Caernavon who - with Howard Carter - discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun.

And everywhere skylarks and meadow pipits singing, red kites flying the thermals, and butterflies fluttering through the meadow grasses and flowers

Extra - fishermen on the beach trying for sea bass. Quite a few of them, and expecting to be up for 1am. These two seemed slightly sozzled - that cannot be tea in their thermos flasks