08:56:26
Where I started my walk, and where I finished the previous one - East Meon church.08:56:37
It looked very atmospheric in the mist.08:57:33
It would be lovely to see East Meon one day with blue skies!09:03:34
I was however treated to lots of snowdrops on today's walk.
09:03:37
Heading out of East Meon.09:05:47
Leaving East Meon.09:07:31
The track that led off the road into a misty expanse.09:14:06
It was a bit misty!
09:15:34
This is where I met the South Downs Way today, much quicker to connect with it than when I'd ended my walk at East Meon the previous time.09:15:39
Always very reassured by these South Downs Way signs.09:31:41
One of the buildings of Whitewhool Farm.09:37:02
Everything looking very atmospheric in the mist!
09:42:16
On the way up Old Winchester Hill. Some atmospheric trees.09:42:25
...and the atmospheric track.09:49:09
The sign post for Old Winchester Hill.10:03:51
The sign for The Hill Fort. I'm sure it was there somewhere.
10:04:54
Old Winchester Hill, a famous viewpoint. Hmmm.10:05:26
Here I am enjoying the view from Old Winchester Hill.10:08:42
Sheep grazing on the top of Old Winchester Hill.10:27:07
Later on, nearing Exton, it was becoming quite muddy.
10:27:13
I thought I should record the state of my boots. 10:31:08
10:34:05
Crossing over the old Meon Valley Railway.10:34:36
More reassuring signs, here it seems there was a "temporary off road route for walkers".
10:35:01
Underneath the railway bridge over this stream, a tributary of the Meon.10:36:42
Quite a nice little path that follow the stream to the Meon, I think they should make this a permanent route for the South Downs Way!10:36:44
10:44:38
Where the stream met the Meon.
10:44:53
Crossing over the Meon.10:46:19
I havea friend whose surname is Exton, thus the glut of pictures of signs with Exton on.10:46:25
10:51:06
Snowdrops in Exton.
10:51:45
10:53:48
Houses in Exton.10:54:14
Exton House.10:55:20
The Shoe, Exton.
10:56:26
More pretty houses in Exton.10:56:43
One of the other entrances to Exton House.10:57:15
Thatched cottage.11:07:44
I actually managed to get "lost", believe it or not, in the tiny village of Exton, so it was a relief when I finally found this sign post for the South Downs Way heading out of the village.
11:17:44
Another selfie, partly to note my wet hair as a result of the perpetual mist.11:37:10
The trig point at the Beacon Hill I passed after leaving Exton.11:57:16
An interesting South Downs Way sign with drinking water tap attached.12:10:57
More snowdrops.
12:24:41
The hour and a bit from Exton had been a bit of a trudge, if I'm honest - the appeal of the mist was starting to subside - so I was very glad when I reached today's pub stop, the Milburys.12:25:08
The misty Milburys.12:31:59
Inside it had a bowling alley...13:09:07
A 300ft well...
13:12:09
...and this large treadmill.13:12:14
13:25:32
Back on the road again, and enthusiasm definitely waning.13:45:23
A lone daffodil near Holden Farm. As I met the A272 here I considered just calling it a day and trying to call a taxi, but in the end I pressed on.
14:08:30
Somewhere around Gander Down?14:45:05
Nice wooded section (possibly "Great Clump"?) on the approach to the ridiculously named Cheesefoot Head.14:45:17
Some very characterful trees along this stretch.14:48:17
Not quite sure what a Teleport is. I scanned the QR code and briefly scaned the webpage and it was something to do with satellites.
14:52:41
Crossing the A272 again next to Cheesefoot Head.15:13:58
Presumably heading into Chilcomb here, and for the first time I could see more than a few metres in front of me.15:14:25
More snowdrops around Chilcomb.15:18:30
A nice old treehouse around Chilcomb.
15:26:38
So, finally the end was in sight...15:29:34
This was the final stretch of footpath in countryside, across this large field, before the South Downs Way crossed over the M3 into Winchester.15:29:39
15:37:28
15:37:40
I felt I should wave goodbye to the South Downs here.15:37:42
Bye South Downs Way!15:38:35
This for many of course would be the start of the South Downs Way. 99 miles to Eastbourne. Over the course of the last of the last 7 months I'd done that!15:38:48
The bridge over the M3.
15:39:01
Some blossom by the M3.15:42:35
Ove the other side, in a park on the edge of Winchester.15:43:42
I suppose this was to be the last sign I would see!15:57:38
I thought it appropriate to take a final picture of the statue of King Alfred in the centre of Winchester.