Up Farley Mount
Posted 6th November 2017
Category: Miscellaneous Genres: N/A
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On a not too cold day recently, I took a trip to Farley Mount, the highest point in Hampshire.
The highest point in Hampshire it may be but thankfully it’s not too high. The path leading to is very rutted in a way that suggests the heavy use of wheels at some point – it’s too narrow for cars – but compared to many paths to viewpoints it’s incredibly short and a lot easier, particularly when the ground is dry. This is your reward for 15 minutes walk:
The views are 360 degrees or thereabouts – there are some trees – and stretch from Romsey to Winchester and beyond in both directions. I took quite a few photographs of the folly, the sun in the right place for my camera’s small sensor to produce good colours.
Inside, a plaque gives an idea as to the history of the place:
Underneath lies buried a horse. The property of Paulet St John Esq. that in the month of September 1733 leaped into a chalk pit twentyfive feet deep a foxhunting with his master on his back. And in October 1734 he won the hunters plate on worthy downs and was rode by his owner and entered in the name of “Beware Chalk Pit”.
The above being the words of the original inscription were restored by the Rt Hon. Sir William Heathcote Baronet Sep. AD 1870.
Outside the wind was biting, and a black cloud loomed overhead; with leaves coating the way back I didn’t want to spend too much time gazing out over the fields but it’s a place that visiting for a handful of minutes doesn’t feel a waste. Next time, though, I’ll remember to take a hat.
November 7, 2017, 4:52 pm
Such a wonderful view for such a relatively short climb.
I love hearing of real life legends such as that of Paulet St John Esq
November 10, 2017, 1:34 pm
Kelly: It is, isn’t it?
Tracy: Yes, it’s always nice when it’s that way around. I know some more difficult climbs have less of a view. On legends, me too – there was some recent news about King Arthur suggesting it may be more true than previously thought.
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November 6, 2017, 3:42 pm
A lovely view!