Conservationists welcome final routing of the South Downs Way National Trail
The South Downs Society has today (31 March 2008) welcomed a long-awaited decision on the route of the famous South Downs Way across the picturesque Meon Valley in Hampshire.
This decision will mean that, in contrast to the less direct temporary route, walkers will be able to enjoy traversing Beacon Hill, perhaps the finest South Downs chalkland west of Butser Hill.
The Society has long called for the permanent route to be established both to ensure its proper care and maintenance and to aid publication of guides and maps for the benefit of users.
Richard Reed, leader of the Society's South Downs Way Hampshire working party, applauded the Inspector's decision. He said: “When the new routes are opened, walkers will be able to choose between the Wheely Down route and the footpath over Beacon Hill. They will also be able to make a circular walk from Beaconhill Beeches car park. Beacon Hill has magnificent views eastward to Old Winchester Hill and across the New Forest National Park to the Isle of Wight."
Jacquetta Fewster, director of the South Downs Society, also welcomed then long-awaited decision. She said: “We hope that Hampshire County Council will now proceed urgently with the completion of the South Downs Way on the approaches to Winchester. The Society has co-operated with Hampshire on the extension of the SDW national trail for many years, indeed since before the South Downs National Park was formally proposed."
The South Downs Way is an important route because it is one of the only two long-distance bridleways in the country and it gives the public ready access to the age-old routes along the escarpment of the South Downs amid unsurpassed scenery.
In 2001 Hampshire County Council published four different routes for the long distance trail, leaving the ultimate choice to public inquiries. These were held in 2004 and 2006. Inquiry inspector Peter Millman has now given his verdict.
Mr Millman has approved a footpath over Beacon Hill. He has also established a route linking the foot of the hill and eastwards to the A32 as a footpath rather than a bridleway. There has been a long delay over this because of objections to the lack of protection for horse riders where the route crosses the A32.
The temporary bridleway route will remain in place for the time-being. This is the last but one gap in the South Downs Way as a bridleway. A verdict on the very last section covering the approaches to Winchester has been delayed for a decision on the Meon Valley route.
Founded in 1923 as the Society of Sussex Downsmen, the organisation is now known as the South Downs Society and exists to protect the beauty of the South Downs and the public’s enjoyment of this special area.