Op: Brass Monkeys | Butser Hill – Southdown's Way Hike

Operation Brass Monkeys - Butser Hill

Butser Hill at 889’ is the highest point on the South Downs, overlooking the town of Petersfield and is the natural heart of the South Downs National Park.

Part of the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Butser Hill is set close to the A3 road and the railway line which runs from London to Portsmouth, it has, since the iron age, been an important landmark in Southern England, whilst acting as a historic signalling point for sending messages to and from the capital.

Op Brass Monkeys -Butser Hill is approximately 10km (6x miles) which includes three ascents and descents of the 888ft hill, the highest point on the South Downs.

Terrain:

The course is grass and can rutted in places, with badger scrapes, rabbit holes and occasional flint exposure. It can also be slippery on bare chalk and if the grass is wet.

The grass slopes of Buster Hill can be slippery and a good walking boot or trail trainers are essential. The weather can also be cold and wet this time of year so please wear sensible clothing during the event and something warm and dry to change into afterwards.

Naturally, i will do my best to book the weather so it is warm and dry, with 30c sunshine.

Please note that in the event of inclement weather we may shorten the course for the health and safety of all participants.

· This is a moderate hike with some short steep hills in places. Therefore, to attend this event, your walking/hiking abilities should be at moderate and above.

· Wheelchair access is challenging due to uneven surfaces and narrow paths throughout the trail.

· It will take approx. two - three hours to complete at a comfortable pace with plenty of stops for water and to take in the views.

· There are toilets located at Queen Elizabeth country park activity centre and café, adjacent to the main car park.

· This is a 10km hike (6 miles) and will take approx. two – three hours with an end point back at Queen Elizabeth country park main car park/café, where we will have mulled wine and mince pies and any additional participants wish to bring with them.

The Details.

- Meeting Point: Queen Elizabeth country park activity centre, main car park. (PO8 0QE), signed just off the A3 south of Petersfield (Parking payment will be required on location, paid at end)

- Meeting Time: 09:30 – 09::45am – So we are ready to trail blaze from 10:00am.

- The Butser Hill Op: Brass Monkeys is approximately 10km (6x miles) which includes three ascents and descents of the 888ft hill, the highest point on the South Downs. We will have plenty of opportunities for food, photos, and good banter.

- End Time: 13:00 - 14:00hr – Although we will not rush and this is not a race. The intent will be to meet back at Queen Elizabeth country park main car park/café, where we will have mulled wine and mince pies and any additional participants wish to bring with them.

- Christmas hats, jumpers, etc, is very much the dress code. There will be a kit list provided for guidance for those new to hiking.

- At this stage please car share where possible. If you cannot drive or not confident in driving to location, please speak to drop me a message in the whatsapp group or message me direct, or on Instagram @philcarpenter_pt and I shall try and arrange a car share for you.

Basic Kit List.

- Walking boots/Trainers with grip.

- Walking socks

- Shorts / Tights / Walking trousers

- Light weight walking or wind proof / waterproof jacket

- Fleece or Warm Jumper / Hoodie

- Hat / Sunglasses / Sun cream / Mosquito repellent

- Comfortable / Appropriate day sack

- 2-3 litres minimum of water/electrolytes (Camelbak/Hydration bag recommended)

- Food (lunch for stop, snacks for morale and journey)

- Walking poles (optional)

- Head torch

- Personal mini first aid kit (pain killers, blister plasters, vaseline, insect repellent, toilet paper, wet wipes, prescribed Medic*tion)

- Mobile phone should be near or on full charge. (Safe my number for emergency reasons)

*Route: Queen Elizabeth country park - Butser Hill loop

Any additional equipment will be your own personal preference and your own reasonability. My advice would be to pack light and check the weather 24 hours and 12 hours prior to event.

If you are bringing a dog, please make sure you have additional water and food. Dogs must be kept on the lead near livestock, for obvious reasons as well as the law of the land.

This will be a fun, relaxed, challenging event with the intent for us all to have a great time interacting with one another.

While we're committed to your safety, please remember that i cannot be held responsible for any injuries sustained during this adventure. If you feel it's necessary, consider arranging personal injury insurance.

Host or Publisher @philcarpenter_pt on behalf of PUREGYM North Harbour