Old Winchester Hill

On recent trips to my parents in Hampshire, we've taken the boys for a blow-the-cobwebs out walk on Old Winchester Hill.

A Natural Nature Reserve, it's always a beautiful walk - interesting archeology (4500BC settlements etc) and awesome views.

But on this sunny day in August, it was particularly breath taking. The hill was alive with chalkhill blue butterflies -- carpets of them. Not seen anything like it since Joss and I were lucky enough one Xmas day to catch the butterfly migration from California down to Mexico. Get to see both if you can.

I've just read the official website --- hmm the hill was used as a firing range in WWII and the ordnance has never been fully cleared. Think we won't go off-piste next time!