Hannington Cottington's Hill
A short history of Hannington
The Village
Hannington is recorded as a settlement in 899AD, and is listed in the Domesday Survey. It is a vibrant village community of 140 households. The Church, Village Hall, Michael’s Field children’s play area, The Vine pub, Hannington Country Fair, the Hannington Silver Band (founded in 1924) and wonderful countryside contribute to this unique place.
All Saints Church
People have worshipped here for over 1000 years. The sundial on the south wall used to help parishioners arrive on time to enter through the 12th Century doors. Inside are two fine window engravings by Laurence Whistler. The millennium tapestry shows how Hannington residents lived in 2000AD. The Squint allows the priest to see those in the south aisle.
The countryside
Hannington is situated high in the North Wessex Downs - a Natural Landscape. A network of public rights of way gives walkers and riders opportunities to explore and enjoy this beautiful landscape. Spectacular views extend south and west from For Down, and north and south from Michael’s Field.
During most seasons you can see skylarks, yellowhammers and many other wild birds. Fieldfares and redwings are regular visitors in winter. Wild flowers abound in the hedgerows and field margins. The bluebell woods are a delight in spring. There is evidence of a bronze-age barrow, a large Romano-British farmstead and a royal house used by Henry II at Tidgrove Warren Farm, west of the village.
Key
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- Route
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- Temporarily closed
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- Restricted use
Directions
Take the path to the right of the Church. Go to the picket gate. At the gate at the top of For Down, turn right following the headland path. At the road junction cross diagonally to join Wayfarers Walk heading north west, continue for 3⁄4mile.
At the bottom of the dip turn right up the hill, go through the gate halfway up, continue towards the mast on the top of Cottington’s Hill.*
Go straight ahead over the stile, and follow the farm track and road for about 1 mile. Return to the village along Meadham Lane.
* Optional extension. At the gateway/stile turn left down the hill, across the stile and turn right following the path alongside the wood. On reaching the field (might contain livestock,) go straight ahead to the stile in the corner. Turn right up the farm track, down through the dip and eventually rejoin Meadham Lane.