Pit Down

Downs, Moorland in Berkshire

England

Pit Down

Barn & barn conversion opposite Sheepdrove Farmhouse Credit: David Kemp

Pit Down, located in Berkshire, England, is a picturesque area known for its stunning scenery and varied landscapes. Situated within the larger Berkshire Downs, Pit Down offers a unique blend of rolling hills, moorland, and lush greenery.

The Berkshire Downs, of which Pit Down is a part, is a range of chalk hills stretching across several counties in southern England. These hills are characterized by their gentle slopes and beautiful panoramic views. Pit Down, in particular, stands out due to its expansive moorland, featuring heather, gorse, and bracken that create a vibrant and colorful landscape.

The area is a haven for nature lovers, offering numerous walking and hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can explore the diverse flora and fauna, including rare plant species and a variety of birdlife. The peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of Pit Down makes it an ideal spot for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.

In addition to its natural attractions, Pit Down also boasts a rich history. The area is home to several ancient burial mounds and archaeological sites, providing insight into the lives of early inhabitants. Furthermore, the nearby village of Pit Down offers a charming setting with historic buildings, traditional pubs, and local shops, providing visitors with a taste of rural English life.

Overall, Pit Down, Berkshire, is a captivating destination that combines stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a fascinating history. Whether wandering through the moorland, exploring the ancient sites, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, visitors to Pit Down are sure to be captivated by its beauty.

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Pit Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.544651/-1.5262164 or Grid Reference SU3282. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Barn & barn conversion opposite Sheepdrove Farmhouse

David Kemp

Sheepdrove Farmhouse, Lambourn

Although OS maps show it as 'Sheepdrove Farm', the house seen here is identified on signage as 'Sheepdrove Farmhouse'. The name 'Sheepdrove Farm' actually refers to the Sheepdrove Organic Farm & Eco Conference Centre the location of which is shown on OS maps as Warren Farm in nearby SU3581.

David Kemp

Gallops and road, Lambourn

Andrew Smith

Farmland, Sparsholt

Andrew Smith

Track and Small Wood, Westcot Down

Larger trees round here tend to occur in clumps of woodland like this rather than be on their own or in hedges. There is a patch of rough ground by the track here where you can leave the car and start off on a nice walk over the downs. Oxfordshire on the right, Berkshire on the left.

Des Blenkinsopp

Passing Number Four

A distance marker along one of the specially surfaced tracks for horses which are a feature of the Lambourn Downs, the Valley of the Racehorse, as roadside signs proclaim. All this area is used for training. I think the black stuff is made from old chopped up car tyres. A bridleway for ordinary horses goes along beside the posh one.

Des Blenkinsopp

County Hedges

Berkshire is this field down to the corner and then along the hedge to the left. Other side of the hedge and off to the horizon is Oxfordshire. A view on Kingston Warren Down.

Des Blenkinsopp

Caution, Horses Crossing

I guess there's always an element of risk somewhere like this, where a public footpath crosses a track where racehorses are frequently on the move. Owners The Jockey Club have tried to make it as obvious as they can what's going on.

Des Blenkinsopp

Soft Road for Racehorses

Different from the track we were walking beside a short way back, which looked to be surfaced with shredded tyres, this one seems to be made of shredded carpet or something. All very good recycling, it would appear. More of the ultra neat landscape on the Jockey Club's estate near Lambourn.

Des Blenkinsopp

No. 7 beside the track

Heading for the top of Wellbottom Down where the map shows a spot height of 199 maod. These distance markers along the horse gallops are small scale features in otherwise quite large and open scenery.

Des Blenkinsopp

A Passing Tractor

One of the many unsurfaced roads which cross the Downs, this is also part of the Lambourn Valley Way ldp about half way between Lambourn and the northern end of the path at White Horse Hill.

Des Blenkinsopp

Baldback Covert

One of the small clumps of woodland which are allowed to continue in this otherwise very open landscape of fields and horse training gallops. One of those is in the foreground with one of the distance markers which are also a feature of the Lambourn Valley scenery.

Des Blenkinsopp

Carpet for Horses

Another version of the soft surfaces put down along the roads used by racehorses on the Downs. This is a sort of rubberized matting which is nice and pungey to walk along. I'm not surprised the horses like it. A good effect of all this care and attention for horse tracks is that the public rights of way round here don't get churned up nearly so much as in other places.

Des Blenkinsopp

Maintaining the Back Of The Hill

Maintenance is done 9:15 to 9:30 on Tuesdays and Saturdays apparently. That must just be the track surface. Keeping this estate so neat is going to take more than half an hour a week.

Des Blenkinsopp

Gallop, Lambourn, Berkshire

Oswald Bertram

Gallop, Lambourn, Berkshire

Oswald Bertram

Downland, near Lambourn, Berkshire

Oswald Bertram

Downland arable north of Seven Barrows

Taken on a showery evening, in rapidly changing light. The line of trees on the left marks the route of the road to Kingston Lisle; higher, on the right, is Hill Barn Clump. The stormy clouds hang over the crest of the downs and the Vale of the White Horse.

Stefan Czapski

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Pit Down is located at Grid Ref: SU3282 (Lat: 51.544651, Lng: -1.5262164)

Unitary Authority: West Berkshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley