1. Home
  2. England
  3. Hampshire
  4. Hampshire
  5. New Forest
  6. Alder Hill

Alder Hill

Hill, Mountain in Hampshire New Forest

England

Alder Hill

Bowl barrow at Ashley Cross (Scales 1m) <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1012537?section=official-listing" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1012537?section=official-listing">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Bowl barrow at Ashley Cross Credit: Sandy Gerrard

Alder Hill is a prominent geographical feature located in the county of Hampshire, England. Although referred to as a hill, it is more accurately described as a low-lying mountain due to its considerable height and steep slopes. Rising to an elevation of approximately 400 meters (1,312 feet), Alder Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Situated in the southwestern part of Hampshire, Alder Hill is part of the vast and picturesque South Downs National Park. The hill is characterized by its dense woodland, primarily consisting of alder trees, which give it its name. The rich biodiversity of the area is a result of the diverse habitats found on the hill, including heathland, grassland, and ancient woodland.

Alder Hill has long been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its extensive network of well-maintained trails attracts hikers, walkers, and runners throughout the year. The hill's challenging terrain also appeals to mountain bikers and off-road cyclists seeking an adrenaline-filled adventure.

In addition to its natural beauty, Alder Hill is home to a variety of wildlife. The hill provides a habitat for numerous species of birds, mammals, and insects, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature photographers.

Overall, Alder Hill in Hampshire offers visitors a unique experience, combining stunning natural scenery, diverse ecosystems, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether one seeks solitude and tranquility or an adrenaline rush, this majestic hill/mountain has something to offer for everyone.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Alder Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.920243/-1.7113946 or Grid Reference SU2013. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bowl barrow at Ashley Cross (Scales 1m) <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1012537?section=official-listing" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1012537?section=official-listing">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Bowl barrow at Ashley Cross
(Scales 1m) LinkExternal link
Track climbing from the ford in Ashley Bottom
Track climbing from the ford in Ashley Bottom
Observation shelter on the former Ashley Walk Bombing Range On the inside of the near end wall is the information board shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4477882">SU2014 : (7d) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - Observation Shelter (detail)</a>.
Observation shelter on the former Ashley Walk Bombing Range
On the inside of the near end wall is the information board shown in SU2014 : (7d) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - Observation Shelter (detail).
Grand Slam View looking WNW across Grand Slam bomb crater from top of tumulus.
Grand Slam
View looking WNW across Grand Slam bomb crater from top of tumulus.
Small stream in Pitts Wood Inclosure, New Forest The stream has divided here to form a small island.
Small stream in Pitts Wood Inclosure, New Forest
The stream has divided here to form a small island.
Track on Little Cockley Plain Within the area of the former Ashley Walk Bombing Range. For details see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4477882">SU2014 : (7d) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - Observation Shelter (detail)</a>.
Track on Little Cockley Plain
Within the area of the former Ashley Walk Bombing Range. For details see SU2014 : (7d) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - Observation Shelter (detail).
Bracken and woodland at Lodge Hill
Bracken and woodland at Lodge Hill
Flintstone Broken flint, with what is supected to be quartz crystals within. Found on Ashley Walk WW2 Bombing range, adjacent to a number of bomb craters.
Flintstone
Broken flint, with what is supected to be quartz crystals within. Found on Ashley Walk WW2 Bombing range, adjacent to a number of bomb craters.
Traffic Free Cycle, Alderhill Bottom
Traffic Free Cycle, Alderhill Bottom
Traffic Free Cycle Route into Amberwood Inclosure
Traffic Free Cycle Route into Amberwood Inclosure
Traffic Free Cycle Route through Amberwood Inclosure
Traffic Free Cycle Route through Amberwood Inclosure
A stand of conifers within a replanted area, Broomy Inclosure At least, I assume from the fencing that it has been replanted.
A stand of conifers within a replanted area, Broomy Inclosure
At least, I assume from the fencing that it has been replanted.
Path along northern edge of Broomy Inclosure Just outside its fence.
Path along northern edge of Broomy Inclosure
Just outside its fence.
Mire north of Broomy Inclosure Looking across Dockens Water, and across the mire to the higher ground beyond.
Mire north of Broomy Inclosure
Looking across Dockens Water, and across the mire to the higher ground beyond.
Mire north of Broomy Inclosure Which drains into Dockens Water (below bottom edge of picture). On left is Hasley Hill, with its Inclosure on top.
Mire north of Broomy Inclosure
Which drains into Dockens Water (below bottom edge of picture). On left is Hasley Hill, with its Inclosure on top.
Woodland south of Sloden Inclosure Looking across a mire from Splash Bridge to woodland outside Sloden Inclosure. Within this woodland is the site of a royal hunting lodge. It appears to be named The Churchyard, but whether this refers to the woodland or the site I know not.
Woodland south of Sloden Inclosure
Looking across a mire from Splash Bridge to woodland outside Sloden Inclosure. Within this woodland is the site of a royal hunting lodge. It appears to be named The Churchyard, but whether this refers to the woodland or the site I know not.
A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range (addendum) - site of Grand Slam bomb crater The only live test of a Grand Slam bomb took place on 13 March 1945 at the Ashley Walk Bombing Range. The Barnes-Wallis designed 22,000 pound "Earthquake Bomb" was released from a specially modified Lancaster from 16,000 ft over the village of Godshill. It penetrated the ground and on cue, exploded as intended 9 seconds later creating an enormous crater 130 ft across, and 70 ft deep. This was preparatory to the successful raid on the Bielefeld Viaduct by Lancasters of 617 ("Dambusters") Squadron the following day using Tallboys, and one Grand Slam bomb carried by a specially modified Lancaster. The Grand Slam proved instrumental in the final destruction of the viaduct that hitherto had withstood a number of previously unsuccessful attacks. Unfortunately for historians there is no trace of the crater of the range's test bomb visible today, as it was infilled as part of the New Forest post-war restorative programme of works. However, Norman Parker in his definitive work on the Ashley Walk Bombing Range identifies the area of the crater just north of the "Submarine Pen" target as '..a marshy depression 100 yards south-west of the Ashley Cross gate into Pitts Wood. Its site is marked by a large growth of reeds.' His description of the former crater fits this view of the area precisely. For a photo and information on subsequent operations involving both Tallboy and Grand Slam bombs see: <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4275685" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4275685">Link</a> Google Earth view: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@50.9268175,-1.71671,205m/data=!3m1!1e3" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@50.9268175,-1.71671,205m/data=!3m1!1e3">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> BACK: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4478140">SU2016 : (17b) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - site of North Tower</a>
A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range (addendum) - site of Grand Slam bomb crater
The only live test of a Grand Slam bomb took place on 13 March 1945 at the Ashley Walk Bombing Range. The Barnes-Wallis designed 22,000 pound "Earthquake Bomb" was released from a specially modified Lancaster from 16,000 ft over the village of Godshill. It penetrated the ground and on cue, exploded as intended 9 seconds later creating an enormous crater 130 ft across, and 70 ft deep. This was preparatory to the successful raid on the Bielefeld Viaduct by Lancasters of 617 ("Dambusters") Squadron the following day using Tallboys, and one Grand Slam bomb carried by a specially modified Lancaster. The Grand Slam proved instrumental in the final destruction of the viaduct that hitherto had withstood a number of previously unsuccessful attacks. Unfortunately for historians there is no trace of the crater of the range's test bomb visible today, as it was infilled as part of the New Forest post-war restorative programme of works. However, Norman Parker in his definitive work on the Ashley Walk Bombing Range identifies the area of the crater just north of the "Submarine Pen" target as '..a marshy depression 100 yards south-west of the Ashley Cross gate into Pitts Wood. Its site is marked by a large growth of reeds.' His description of the former crater fits this view of the area precisely. For a photo and information on subsequent operations involving both Tallboy and Grand Slam bombs see: Link Google Earth view: LinkExternal link BACK: SU2016 : (17b) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range - site of North Tower
"C" symbol on fragmentation target area on Ashley Walk bombing range The symbol is quite hard to locate and only becomes visible within the last 15 metres or so.
"C" symbol on fragmentation target area on Ashley Walk bombing range
The symbol is quite hard to locate and only becomes visible within the last 15 metres or so.
Show me another place!

Alder Hill is located at Grid Ref: SU2013 (Lat: 50.920243, Lng: -1.7113946)

Administrative County: Hampshire

District: New Forest

Police Authority: Hampshire

What 3 Words

///cheek.theme.opposites. Near Fordingbridge, Hampshire

Nearby Locations

Alder Hill Gaze Hill Alderhill Bottom Alderhill Inclosure Row Hill Sloden Inclosure

Related Wikis

Ashley Range
Ashley Range

Ashley Range is a former World War II bombing range in the New Forest, Hampshire, England. The range is approximately 5 mi (8.0 km) north-west of Lyndhurst...

Eyeworth Pond
Eyeworth Pond

Eyeworth Pond is a pond located near Fritham in the New Forest, in Hampshire, England. The pond was created in 1871 by damming Latchmore Brook, with the...

Ogdens
Ogdens

Ogdens is a small hamlet south of Hyde Common near Frogham in the New Forest area of Hampshire, England. Ogdens is a hamlet in the civil parish of Hyde...

Blissford
Blissford

Blissford is a hamlet in the civil parish of Hyde situated in the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, England. Its nearest town is Fordingbridge, which...

Frogham, Hampshire
Frogham, Hampshire

Frogham is a small village in the New Forest National Park of Hampshire, England. It is in the civil parish of Hyde. Its nearest town is Fordingbridge...

Ocknell Plain
Ocknell Plain

Ocknell Plain can be found in the New Forest near Southampton, England. The area was used in World War II for the Stoney Cross airfield and it is now very...

Gorley Lynch
Gorley Lynch

Gorley Lynch is a hamlet in the civil parish of Gorley in the New Forest National Park of Hampshire, England. It is in the civil parish of Hyde. Its nearest...

Sandy Balls
Sandy Balls

Sandy Balls is 120 acres (0.49 km2) of woods and parkland near the New Forest in Hampshire, England. Located between the village of Godshill and the town...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.920243,-1.7113946
Bench
Ashby
Backrest: yes
Check Date: 2024-01-20
Colour: brown
Material: wood
Seats: 2
Lat/Long: 50.9174669/-1.7152767
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Alderhill Bottom
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.923879/-1.7135023
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Pitchers Knowle
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.9210114/-1.718223
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 50.918606/-1.7078635
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 50.9206854/-1.7155584
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Gaze Hill
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.9232025/-1.7118855
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Alder Hill
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.9204285/-1.7125031
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 50.9177188/-1.7136621
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
Ford: yes
Lat/Long: 50.9180554/-1.7093513
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Maugersbury Hill Gloucestershire
Ashleycross Hill Hampshire

Have you been to Alder Hill?

Leave your review of Alder Hill below (or comments, questions and feedback).

© 2024 UK Place Database | Privacy