Lough Down
Lough Down is a hill in Berkshire which with neighbouring Lardon Chase, the hill's southern slope, comprises a spur of downland on the edge of the Berkshire Downs, the summit marked with a trig pillar at SU588810. The hill stands above the village of Streatley, which it hems in against the River Thames, and overlooks the Goring Gap. The hill spur affords an outstanding area of open land, of downland and woodland with many attractive walks and views. The hills belong to the National Trust.
The slopes form one of the largest remaining areas of chalk grassland in the county and support a wide range of flowers and butterflies. The area has a long history of ancient settlements and there are several Neolithic and Iron Age forts. It is crossed by The Ridgeway and other ancient routes established at least by Roman times.
The hill adjoins the Goring and Streatley Golf Club.
The adjacent National Trust countryside property is the Holies, and all together are opened to public recreation.
Lardon Chase
Lardon Chase is to the south side of Lough Down
Lardon Chase is designated a 'Sites of Special Scientific Interest' and lies within the 'North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.[1][2]
Access
Lardon Down, Lough Down and the Holies are accessible from a car park located on the B4009, or by steeply climbing footpaths from Streatley village. Access is free, and available at all times.
Outside links
 |
("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Lough Down) |
References
- ↑ "SSSI Information - Lardon Chase". Natural England. http://www.english-nature.org.uk/Special/sssi/sssi_details.cfm?sssi_id=1003854. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
- ↑ "SSSI Information - Holies Down". Natural England. http://www.english-nature.org.uk/Special/sssi/sssi_details.cfm?sssi_id=1005585. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
Coordinates: 51°31′17″N 1°09′40″W / 51.52132°N 1.16112°W