OUTDOORS | Beacon Hill, Hampshire

One of the best things about living in the British countryside is the fact that a breath-taking view is never too far away.

Last weekend, in a bid to blow out some Sunday morning cobwebs, the hubby and I took a mere five minute drive up the A34 to one of England's historic hill forts, Beacon Hill, Burghclere.

It was fresh and windy weather-wise, so we were nicely wrapped up. A rather steep climb up some rather well-trodden steps and a grassy incline, we reached the top of Beacon Hill - I don't mind admitting - a little out of breath.

The view was well worth it; 360 degrees of trees, sweeping hills, fields and sky. The fierce wind and stunning landscape was just what was needed. Not only that but there's a real sense of history up there too. Our hill forts were a major part of country's defence system for hundreds - if not thousands - of years. It's fascinating to think what's now a viewpoint for hikers and dog-walkers, used to be an integral part of keeping our land and its people safe from invaders as far back as the Iron Age. In fact, the beacons were used i.e. lit, until as recently as 1977 as part of commemorations for the Queen's Silver Jubilee.

Beacon Hill is also the resting place for George Edward Stanhope Molyneux Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, the financial backer of the search for and the excavation of Tutankhamun's tomb. The Earl's grave is perfectly situated to overlook his family's home of Highclere.

Oh and if you're a fan of Downton Abbey (like me) you might like to know that from the top of Beacon Hill, you can see the beautiful Highclere Castle, the location of the super amazing TV series in all it's glory (sigh).

Unfortunately, I'd forgotten my camera so returned a few days later, camera in hand to capture the view. Luckily, the weather was even better the second time round.