Logged Visits:

2nd Jun 2023  08:15  by Blackdog

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Not Logged  Score: 5/10

Second attempt at this one. Parked at Pepperbox hill NT car park and walked up track (great views of Salisbury Cathedral) Unable to access field, barbed wire fence recently repaired and too high to enter field, new wheat growing. see trig in distance.

25th Jun 2022  11:43  by Trigger monster

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

Pepperbox Hill not signposted off the A338, although I seem to recall that it used to be. Sign is just to mark a byway. Rough track to car park. Pepperbox on National Trust Land, interesting and prominent landmark. From there head north east along the track which climbs a little. At second field on south, climb up bank. Two stranded barbed wire fence, one strand of which had been cut. Pillar about a hundred metres into to field south of the fence. At the time in centre of ripening barley (?) crop. Managed to get to a tractor track through to the pillar. Excellent views to south east, Southampton docks visible in the distance. Reading other logs, love the map and story of Pete the trig hunter, fascinating. Why is this listed as Royal Oak?

Pepperbox Hill Flush plate
Pepperbox Hill Looking south east
Pepperbox Hill Looking north

11th Jun 2022  13:21  by Andy West

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

26th Apr 2022  15:35  by Blackdog

Gridref: SU 21782 25205   FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Inaccessible  Score: 5/10

Royal Oak On farmland recently planted with crops. Might return after harvest.

24th Apr 2022  21:08  by Mr Calum B Thornton

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Not Logged  Score: 5/10

9th Jun 2021  13:32  by Trigobsession

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

18th May 2021  17:15  by Pete the Trig Hunter

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 10/10

As you walk along the lane to this trig, there are great views to the north, and then as you reach the trig you are greeted with stunning views to the south over Southampton and to the Isle of Wight. This is the high point on Dean Hill and although the National Trust now refer to it as Pepperbox Hill and whoever built this trig named it as Royal Oak, I think this must be the spot of the original Dean Hill. If so, this was one of the significant Principle points used when the first Trigonometrical Survey of the country was undertaken in 1794 by Captain William Mudge and should be celebrated as such. As the map shows the views on a clear day should be spectacular.

Dean Hill Extract from a map showing the Principle Triangles used in the first Trigonometrical Survey in 1794

22nd Apr 2021  13:30  by x333xxx

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

@rona.cockerpoo bags another trig! Fawley Refinery can be seen on horizon, 21 miles away.

6th Mar 2021  14:19  by RichBiker

Gridref: SU 21771 25215   FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

30th Dec 2020  15:34  by tim747

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

11th Sep 2020  16:00  by AHD

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

From A36 at brow of hill take narrow track to car park. Walk past 'The Pepperbox' and through a gate and continue along the track. A little further on look out on your right for the field that contains the Pillar.

31st Aug 2020  12:15  by bwm

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

24th Aug 2020  15:17  by Enfieldrover

FB Number: S 262  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

In middle of field but no problem getting to it this time of year(no crops).

16th Aug 2020  15:46  by 21qazxsw

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

Parked at the National Trust car park for Pepperbox Hill (the byway off the A36 was signposted, but Pepperbox Hill was not signposted, and it's very easy to miss the byway. Useful hint: it's at the brow of the hill) Then walked along the byway NE. Entered the field (that contained the trig) at the NW corner of the field where there is a gap in the barbed wire fence. It is possible to drive to this point if you have a suitable vehicle (anything other than a sporty car). No crops at this time of the year so just a straight walk across the field directly to the trig. Trig was in good condition, centrecap missing, no plug, front and left sightholes closed, right and rear sightholes open. I left a 2p coin in the rear sighthole for the next visitor to find.

enter the field here where there is a gap in the barbed wire fence (the trig is visible in the background)
the trig station
the trig station

26th Jul 2020  18:04  by 360exploring

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Slightly damaged  Score: 5/10

Revisited after a failed attempt in June when the crops were high. Met the farmer and asked for permission which he was happy to grant.

©360exploring
Damage ©360exploring
©360exploring

26th Jul 2020  18:04  by COVID Trig Point Challenge

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Slightly damaged  Score: 5/10

24th Jun 2019  13:10  by Griefmiester

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Unreachable but visible  Score: 5/10

Looks as if you can drive along the By-Way! you can't blocked by fly-tipping. So opted for the car park and walk, nice enough stroll along. Today the pillar was visible but in waist high corn, so opted for the view from the By-Way. I will return at stubble time. :)

25th Mar 2019  11:19  by martyandlisa

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Good  Score: 10/10

We saw the Trig from the footpath.We didnt want to cross the field because the farmers crop had just to sprout green leaves. Great views across Wiltshire and met some Shetland Cattle on the way.

©martyandlisa

29th May 2018  08:26  by G1ANQ

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

Good call to go along cycle route 24. Left peddle of bike started to jam up. The bearings must be going. It always the left one. Left 24 at West Dean. Then up rather steep BW to get to BW with trig on it. Saw black dear in fields. Parked bike just off BW and squeezed through gap in veg and over fence. Noting down where it was. I didnt want to have to search for bike for 30mins like i have done before. Took well defined tractor tracks to Trig, that was in nice neat square clear patch. If only all farmers looked after their trigs like this.

Flush Bracket
Trig Point in its own little clearing
Trig Point with tractor tracks leading to it.

29th Apr 2018  10:00  by Stephen hunt

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Not Logged  Score: 5/10

part of my lowland leader assessment course

27th Dec 2017  13:50  by Two Dogs and an Awning

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Not Logged  Score: 7/10

Not able to access the farm land but able to view from the nearby footpath

©Two Dogs and an Awning

16th Apr 2017  14:15  by vegibagger

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

lovely aroma, wide tyre tracks apart from very short careful push through the golden crop.

trig ©vegibagger
fb ©vegibagger
top ©vegibagger
old beardy trousers covered in yellow rape flower pollen©vegibagger

25th Feb 2017  13:43  by Lala-V

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

good condition but very windy today in the tail of Hurricane Dorris

13th Feb 2017  00:00  by caroleengel

Gridref: SU 21782 25212   FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

21st Jan 2017  15:00  by JohnN

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Unreachable but visible  Score: 7/10

wasn't about to trespass on farmland to visit this one, but visible from nearby public footpath

24th Apr 2016  15:45  by simplysup

Gridref: SU 21784 25211   FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

Walked across recently planted cropfield from the nearby RoW, ground dry and solid today. Good views to the SE where I could see what looked like docks derrick cranes.

The trig

17th Apr 2016  12:19  by BRISTOLIAN

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Bagged whilst walking nearby 12K Whiteparish series. No real views to speak of.

Mr K at pillar. ©BRISTOLIAN

5th Mar 2016  11:15  by meandmymum

Gridref: SU 21700 25100   FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Unreachable but visible  Score: 5/10

Parked in Pepperbox car park and walked up byway intending to access field containing pillar along footpath, skirt around it's boundary and make a quick dash across at the closest point, but took one look at the water filled tyre tracks and having had a bad experience at Devil's Dyke earlier in the year when some of our party ended up knee deep mud decided on this occasion to just admire from a distance!

20th Dec 2015  15:35  by RichardM

Gridref: SU 21784 25209   FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

S side of track. In arable field with orange mud, lots of flints and straw stubble. Pleasent views, fine skyscape of brooding cumulus, blue sky and sunshine

20th Dec 2015  15:35  by DeniseMc

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Not Logged  Score: 5/10

16th Oct 2015  09:55  by Phil Clayton

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

Walked up path from Pepperbox car park. Misty day.

1st Aug 2015  16:08  by dal

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Unreachable but visible  Score: 5/10

In the middle of a mature crop - so I viewed from PROW to NW. Difficult to see, but just visible at the point of closest access - not visible from points just to either side.

4th May 2015  13:11  by g4wsb

Gridref: SU 21784 25212   FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Easy access parking Pepperbox.

©g4wsb
©g4wsb
©g4wsb

31st Dec 2014  21:15  by dartmoor deliverer

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

we took the long route out to this one & the shorter route back - see Red Roaming's log. it is in the middle of a drilled field

the pillar ©dartmoor deliverer
the flush bracket ©dartmoor deliverer

31st Dec 2014  12:25  by Redroaming

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

Parked at the nearby free NT carpark to visit the nearby Pepperpot folly and historic cache, but couldnt resist what I thought would be a short stroll to this trig! However we decided not to go the direct route necessitating climbing over padlocked gates [yet again!] but continued along the track. However there was no access along here to the trig so we continued until a footpath on our right which allowed access to the field in which the trig stands. This field has been drilled [? grass] and we kept to the boundary, and then walked up a convenient tractor path to the trig. Views all around are of peaceful agricultural countryside. We then decided to make our way back to the CP from within this field, over a low wire fence field boundary and duly back to those padlocked gates = a much easier route! Thankfully we werent challenged.....

Red.roaming at Royal Oak Trig

26th Nov 2014  00:00  by Woodleywalker

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Linear walk on RoW from Dean HIll, managed to climb fence with aid of corner post to follow tractor tracks to pillar

29th Dec 2013  00:00  by explorer_olway

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Drove up to Pepperbox Hill and TP in field close to byway.

TP5754 ©explorer_olway
TP5754 ©explorer_olway

16th Feb 2013  10:17  by THE CYCLIST

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

7th Feb 2013  09:20  by jonglew

Gridref: SU 21784 25204   FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 4/10

Access awkward due to the byway being closed. Parked near Eyres Folly (The Pepperbox) and walked over fields rather than along the byway that was being used by construction traffic. Pillar is located in an arable field, fortunately last year's stubble hasn't been ploughed in so despite the mud, not difficult to cross. Pillar is in good condition, other than some light chipping from one of the top edges. 2 sights holes closed, 2 open; centre cap is missing, no plug. Views mainly obscured by woodland etc.

Pillar TP5754©jonglew
Spider TP5754©jonglew
Flush Bracket TP5754©jonglew
The Pepperbox Folly TP5754©jonglew

8th Jan 2013  12:00  by Wubbleyew

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

In middle of field, grey and wintry (both pillar and weather!) In next field repairs to oil pipeline was going on, a nearby notice informed me. There looked like one of those oil drills in position. Next, visited St.John's Church, West Grimstead - it still had its fully decorated Christmas tree and crib in place, (not to be removed until Candlemas Day on February 2nd apparently). From there to the wonderful Cuckoo at Hamptworth for a pint of Ringwood. So: a perfect few hours: trig, church architecture, and pub.

12th Nov 2011  07:34  by m13751

Gridref: SU 21700 25200   FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Unreachable but visible  Score: 5/10

unable to enter field due to young growth.wet and heavy underfoot,due to heavy overnight rain

20th Aug 2011  11:00  by Lathama

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 3/10

Tipping down with rain this morning. A quick climb over a difficult fence to get the pillar which is in the middle of a vegetable field. Faint spots of paint. Missing plug. No real views due to weather.

31st Mar 2011  16:43  by Clanfield Rambler

Gridref: SU 21786 25212   FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

In field just of r.o.w. Had to climb fence. Plug missing. Pillar in goood conditon.

18th Sep 2010  15:05  by tc847

Gridref: SU 21700 25200   FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Unreachable but visible  Score: 2/10

The trig point is in a field that could not be entered and is not in itself in a particularly wonderful spot. The nearby Pepperbox Hill (National Trust area) is very attractive.

View across the field to the trig point

7th Aug 2010  18:55  by Nekyram

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

29th Apr 2010  16:06  by raypool

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Tractor tracks all the way to the trig.

6th Feb 2010  16:00  by TreeHouse

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Unreachable but visible  Score: 5/10

For some reason I didn't notice this one last time we walked along the by-way (years ago). Its in the middle of a (ploughed) field, didn't stomp up to it.

Royal Oak trig pillar With the shiny white weather radar in the distance.

28th Sep 2009  13:11  by Glaslyn

Gridref: SU 21780 25200   FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

Nice location, very dodgy drive up!! Good views and intersting setting. Pillar over 1 fence in stubble field.

©Glaslyn
©Glaslyn

31st Oct 2008  20:56  by Erme Harrier

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

No good views due to tree line field but great views over Salisbury on approaching road. Managed to incorporate bagging this one into a 10 and a bit mile run with Dart More (which also included a visit to Barford Down).

31st Oct 2008  08:15  by Dart More

Gridref: SU 21781 25211   FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Accompanied Erme Harrier

25th Aug 2008  12:44  by moonraker

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Slightly damaged  Score: 5/10

Climbed over fence to get into field (stubble only). Would be good views but for surrounding trees.

30th Jun 2008  15:24  by tom

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 4/10

The pillar was hiding in a field of rape seed; it lacks a cap or plug and has FB S2621. The field was reached from the car park by means of the nature reserve and the byway. The Pepperbox has a cut bench mark on its north face and there are wonderful views both from the reserve and from the byway. Disappointingly trees and hedges limit the view from the trig. To the southeast industry near Southampton can be seen in the distance beyond the New Forest. Part of the surrounding chalk slopes have been designated a SSSI for their flora and fauna.

17th Oct 2007  12:00  by iainmac

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 4/10

S2621
S2621
S2621

24th Aug 2007  10:50  by bluebeard

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

at entrance to NT carpark, after going up tight lane, there was a NT notice about flytipping. Next door to it, someone had left a lorry load of tyres !!!

25th Mar 2007  14:10  by Andrew hunt

Gridref: SU 21782 25212   FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

3rd of 6. In the middle of field walked to this whilst my friend's looked after the bike good to use different muscles

10th Sep 2006  12:49  by stevepammypoo

Gridref: SU 21776 25208   FB Number: S2621  Condition: Slightly damaged  Score: 6/10

Centre plug missing - some nice views over Salisbury

The Flush Bracket
Views over Salisbury

30th Apr 2006  08:45  by Trigger

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Slightly damaged  Score: 5/10

2nd Jan 2006  11:55  by Hi-Tek

Gridref: SU 21784 25208   FB Number: S2621  Condition: Slightly damaged  Score: 5/10

Found today after visiting nearby cache. Top plug missing.

2nd Jan 2006  11:55  by Pharisee

Gridref: SU 21785 25215   FB Number: S2621  Condition: Slightly damaged  Score: 5/10

Visited this one after logging the nearby cache. The centre plug is missing, otherwise it's OK. A muddy walk across the field after the recent rain.

The top of the trigpoint ©Pharisee

7th Mar 2005  16:48  by rhayader_wanderer

Gridref: SU 21780 25214   FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

Easy to miss the entrance for the car parkfrom the salisbury direction watch for the filter lane for Wbond traffic as you crest the hill. Then an easy walk to a trig with a good view

©rhayader_wanderer

8th Nov 2004  00:00  by Tonyht

Gridref: SU 21785 25205   FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Easy to locate but in field so access variable. Today no crops just a bit of mud so did minor trespass. Visited during a day’s walk on the Salisbury Country Way.

16th Oct 2004  16:20  by Managra

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

This one is trespassy and it took us a while to find a section of fence that was down at the end of the field that is the furthest point from the NT car park. Found an easier route out 'though - over the nearest fence. Missing plug.

Trig point ©Managra
Flush bracket ©Managra

17th Oct 2002  12:00  by kevjtrig

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Unreachable but visible  Score: 6/10

Assumed that this one would be called Pepperbox Hill. Good views (from nearby) to Salisbury and to Southampton.

The nearby Pepperbox folly.
The trig across the fields.

7th Sep 2002  12:00  by peregrinus

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

Rather ordinary arable summit, limited view, Pepperbox has more interest, fine views N from tk

13th Jan 1995  00:00  by mickandshane

FB Number: S2621  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

In a field not far from Pepperbox Hill.