Logged Visits:

13th Aug 2023  19:02  by Ande1865

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 8/10

Worth the walk

24th May 2023  15:15  by Andy West

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

24th Feb 2023  12:44  by slateloose

Gridref: SU 53900 82200   FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 8/10

Parked in Comton Village then walked bridleway to Crows Foot, then the middle track of the three heading N.E. up to Lowbury Hill. At the crest of the track there is a large entrance gate with a small pedestrian gate into the fields on the left which gets you to the trig point and the Temple area.

31st Jan 2023  16:41  by MDK

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

From the pub car park in Compton, made our way under railway bridge and up the gentle incline of the bridleway heading northeast. Just after its junction with the ridgeway we followed a track probably made by repeated tractor journeys along the UA Bdy ( Unitary Authority boundary (had to Google that when home)) east of northeast. Got to the trig just before sunset, adding to the ambiance. On the return, serendipitously made a navigation error near spot height 146 and headed south. The consequence being that we were in the right place at the right time to see a barn owl on the hunt in an adjacent field. Corrected our error at Crows Foot, near spot height 153, and headed for the railway bridge.

24th Sep 2022  10:01  by Trigger monster

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 8/10

Approached from south along byway from Compton, Downs Road. Probably not a good idea as it wasn’t without incident. On foot from the Ridgeway from crossroads of paths. At brow of hill over gate and across ploughed field and over fence onto grassy field, marked on OS map as ancient Roman Temple. Pillar on far side of field, relieved to reach this spot given the earlier incident. Fantastic views all around. Plaque on pillar notes dedicated to Peter Cowden MBE.

Lowbury Hill Flush plate
Lowbury Hill TP dedication to Peter Cowden MBE
Lowbury Hill South west
Lowbury Hill North

3rd Sep 2022  13:36  by triggering

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

Great views out west, and the footprint of a roman temple to look at too.

25th Oct 2021  20:48  by HiyaHillers

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

unable to access

27th Apr 2021  13:30  by Angela Thomas

FB Number: S5729  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

Pillar ©Angela Thomas
Flush Bracket ©Angela Thomas
Spider ©Angela Thomas

13th Mar 2021  12:29  by MylesM

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

The second of a three pillar walk from Compton to Goring. A most interesting pillar with O.S.plate and special memorial plaque.

Lowbury Hill Pillar has special memorial plaque. The plaque reads 'In memory of Peter Sowden Field Survey Instructor School of Military Survey'.
Lowbury Hill Looking northwest

10th Oct 2020  05:57  by Geo-Myck

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

An early morning as part of a 10k route. Was a lovely location to watch the sunrise.

TP4560
Me at the Pillar

4th Jun 2020  16:58  by Martinp

Gridref: SU 54000 82300   FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Finally found it in the long grass, awesome views

4th Jun 2020  16:58  by Martinp

Gridref: SU 54000 82300   FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Finally found it in the long grass, awesome views

17th Feb 2020  16:25  by DeniseMc

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Great view point but murky and cold today. Grass field, easily accessible from muddy RoW to east. Some grassy mounds but no sign of a roman temple! Plaque on Trig - Peter Sowden.

25th Jan 2020  12:45  by Mickandkim

Gridref: SU 53982 82282   FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

Parked on lane just after new drive to New very large house Easy route and only one gate to climb

28th Jul 2019  14:30  by 22thenext500

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

Drove up the lane from Goring, then walked from the car park for The Ridgeway national trail. About an hours walk from here but a splendid route over rolling countryside. Plenty of cattle in the TP field, minor earthworks of a Roman temple, and good views of the Didcot cooling towers (demolished three weeks later).

©22thenext500

5th Jul 2019  10:47  by Lazen

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

Reached within 50 yards or so.The actually trig pillar and summit appear to be barb wired fenced off all round with crops growing.Not possible to access. This appears a new development as earlier photos do not show this.Access from track at Aston Tirrold.Bike possible all the way.Chalk track,grass.Very steep climb. Beautiful sky evoked a very Roman Temple atmosphere.Only 3 Ridgeway hikers encountered.Lots of sheep.Gallops no riders.Lots of rabbits burrows and road kill. Beware sliding into narrow path of oncoming vehicles on scree dirt sections>Never encountered this before.On bike.(Electric) Best to wait and let pass. Ground rubble poor chalk not soft for marking and flints. Would not advise in wet cold weather as ground will be boggy and or slippery.

12th Jun 2019  19:45  by bangdaifu

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

17th Mar 2019  15:55  by andyrandom

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

This one required a long walk down the Ridgeway, but the reward is a spectacular 360 degree view, and not a soul in sight for miles.

20th Oct 2018  14:44  by vegibagger

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Kilometre walk from the tump summit and just 1m lower than the very big ultra flat area. Two cows had the courage to lick my hand.

13th May 2018  17:02  by 1473

Gridref: SU 53989 82279   FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 8/10

14th Feb 2017  00:00  by caroleengel

Gridref: SU 53986 82287   FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Park track junction SU544810. KG @ SU542823, then round edge of field to second KG into trig field

22nd Jun 2016  11:33  by G1ANQ

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 10/10

Cycled to it along Byways from Aldworth. Though it wasnt raining, vegetation was very wet and made me very wet. The views over Didcot and what remains of the power station would be very good if the weather was better. The pillar gets extra marks because of the plaque in memory of Peter Cowden MBE. Had loads of trouble trying to cycle down to A417 off the hill because of the slippy byways. The bit by the pig farm was the worse as it was all flooded. Got soaked getting through it.

Showing Plaque

1st Oct 2015  17:06  by Griefmiester

Gridref: SU 53985 82282   FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

Parking at Starveall then along The Ridge Way, Pillar located on Access Land. Good condition, great views from up here.

Pillar & FB

24th Feb 2015  11:49  by g4wsb

Gridref: SU 53984 82285   FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 8/10

End of road to Starveall drive to SP 1st OCT-April no acess. Cycled to trig.

©g4wsb
©g4wsb
©g4wsb
©g4wsb

30th Oct 2014  13:18  by Trigpoint100

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

Trigging expedition to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. Walked up from Compton on a very warm but rather misty day. Great lunch spot with fine all round views, many red kites and skylarks. Asphalt cap, all s/holes open, fading memorial plaque, vgc.

31st Aug 2014  15:57  by 21qazxsw

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

We parked at the car park at the end of the dead end lane (approx. SU567813), then walked W on the Ridgeway until we passed Warren Farm. Then off the Ridgeway and on to the footpath across a field in the NW direction. We could see the hill where the trig was situated on. The field where the trig was in had a herd of cows (over 30+ cows) gathered around the trig, so it was slightly tricky to get close to the trig. Also lots of cow poo on the field to avoid! Eventually I managed to walk very slowly to the trig. This spooked the cows, they all got up (fight or flight!) and thankfully they moved away from me and away from the trig. I took a few photos and then got the hell out of there. Didn't want to antagonise the cows any further. Shame I didn't get a chance to enjoy the great scenery from up there. Ditcot Power Station could be seen in the distance in the NNW direction, if you like seeing that kind of thing! At least there is now only 3 cooling towers to look at instead of the 6 cooling towers just a month ago. Trig was in good condition, original metal cap replaced with asphalt plug. Plaque to Peter Sowden was starting to break up. 55 minute walk each way in the hot summer sunshine, last day of August, what an end to a great summer!

26th Jul 2014  13:15  by Nekyram

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

10th Jun 2014  13:32  by amblerbob

Gridref: SU 53984 82280   FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

Detour from walk along The Ridgeway on a very hot day. Lovely views.

14th May 2014  20:00  by melzshotz

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

Ridgeway walk but headed over to see the earthworks and picnicked by the trigpoint. Most amazing views.

2nd Apr 2014  13:30  by Phil Clayton

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

Diversion from Ridgeway. Cowslips in field crossed on way up.

9th Mar 2014  22:59  by PopUpPirate

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

Great spot very interesting with the Roman history and good views too, easy to access and a decent walk too.

7th Jan 2014  11:26  by littletinca

Gridref: SU 53900 82300   FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

22nd Nov 2013  13:09  by jonglew

Gridref: SU 53987 82287   FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

A little north of the Ridgeway LDP, Lowbury Hill, at 186m provides wide sweeping views across surrounding countryside. A pleasant walk up from Compton along the usual rutted paths of byways that thankfully are closed to motor traffic for the winter. Pillar is in good condition; cap missing, asphalt plug; all sight holes open. Memorial plaque affixed.

Pillar TP4560©jonglew
Memorial Plaque TP4560©jonglew
Spider TP4560©jonglew
Flush Bracket TP4560©jonglew

10th Aug 2013  11:30  by bluebeard

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

30th Jun 2013  04:56  by The Cache Hoppers

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

12th Apr 2013  13:00  by [email protected]

Gridref: SU 53900 82300   FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

5th Sep 2012  12:30  by pjr

Gridref: SU 53982 82286   FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 8/10

Visited this pillar walking the Ridgeway.Well worth the effort.Had lunch here and was joined by a family visiting the area.The eldest member informed me the last time he was here was 60 years ago.he also said we were on the boundary of 2 counties.Enjoyed but back to Ridgeway and next Pillar.

6th Jun 2012  17:33  by AndyJ

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

12th May 2012  18:54  by longmyndhiker

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 9/10

Short diversion from Ridgeway. Worthwhile despite tiredness. Gentle climb up to well-kept TP in great spot.

20th Feb 2012  13:30  by Wubbleyew

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

A slight diversion from the Ridgeway, but well worth it. From the white painted pillar couldn't miss Didcot Power Station to the north,and grand country scenes in all other directions. Strange to think that once upon a time a Roman temple existed on this hillside, and across the Ridgeway on Roden Downs is a Roman burial site.

11th Feb 2012  14:00  by vw_keychain

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Good  Score: 8/10

Nice views on a snowy day. White landscape and big blue cloudless skies. TP is in good condition, memorial plaque to Peter Sowden on the side. Accessible via a gate in the fence to the South.

Lowbury Hill Trigpoint in the snow.©vw_keychain

9th Apr 2011  07:59  by THE CYCLIST

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Able to cycle up the "Fair Mile" and on to Compton and the network of tracks. Actual access to pillar on permissive path. Beautiful sunny morning. April and in shorts at 9am!

30th Oct 2010  09:23  by Lonewalker

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

Slight diversion from the Ridgeway needed to visit this pillar, but plenty of paths and bridleways, so very easy access. There is a gate in the barbed wire fence, just south of the pillar, on the 4wd track. Good condition, with tarmac plug and even the 186m altitude gives sweeping views across miles of farmland.

28th Nov 2009  12:30  by DanTrig

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

12 mile walk taking in Fore Down (Cuckhamsley Hill) trig and Lowbury Hill trig.

12th Feb 2008  11:25  by Lydford Locators

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

Fantastic views all around, bagged whilst doing the new series of geocaches.

View down looking up
View up looking down

24th Dec 2007  00:00  by jochta

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Slightly damaged  Score: 5/10

Easy if longish walk from Blewbury. Tarmac filled plug. Reasonable views. Roman remains on the hill.

Pillar and FB
Top of pillar Showing filled plug.

14th Oct 2007  13:50  by lackofluke

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 8/10

25th Sep 2007  04:54  by kevsterjw

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

14th Jan 2007  14:26  by theblack

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

Good views across oxfordshire and along the Ridgeway.

Lowbury Hill Trig ©theblack

24th Dec 2006  08:30  by Glaslyn

Gridref: SU 53980 82280   FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

As Rhayader suggests it is possible to drive part way ,not sure if my family Laguna was up to it as i gave up quite quickly ! No views,imagine would be good if clear.

19th Dec 2006  15:40  by rhayader_wanderer

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

No longer a trespass ther is a permissive link off the Byway to the open land the trig is in. Nice walk/Cycle up from the SE but you could actually drive a considerable part of the way in even a normal family car. Frustratingly left the camera in the car as the top was above the fog with a great view of similar tops around the valley

23rd Oct 2005  15:00  by dal

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

Good views. Nice walk in from Compton.

2nd Aug 2005  13:55  by Managra

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

This one is slightly off the byway and is therefore slightly trespassy, but only a little bit. Painted white and with 360 degree views, it's in a lovely spot. There's a plaque to a Peter Sowden on the FB side. Saw three red kites on the way there and back. Wonderful! Tarmac plug.

Trigpoint ©Managra
Plaque ©Managra
Flush bracket ©Managra

25th Dec 2004  15:30  by rad

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

Watched the full moon come up as the sun went down, very nice.

Lowbury Down View 360 View©rad
Lowbury Down Plaque ©rad
Lowbury Down Flush Bracket ©rad
Lowbury Down Pillar ©rad

15th Nov 2004  12:00  by r.j.ogle

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Very cold in the wind, stunning views. Shame about Didcot Power Station

13th Nov 2004  12:30  by rad

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

Very cold in the wind, stunning views. Shame about Didcot Power Station.

1st Oct 2004  15:30  by walkergeoff

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

Glorious views of surrounding countryside.

©walkergeoff

23rd Sep 2004  17:20  by rad

FB Number: Not logged  Condition: Slightly damaged  Score: 5/10

Nice day, plenty of sun, view and wind! Good cycle ride took in this and Blewburton. Grew up around here and it's good to be back.

31st Jul 2004  14:05  by Trigger

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 5/10

In memory of Peter Sowden MBE 1944-1991 Fd Svy Instr Sch of Mil Svy.

20th Oct 2002  12:00  by peregrinus

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 7/10

pasture just N of gate, fine view, plaque Peter Soden 1944-91 Field Svy Instructor

15th Feb 1997  00:00  by mickandshane

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

Plaque to Peter Sodden 1944 - 1991.

17th Apr 1981  00:00  by RogerTempleman

FB Number: S5724  Condition: Good  Score: 6/10

Pillar missing nearly all its white paint on grassy flat summit. Didcot Power Station to the north. Previously visited in June 1979.