Great Walks in Wiltshire & The North Wessex Downs
The Walks
Wiltshire & The North Wessex Downs comprise one of the most ancient parts of England. In this rugged landscape our oldest ancestors carved out an existence as the last Ice Age eroded. 
  Background Briefing




A Friendly Resident








Avebury Standing Stones








The Alton Barnes
White Horse









Silbury Hill
Near Avebury

Stonehenge






The Spire Of
Salisbury Cathedral





The Kennet & Avon Canal





The Start Point Of
The Ridgeway
























































































An Avebury Standing Stone





Avebury Manor







Lacock Abbey







Old Sarum Hill Fort



Salisbury Cathedral






Stonehenge

The Gateway To
Stourhead Castle



 

 

 

 

 


























Cholderton Youth Hostel
Near Amesbury





The Castle & Ball Hotel
Marlborough
Old English Inns

 



The Red Lion Hotel
Avebury
Old English Inns

 


Many of the features you’ll see whilst walking this area are shrouded in pre-historic mystery; Stonehenge, Woodhenge, The Avebury Stone Circle, Neolithic Burial Mounds – all have stood for thousands of years, yet we know remarkably little of the people who built and used them.

Our walk from Avebury village enables you to explore the extraordinary ring of standing stones. There are numerous theories about their purpose and who constructed them. Sceptics have said that stones laying around were erected in a neat circle by eighteenth-century or Victorian burghers …. But what is sure is that the vast earthworks upon which the stones stand were thrown up thousands of years ago.

The Ridgeway is said to be Britain’s oldest road. The modern-day long distance path, which runs from near Avebury, above the Vale of White Horse and on up to Ivinghoe in Buckinghamshire is but a short section of the ancient trading highway. Several millennia before Christ the Ridgeway was the principal artery by which the flint knappers of East Anglia marketed their arrowheads and knives to the peoples of Wessex and beyond.

Ascending the Ridgeway itself, on our walk from Ogbourne St Andrew, you reach the Iron-Age hill fort of Barbury Castle. In its day the settlement afforded the occupants a commanding presence. They would, quite literally, have been the masters of all they surveyed.

White horses are, of course, amongst Wiltshire's most famous features.The Cherhill White Horse, clearly visible from the eastern end of the village, is of course one of many chalk hill carvings in these parts. The craze for cutting horses into the hillsides really got going in the eighteenth century. This particular one is said to be the second oldest in Wiltshire, the one near Westbury being its senior. The Cherhill horse may have been inspired by the work of painter George Stubbs, for it was cut by his friend, one Dr Christopher Alsop, from nearby Calne.

The motivation for carving hill figures is not entirely clear. Some have suggested they were intended as early tourist attractions, but as most carvings can clearly be seen from the public road the revenue argument falls flat.

In other parts of the country hill carvings of men, some more ‘well endowed’ than others, are said have pre-historic origins. However, eighteenth century or even Victorian embellishment certainly seems to have taken place. The Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset, and the Long Man of Wilmington in Sussex are upstanding examples, particularly in the case of the former.

The vast central plateau of Salisbury Plain was honed 10,000 years ago as melting glaciers receded northwards – an early symptom of global warming? When the ice disappeared, and the bleak landscape became exposed, almost inevitably human habitation followed.  Initially venturing north for the hunting, settlements were gradually established by our migrant antecedents.  Our understanding of these earliest Britons is at best, very sketchy.  With no written language and precious little in the way of surviving artefacts we can but fill in the huge gaps in our knowledge with theories and speculation – some more rational than others.  We see the earthworks and stone structures, which must have occupied thousands of hands, but the why and wherefore is little more than guesswork.

See Salisbury Plain in its bleakest splendour on our separate walks from Great Cheverell and Heytesbury. The modern-day eco-system of Salisbury Plain is a curious example of co-existence.  Many farmsteads and huge tracks of land were requisitioned by the War Department in World War II.  The land was churned by hundreds of thousands of soldiers, tanks and trucks preparing for the biggest military invasion in history.  Having been militourial for the duration of the war, the land has never been fully returned to civilian use.  Today it is not at all unusual to be out walking and come upon a fleet of heavy tanks in mock battle.

But living cheek-by-jowl with the tanks and shells are many species of birds and small creatures who might not be as numerous in a context of intensive agriculture.

Stonehenge is undisputedly the most iconic feature on this landscape, and one of the most famous identifiable man-made structures in Britain.  For the henge was indeed made by the labour of people. The skills required to fashion and erect these huge stones must have been considerable.  The organisation needed to manage the project, probably over many decades was highly sophisticated.  Bringing the stones huge distances almost certainly from South Wales, required an infrastructure comprising roadways, heavy cartage and water-borne transportation.  Given the enormous popularity of Stonehenge with tourists and casual visitors the site retains its atmosphere of bleak isolation.  Of course, you can no longer walk within the circle or climb the stones as some of us did as children, but you can see the magnificence of this ancient edifice.

Moving to the south you soon come upon the next most famous image of Wiltshire – Salisbury Cathedral.  You'll get a stupendous view of the Cathedral spire high above the city from our walk from the hill fort of Old Sarum to the north.

In the west of the county our walk from the village Stourton takes in the national Trust properties Stourhead and King Alfred’s Tower  The beautiful gardens, lake and landscaped grounds are certainly worth a leisurely visit before or after the main walk - and there are both a tea shop and welcoming inn.

High above the Dorset border, Cranborne Chase can be explored on our walk setting out from Tollard Royal. Quite a strenuous route - but well rewarded with sublime views.

The most northerly walk in this collection starts from Uffington Castle hill fort, and takes in a section of the Ridgeway leading into Oxfordshire.  Here the Uffington White Horse looks out high above the Vale of White Horse to the north.  Below the other side of the Ridgeway, southward, you are looking upon Lambourn Downs.  You might see racehorses out on the gallops, for this area is the second home to horse racing in England – after Newmarket.

Wiltshire and the North Wessex Downs have a great deal to offer the serious walker and the casual stroller alike.




     CONTRIBUTORS    

Wiltshire & North Wessex Downs walks, pictures and
background info have been compiled by:
Heather Robinson, Joanna Heathorn and Eric Joyce

 


 

 
       WILTSHIRE & NORTH WESSEX - THE WALKS      

Download your walk report by clicking on its icon

  Walks Without An Icon Will Be Ready Later     

THE KENNET & AVON CANAL FROM ALL CANNINGS 
An easier walk along the tranquil canal towpath, and returning via byways
9.3 miles (14.8 km)
Toughness Rating : 1

AVEBURY STONES & THE RIDGEWAY    
A moderately strenuous walk on chalk downs, and through the Neolithic stone circle
6.9 miles or 5.9 miles (11.0 km or 9.4 km)
Toughness Rating : 2

BOWOOD ESTATE & LAKES
A gentler ramble through the elegant Bowood Estate and by the lakes 7.1 miles (11.5 km)
Toughness Rating: 1
                                                                         
CASTLE COMBE - THE PRETTIEST VILLAGE * 
A relatively short and easy walk from the village said to be England’s prettiest
5.2 miles (8.3 km)
Toughness Rating: 1

GREAT CHEVERELL TO SALISBURY PLAIN
A demanding ascent to the chalk byways where wildlife and military co-exist
6,5 miles (10.4 km)
Toughness Rating: 4

CRANBORNE CHASE FROM TOLLARD ROYAL
Superb views from the highest point on Cranborne Chase
9.3 miles (14.8 km)
Toughness Rating: 3

DOWNTON & THE AVON VALLEY PATH
A fairly easy ramble through water meadows, woods and chalk downs
6.7 miles (10.7 km)
Toughness Rating: 2

THE FOVANT BADGES
A sometimes strenuous route ascending chalk downlands, viewing the Regimental Badges chalk carvings
6.5 miles (10.4 km)
Toughness Rating : 3

HEYTESBURY AND SALISBURY PLAIN
 An energetic walk up to two ancient hill forts on the edge of Salisbury Plain
9.1 miles or 6.9 miles (14.5 km or 11.0 km)
Toughness Rating: 3

HONEYSTREET & PEWSEY DOWN  
A moderately demanding climb to the North Wessex Downs and the White Horse Trail
6.7 miles (10.7 km)
Toughness Rating : 3

LONGBRIDGE DEVERILL & COLD KITCHEN HILL
A moderate walk up to ominously named Cold Kitchen Hill
9.1 miles (14.5 km)
Toughness Rating: 2

MARLBOROUGH DOWNS AND BARBURY CASTLE
Ascend to the Ridgeway to explore an Iron-Age hill fort
10.1 miles or 8.9 miles(16.2 km or 14.2 km)
Toughness Rating: 3

OLD SARUM HILL FORT                                  
A fairly easy walk from the pre-historic earthworks north of Salisbury
6.9 miles (11.0 km)
Toughness Rating: 1

STOCKTON & THE WESSEX RIDGEWAY
An occasionally strenuous route on part of the long distance path
9.5 miles (15.2 km)
Toughness Rating: 3

STOURHEAD & KING ALFRED’S TOWER
A moderate walk through the Stourhead Estate and surrounding countryside
8.5 miles (13.6 km)
Toughness Rating: 2

TISBURY TO OLD WARDOUR CASTLE
An easier walk through the Nadder Valley out to a medieval castle
8.1 miles 13.0 km
Toughness Rating: 1

UFFINGTON WHITE HORSE & THE RIDGEWAY 
A Ridgeway walk via an Iron-age hill fort, looking down on the Vale of White Horse
8.4 miles (13.4 km)
Toughness Rating: 3

WESTBURY – THE OLDEST WHITE HORSE
Take in the oldest white horse chalk carving in Wiltshire on this occasionally strenuous walk
7.1 miles (11.4 km)
Toughness Rating: 2

THE WHITE HORSE TRAIL FROM CHERHILL
Ascend to the White Horse Trail and the National Trust Cherthill Monument
7.6 miles (12.1 km)
Toughness Rating: 3

 * This walk also features in our Cotswolds edition

 
TOUGHNESS RATINGS

Most of our Wiltshire & North Wessex routes can be undertaken by reasonably fit walkers able to utilise the map segments and our recommended Ordnance Survey maps, together with the route guidance notes.

The toughest walks should be undertaken or led only by experienced walkers with navigational expertise. Always consider recent and forecast weather.

Each walk has been allocated a Toughness Rating:

1.     Easier walks with modest ascent and generally on well defined paths. There may be stiles or narrow gateways to negotiate.

2.     Routes which are more demanding. They may include more ascent and possibly paths which are looser or more difficult underfoot.

3.     More strenuous walks. There may be prolonged steep ascents, and perhaps several ascents over the whole walk. Conditions may be challenging underfoot.

4.     The toughest walks, requiring considerable fitness and navigational experience. There may be prolonged steep ascents. The ability to navigate by compass may be essential.

Toughness Ratings are allocated in the context of the terrain in the edition area.
For example a walk rated as demanding in Cambridgeshire may be equivalent to an easier or moderate route in the Brecon Beacons.

 



Directory of Local Information Sources

     WHAT TO SEE      

Our selection of the most interesting things to see
or visit on or near the walks

Avebury Stone Circle
Pre-historic stone circle
Avebury

Avebury Manor and Gardens
National Trust Property
Avebury
Tel: 01672 539388
www.NationalTrust.org.uk  

Barbury Castle
Hill fort
Uffcott, Near Swindon

Bowood House & Gardens
Stately home and park
Derry Hill, Near Calne
Tel: 01249 812102

Castle Combe
One of England's prettiest villages
Castle Combe, Near Chippenham
Tel: 01249 782250

Kennet & Avon Canal Museum
Wharf Street, Devizes
Tel: 01380 721279

Lacock Abbey
National Trust Property
Lacock, Near Chippenham
Tel: 01249 730227
 www.NationalTrust.org.uk  

Lydiard House and Park
Stately Home
 Near Swindon
Tel: 01793 770401

Old Sarum Castle
English Heritage Hill Fort
Near Salisbury
Tel: 01722 335398
www.English-Heritage.org.uk

Salisbury Cathedral
Magnificent Cathedral
Salisbury
Tel: 01722 555120
www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

Silbury Hill
Pre-historic Long Barrow
A4 Near Beckhampton

Stonehenge
National Trust pre-historic standing stones
A344 Near Amesbury
Tel: 01272 750700
www.NationalTrust.org.uk  

Stourhead Castle & Garden
National Trust house and gardens
Stourton
Tel: 0
www.NationalTrust.org.uk  

 

        GETTING HELP        


Tourist Information Centres

Free local guide brochures available by post.
Information and an accommodation booking service
is available at the centres listed below, or online at:

www.visitwiltshire.co.uk

Amesbury Tourist Information Centre
Near Stonehenge
Tel: 01980 622833

Avebury Tourist Information Centre
The Chapel Centre, Green Street,
Avebury
Tel: 01672 539179
www.visitwiltshire.co.uk

Bradford on Avon Tourist Information Centre
Silver Street, Bradford on Avon
Tel: 01225 865797

Calne Tourist Information Centre
Bank House, Calne
Tel: 01249 814000

Chippenham Tourist Information Centre
The Yelde Hall, Chippenham
Tel: 01249 665970

Malmesbury Tourist Information Centre
The Town Hall, Market Lane, Malmesbury
Tel: 01666 823748

Melksham Tourist Information Centre
Church Street, Melksham
Tel: 01225 707424

Salisbury Tourist Information Centre
Fish Row, Salisbury
Tel: 01722 334956

Swindon Tourist Information Centre
37 Regent Street, Swindon
Tel: 01793 530328

National Organisations

The Ramblers Association
Representing walkers throughout Britain
Tel: 020 7339 8500
www.Ramblers.org.uk

English Heritage
Preserving and maintaining our heritage in England
www.English-Heritage.org.uk

The National Trust
Properties described on their web site
Tel: 0870 458 4000
www.NationalTrust.org.uk


      WHERE TO STAY     

The Tourist Information Centres listed in Getting Help offer accommodation advice and booking services. 

See www.visitwiltshire.co.uk

Other Organisations

Youth Hostels Association
 All properties in the area and throughout
the U.K. are described on their web site.
Directory available free to members
Tel: 0870 770 8868
www.yha.org.uk

Camping & Caravanning Club
Details of 1400 camp sites on the web site
Tel: 0845 130 7632
www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
     


Town & Country Hotels

FREE directories and web sites for regional and national hotel groups or franchises:

Best Western Hotels
 Franchised hotels throughout Britain
Tel: 0845 33 00 415
www.BestWestern.co.uk

Corus Hotels
Country & town centre hotels throughout Britain
Tel: 0845 300 2000
www.CorusHotels.com

The Independents
Consortium of 2 & 3 star hotels throughout Britain
Tel: 0800 88 55 44
www.TheIndependents.co.uk

Marston Hotels
Independent four star hotels throughout England
Tel: 0845 1300 700
www.MarstonHotels.com

Old English Inns
Classic Inns across England
Tel: 0800 917 3085
www.OldEnglishInns.co.uk

Premier Travel Inn
470 budget hotels across the U.K.
Tel: 0870 242 8000
www.PremierTravelInn.com

Travelodge
Budget accommodation across the U.K.
Tel: 08700 850 950

Welcome Break
Budget accommodation at motorway services
 Tel: 0800 731 4466

 

          Essential        

 Contributors
Safe & Courteous

Walking Our Routes

Toughness Ratings

         Local Info        

Getting Help

What To See

Where To Stay

        Best Links        
Weather To Walk
Ramblers Association

 English Heritage

The National Trust

Camping and
Caravanning Club

Youth Hostels

Town & Country
Hotel Groups

 

 



 
 

 

Great Walks text and pictures are the copyright of Synchra Communication Ltd 2009

Mapping is the copyright of Synchra Communication Ltd 2009
Developed under License from The Ordnance Survey