Walking in the North Wessex Downs

The North Wessex Downs is a vast sweep of rolling chalk hills, open downland and hidden valleys stretching across Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire. Rich in prehistoric heritage, ancient trackways and sweeping countryside views, it offers walkers a peaceful yet fascinating landscape to explore in southern England, with easy access from towns and cities such as Swindon, Reading and Basingstoke.

This Cicerone guidebook helps you discover the very best of the North Wessex Downs through 30 circular walks ranging from 6–21km (4–13 miles), perfect for everything from relaxed countryside strolls to rewarding full-day hikes. With clear directions, mapping and practical planning advice, it provides everything you need to confidently explore one of England’s most beautiful protected landscapes.

• This guide to walking in the North Wessex Downs features 30 circular routes across this beautiful National Landscape, including the historic trails of The Ridgeway and panoramic viewpoints above the chalk downs
• Clear step-by-step route descriptions with 1:40,000 OS mapping make navigation straightforward as you explore highlights such as the ancient hillside figure of the Uffington White Horse
• Downloadable GPX files allow you to follow the routes easily on a GPS device or smartphone while discovering historic landscapes like Avebury Stone Circle
• Routes of 2–6 hours make it easy to plan memorable walking days across varied terrain, from the open chalk uplands to the tranquil river valleys near the River Kennet, perfect for a day out in the region
• Practical planning information and local insights highlight picturesque villages, historic sites and countryside viewpoints across the wider North Wessex Downs National Landscape

With inspiring routes, reliable navigation and expert local insight, this guidebook is the perfect companion for discovering the timeless landscapes, ancient history and wide-open views of the North Wessex Downs on foot.

Seasons

All year round: spring and early summer are best for wild flowers, butterflies and birds; in autumn the trees are splashed in golden-brown autumnal colours, while a frosty winter's day can give impressive clear views.

Centres

Marlborough, Lambourn, Great Bedwyn, Dorchester on Thames, Hungerford, Pewsey, Kingsclere
The walks are also accessible from the following towns outside of the area: Didcot, Wantage, Swindon, Calne, Devizes, Andover, Basingstoke, Newbury and Reading.

Difficulty

Walks to suit most ages and abilities, with no difficulties apart from some short steep uphill and downhill sections. Can be muddy in winter.

Must See

Panoramic views; the highest points in Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire; the rivers Thames, Kennet, Pang and Lambourn; picturesque villages with thatched cottages, historic churches and cosy pubs
Prehistoric sites: Avebury, the Uffington White Horse, Neolithic and Bronze Age long barrows and Iron Age hill forts

Overview map

Map key

Introduction

Geology

Brief history

Plants and wildlife

Where to stay

Getting around

Food and drink

Long-distance routes

Maps

Walking in the North Wessex Downs

Waymarking, access and rights of way

Protecting the countryside

Using this guide

Berkshire Downs East

Walk 1

Chapel Row, Bucklebury and Stanford Dingley

Walk 2

Ashampstead and Yattendon

Walk 3

Aldworth

Walk 4

Shillingford, Wittenham Clumps and Dorchester on Thames

Walk 5

Blewbury and the Astons

Lambourn Downs

Walk 6

West Ilsley and Farnborough

Walk 7

Ardington and the Hendreds

Walk 8

Great Shefford, Chaddleworth and East Garston

Walk 9

Lambourn and Eastbury

Walk 10

The Ridgeway and the Letcombe villages

Walk 11

Compton Beauchamp, Woolstone and the Uffington White Horse

Walk 12

Ashbury and Bishopstone

Marlborough Downs

Walk 13

Ramsbury and Littlecote

Walk 14

Mildenhall and the River Kennet

Walk 15

Marlborough and Savernake Forest

Walk 16

Ogbourne St Andrew, Rockley and Barbury Castle

Walk 17

Fyfield Down and the Devil’s Den

Walk 18

Avebury

Vale of Pewsey

Walk 19

Cherhill and Oldbury Castle

Walk 20

Heddington, Oliver’s Castle, Roundway Down and Morgan’s Hill

Walk 21

Alton Barnes and the Wansdyke

Walk 22

Knap Hill and Oare

Walk 23

Martinsell Hill and Wootton Rivers

Walk 24

Great Bedwyn and Wilton

North Hampshire Downs

Walk 25

Tidcombe and Hippenscombe Bottom

Walk 26

Inkpen and Walbury Hill

Walk 27

Ashmansworth and Faccombe

Walk 28

St Mary Bourne and the Bourne Valley

Walk 29

Ecchinswell and Ladle Hill

Walk 30

Kingsclere and Hannington

Appendix A

Route summary table

Appendix B

Useful contacts

Appendix C

Further reading