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. 

Walking in the North Wessex Downs – Quick Facts

Guidebook: Walking in the North Wessex Downs 
Location: North Wessex Downs, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire, England 
Routes: 30 circular walks 
Distance range: 6–21km / 4–13 miles 
Typical duration: 2–6 hours per walk 
Route format: Circular day walks 
Navigation: Step-by-step route descriptions with 1:40,000 OS mapping and GPX files 
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – suitable for most regular walkers 
Landscape: Rolling chalk hills, open downland, wooded valleys and historic farmland 
Historic highlights: The Ridgeway, Uffington White Horse, Avebury Stone Circle 
Access towns: Swindon, Reading, Basingstoke 
Best season: Year-round; spring to autumn offers the best walking conditions 
Ideal for: Scenic countryside walks, historic landscapes and rewarding day hikes in southern England

Author Highlight

“Although the downs are termed ‘hilly’, they don’t rise to any great height, which makes the walks here suitable for a wide range of abilities. Nevertheless, the walks in this guide take in not only the highest chalk hill in England (and highest point in Berkshire), Walbury Hill (297m; Walk 26), but also the highest points in three other counties – Milk Hill in Wiltshire (295m; Walk 21), Pilot Hill in Hampshire (286m; Walk 27) and Whitehorse Hill in Oxfordshire (262m; Walk 11)”

- Steve Davison, author of Walking in the North Wessex Downs

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

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