POSTPONED - Up Cherhill Down and Down Ranscombe bottom
18 people attending
7 places left
This walk explores part of the downland which lies north of Devizes and Pewsey. It is an area of sparse population deep ridged Hills and much evidence of early human settlement. The route takes us over Morgan's Hill and Cherhill passing the monument and nearby White Horse hill carving, and returns along Ranscombe bottom.
The Cherhill White Horse is the second oldest of the Wiltshire horses. It is situated just below the earthwork known as Oldbury Castle. Very well placed high on a steep slope, the horse is easily visible from a great distance. It is the work of a Dr Christopher Alsop of Calne, sometimes referred to as "the mad doctor". He is said to have directed the marking out of the horse from a distance, calling instructions through a megaphone.
The Cherhill Monument, is a 38 metre stone obelisk erected in 1845, and stands atop of Oldbury Castle, which is a simple Bronze Age enclosure (1000BC) that was extended and developed into a hill fort in the Iron Age (500-100BC). Survey work carried out in 1996 revealed up to 20 circular features thought to be the remains of Iron Age timber round houses within the hill fort. These features, together with archaeological finds of animal bones, pottery and a weaving comb, all provide evidence that it was inhabited over 2000 years ago..
Photo credits AndyM except where indicated
Dogs are welcome to join us on this event but we do ask the following:
Please appreciate the fact that not everyone is a dog owner or lover- especially when we stop to eat
Please ensure you adhere to the Countryside Code at all times - see (Keeping Dogs Under Effective Control)
If your dog is uncontrolled and strays in open land frightening other animals or livestock, the leader is supported by the OutdoorLads board of trustees to ask you to leave the event as this is not acceptable behaviour
We cannot guarantee that this route is dog friendly - there may be styles to carry your dog across.
Your dog needs to have the stamina to keep up with the group. This may be an issue on hot days.
What to bring
Water: bring plenty
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Important! Bring a packed lunch and some water / soft drink for this walk. We don't pass anywhere that sells anything!