Hillforts on Salisbury Plain
A moderate walk (countryside) starting and finishing in Wiltshire, England, about 14.40km (8.95 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 4:45h. It is suitable for families with children, but unsuitable for prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
207m (679ft)
Descent
189m (620ft)
Max. Elevation
210m (688ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
396m (1299ft)
Start
Dilton Marsh
End
Heytesbury, Warminster, Wiltshire, England
Distance
14.40km
(8.95mi)
(8.95mi)
Duration
~4:45h
Difficulty
Moderate
Ordnance Survey Map
Wiltshire is a much neglected county for walking. The chalky hills offer many fine routes, including this route along the western edge of Salisbury Plain. The walk connects two villages either side of Warminster. Better to start at Dilton Marsh, as trains are infrequent, plus there are better pubs to kill time in at Heytesbury. The first half of the walk circuits the Plain and the army camp with great views over Wiltshire; the second takes you over four small hillforts. Regular buses back from Heytesbury to Warminster, although if you are staying overnight the Angel in Heytesbury is the best local option.
www.theangelheytesbury.co.uk
Walk Functions
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Waypoints
OS Grid ST855500
From Warminster, take the train to Dilton Marsh. it's a request stop, so tell the conductor.
OS Grid ST859498
Not the most inspiring start to the walk, but it's worth it. Cross the busy main road and then through Westbury Leigh.
About 0.42 km (~0.26 miles) from 
OS Grid ST862499
Follow the road and turn off at Sandy Hole Lane towards Chalford, along the edge of Westbury Leigh. Take care crossing the A350.
About 0.33 km (~0.21 miles) from 
OS Grid ST869499
The walk starts in earnest at Chalford. From Wellhead Grove, take the path leading up to the edge of Salisbury Plain.
About 0.76 km (~0.47 miles) from 
OS Grid ST882495
Once you have gained the hill, pick up the Imber Range Perimiter Path. This is what it's all about.
About 1.29 km (~0.8 miles) from 
OS Grid ST878488
Head south via Upper Cow Down. No sign of the lower cow...
About 0.83 km (~0.52 miles) from 
OS Grid ST887475
Sadly the army use of this part of the Plain prevents wider exploration, but the border path still gives you great views across Wiltshire.
About 1.58 km (~0.98 miles) from 
OS Grid ST877463
Head along the path and through the golf course at Arn Hill Down.
About 1.51 km (~0.94 miles) from 
OS Grid ST887457
The route here overlooks Warminster, heading via Parsonage Farm.
About 1.13 km (~0.7 miles) from 
OS Grid ST896462
Head northeast along Imber Road and the army camp.
About 1.02 km (~0.63 miles) from 
OS Grid ST896457
Beyond the army camp, you return to the countryside and Battlesbury Hill, the site of an Iron Age hillfort.
About 0.54 km (~0.34 miles) from 
OS Grid ST906448
The second half of the walk is in many ways the highlight; four small hills in a line, the second of which is Middle Hill.
About 1.39 km (~0.86 miles) from 
OS Grid ST913444
On again to Scratchbury Hill, also an Iron Age hillfort.
About 0.78 km (~0.48 miles) from 
OS Grid ST920432
The fourth hill, Cotley Hill, is just outside Heytesbury.
About 1.39 km (~0.86 miles) from 
OS Grid ST923427
Cross the A36 via the underpass and into the village. There's two pubs; go to The Angel for food, or the Red Lion for a pint.
About 0.60 km (~0.37 miles) from 
Back againOS Grid ST923425
Regular buses from the village high street take you back to Warminster and the train home.
About 0.17 km (~0.11 miles) from 
