Activities at Calstone and Cherhill Downs

Exploring the downs on foot

There's only one way to appreciate these downs and that's by foot. You can explore by finding your own way, or if you prefer you can follow a set route taking you through some of the loveliest parts of the downs.

What's special about Calstone and Cherhill Downs?

The National Trust looks after Calstone and Cherhill Downs because of their rich and diverse natural habitats and because the rolling hills and deep enclosing coombes allow people to escape into nature. A climb to the top of Cherhill will have you standing on ancient banks and ditches, once home to Bronze Age and Iron Age families. The later monument stand out for miles around.

Calstone and Cherhill Downs Trail

Amazing views, through rolling downland, wild flowers and rare insect life with plenty of historical interest, this walk has a bit of everything.

• Challenging
• 4 hours
• 7.75 miles (12.45km)

Calstone Down tranquil walk

Enjoy a walk dotted with many archaeological features and butterflies in the summer, with a view from the top that will take your breath away.

• Moderate
• 1 hour 30 mins
• 4.0 miles (6.4km)

Cherhill downland walk

A walk to the top of Cherhill Down will reward you with wonderful views and the chance to explore Oldbury Castle hill fort which, during the summer, is covered in wildflowers.

• Easy
• 1 hour
• 3.0 miles (4.8km)

Walking on Calstone and Cherhill Downs

Dust off those walking boots, pack a hearty picnic and follow a National Trust walking trail around Calstone and Cherhill Downs. With rare butterflies, seven species of orchid and if you are really lucky the only place in Wiltshire you can see the wart-biter bush cricket, this is a truly wonderful place to visit.