The 6 Most Amazing Peaks around Devizes

The region around Devizes features several prominent hills and downs offering significant elevation and expansive views. Notable examples include Milk Hill, the highest point in Wiltshire, Walkers Hill with its historical features, and Cherhill White Horse, known for its iconic hill figure and scenic vistas. Other significant spots include Roundway Hill and Morgan's Hill.

Milk Hill is the highest point in Wiltshire, reaching an elevation of 295 meters (968 feet) above sea level. It offers extensive panoramic views that can stretch to the Mendips, Cotswolds, and even the Black Mountains in South Wales on exceptionally clear days.

Yes, the hills around Devizes are rich in history. Walkers Hill features Adam's Grave, a notable Neolithic long barrow, alongside other prehistoric earthworks. Roundway Hill is historically significant as the site of the Battle of Roundway Down in 1643 during the English Civil War.

You can find several iconic White Horse hill figures. The Cherhill White Horse is the second oldest in Wiltshire. The Alton Barnes White Horse is located near Milk Hill and Walkers Hill. Additionally, the Devizes White Horse, cut in 1999, is a feature on Roundway Hill.

The peaks around Devizes offer breathtaking views over the picturesque countryside. From Milk Hill, you can see the Pewsey Vale and beyond, with distant views of the Mendips and Cotswolds on clear days. Walkers Hill provides excellent views of the Vale of Pewsey, while Cherhill White Horse offers expansive views over the surrounding landscape.

Yes, many of the hills offer accessible slopes suitable for families. Milk Hill is noted as family-friendly, providing rewarding walks with fantastic views without being overly strenuous. The general area of the Pewsey Downs, which includes these hills, is popular for walks.

Walking and hiking are very popular activities on these hills. Milk Hill is also a popular site for hang gliding and paragliding, having been the launch point for record-breaking flights. The chalk tracks on hills like Morgan's Hill are also suitable for cycling.

Yes, there are easy hiking options available. For example, the guide Easy hikes around Devizes features routes like the 'Caen Hill Locks & Diamond Jubilee Wood loop from Devizes' which is an easy 6.4 km walk. Many of the hills, while offering elevation, have gentle slopes that are not too strenuous for beginners.

Absolutely. The area around Devizes is well-suited for both running and cycling. You can find various routes in guides like Running Trails around Devizes, which includes routes like 'The Crammer – Drew's Pond Wood loop'. For cyclists, the Road Cycling Routes around Devizes guide offers options such as the 'Maltings Inn at Horton Bridge loop'.

The hills and downs around Devizes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer lush green landscapes and warmer weather, ideal for long walks and enjoying the views. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the surrounding countryside. Even in winter, on clear days, the panoramic views can be exceptionally crisp, though paths may be muddy.

Visitors frequently praise the amazing views and the rich history of the area. The combination of natural beauty, such as the chalk grassland hills, and historical features like ancient earthworks and iconic White Horse figures, makes for a rewarding experience. The accessible nature of many slopes also makes them popular for walking and exploring.

While direct public transport to the exact summit of every hill might be limited, Devizes itself is a market town with bus connections. From Devizes, local bus services can take you to villages closer to the hills, such as those near Milk Hill or Roundway Hill, from where you can start your walks. Planning ahead with local bus schedules is recommended.

Yes, many of the hills and downs around Devizes are popular for dog walking. The open chalk grasslands provide ample space for dogs to roam. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock or sensitive wildlife areas, and to follow local signage regarding leash requirements.