Highlight • Historical Site
Walbury Hill Summit
Hiking
5.0
(6)
In the crook of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Walbury Hill lies overlooking the Kennet Valley. Such good views in the south of England can only mean one thing: this is also the site of an Iron Age hillfort – Walbury Camp.
The whole area is ancient downland, and it’s littered with remnants of a human past. A long barrow lies immediately north west, on Gallows Down, while walks in the nearby area reveal old churches, tumuli and long abandoned pits. Particularly accessible thanks to its lanes and gravel track, Walbury Hill makes for an easy yet rewarding adventure.
Downland and valley views from the South East’s highest point
Walbury Hill rises to 974 feet (297 m) and its true summit is in the middle of a field, often adorned by sheep. It’s marked by a trig pillar and can easily be reached from the main track that crosses the hill. There are several car parks lying just outside the earthworks, making this a summit extremely easy to reach and allowing wheelchair users to admire the views, which are better from the lane as opposed to the actual summit.
Part of a network of trails, you can reach the hilltop from almost any direction, and make your expedition as long or as short as you like. You can stay high on the downs or begin in the valley to the north, if you’re in the mood for some ascent. A well-surfaced gravel road runs straight across the hill, once used by broadcast vehicles for the former relay station.
At the top, look north across the patchwork Kennet Valley, which holds the Kennet & Avon Canal. To the south, downland undulates and if you catch it in a golden light, you could mistake it for a painting. The hilltop is large and quite flat, so roam around to see multiple views.
The whole area is ancient downland, and it’s littered with remnants of a human past. A long barrow lies immediately north west, on Gallows Down, while walks in the nearby area reveal old churches, tumuli and long abandoned pits. Particularly accessible thanks to its lanes and gravel track, Walbury Hill makes for an easy yet rewarding adventure.
Downland and valley views from the South East’s highest point
Walbury Hill rises to 974 feet (297 m) and its true summit is in the middle of a field, often adorned by sheep. It’s marked by a trig pillar and can easily be reached from the main track that crosses the hill. There are several car parks lying just outside the earthworks, making this a summit extremely easy to reach and allowing wheelchair users to admire the views, which are better from the lane as opposed to the actual summit.
Part of a network of trails, you can reach the hilltop from almost any direction, and make your expedition as long or as short as you like. You can stay high on the downs or begin in the valley to the north, if you’re in the mood for some ascent. A well-surfaced gravel road runs straight across the hill, once used by broadcast vehicles for the former relay station.
At the top, look north across the patchwork Kennet Valley, which holds the Kennet & Avon Canal. To the south, downland undulates and if you catch it in a golden light, you could mistake it for a painting. The hilltop is large and quite flat, so roam around to see multiple views.
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
Dan Hobson
August 18, 2020
Hiking
At 974 feet (297 m) above sea level, Walbury Hill is the highest natural point in South East England. It is also the highest chalk hill in England. On the summit is Walbury Camp Iron Age hill fort. The haunting monument of Combe Gibbet stands on the adjoining Gallows Down.
David Howells
July 3, 2023
Hiking
Walbury Hill is the county high point of Berkshire at 297 metres, it is the highest natural point in South East England. It is marked by a triangulation pillar.
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Elevation 290 m
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Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
yes
Dog Friendly
yes