SU1575 : The Ridgeway on a lane passing Upper Herdswick Farm

Barbury Down

270m Elevation
39m Prominence
England Country
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SU1575 : The Ridgeway on a lane passing Upper Herdswick Farm

Rob Purvis Photo source

Overview

Barbury Down: A Hiker's Haven

Nestled in the scenic North Wessex Downs, Barbury Down stands proud at 220 meters, making for a delightful day out for those who fancy a gentle jaunt in the greenery.

Geology

Barbury Down is characterised by its soft white chalk landscape, a hallmark of the area, which supports a unique variety of flora and fauna. Look out for the beautiful wildflowers that bloom in the spring – it's like Mother Nature's own patchwork quilt!

Routes

The Barbury Castle Loop is the most popular route, a mere 3.2 km trail that circles around the ancient hill fort of Barbury Castle. This easy jaunt takes about 1.5 hours, making it perfect for families or those who want to take it easy. The only challenge you might face is choosing which path to take—there are many tempting trails!

Summit Features

At the summit, you'll find a trig point, a classic feature of the British landscape. Don't forget to add it to your Instagram collection!

Terrain

The terrain is mostly grassy with gentle inclines, so it's not going to knock your socks off—unless, of course, you choose to walk a bit too close to the edge!

Views

The views from the top are nothing short of spectacular! On clear days, gaze upon the distant spires of Oxford and the enchanting Cotswolds rolling in the background. Spring and autumn are especially lovely times to visit if you want to witness nature at its finest.

Hazards

Keep an eye out for farming machinery in the fields, as this area is actively farmed. We all love a good farm, but it’s best to keep your distance from any large tractors—trust me on this!

Access

Getting there is a breeze! Park at the Barbury Castle car park off the A4361, where the adventure begins. If you’re relying on public transport, buses run from Swindon to Ogbourne St. George, followed by a charming 30-minute walk to reach the summit.

Nearby Summits

While you're out mastering Barbury Down, consider visiting nearby summits such as West Overton Hill at 252 meters, and of course, the historical Barbury Castle which stands at 235 meters.

Facilities

Facilities are a bit limited on-site—think of it as a true escape into nature. However, you’ll find quaint cafes in the nearby village, and public toilets in Swindon, ensuring you’re not caught short during your adventure.

History

The name Barbury means 'Birch hill' in Old English, a nod to the birch trees that once grew in abundance here. The area is steeped in history, with Barbury Castle being a significant Iron Age site.

So, lace up your boots, grab a thermos of tea, and set off for Barbury Down! You won’t regret it. Bring a friend, and remember: The only bad hike is the one you don't take!

Explore routes near Barbury Down

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Donkey Walk

7.9 km ~1h 34m Easy

View route

Chiseldon to Barbury Shooting School Circular Walk

13.6 km ~2h 43m Easy

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Devizes Wharf and Caen Hill Lock Flight Towpath Walk

6.3 km ~2h 15m Easy

View route

Newbury to Donnington Castle: Lambourn Valley Way via Speen and Bagnor

8.6 km ~2h 45m Moderate

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Barbury Castle Loop

A gentle loop starting at the car park leading through lovely countryside trails, circling around the ancient hill fort of Barbury Castle before reaching the summit.

3.2 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

270m

887 ft

Prominence

39m

Coordinates

51.4821, -1.7764

SU156759

OS Map

173

Explorer: 157 169

At the Summit

The summit boasts a prominent trig point, which is the cherry on top of this lovely hill, offering a great spot for selfies.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with some chalky paths mostly flat with gentle inclines.

Predominantly chalk downland, Barbury Down features a typical geology of soft white chalk, with flint nodules, creating a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Views & Scenery

On clear days, you can see as far as the distant spires of Oxford and beyond to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Barbury' is derived from the Old English 'Birch hill', referring to the birch trees that once adorned its slopes.

Historical Significance

The area is rich in archaeological significance and is home to Barbury Castle, a scheduled ancient monument that dates back to the Iron Age.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Barbury Castle car park, located off the A4361. This is the ideal spot to start your adventure, unless you fancy doing a bit of unauthorised off-roading.

Public Transport

Regular bus services run from Swindon to the nearby village of Ogbourne St. George, followed by a scenic 30-minute walk.

Nearby Facilities

There are limited facilities on-site, but the nearby village has small cafes, and public toilets can be found in Swindon.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Farming machinery in fields nearby; be cautious when walking close to active farming areas.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Barbury Down?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Barbury Down through the maps

Are there other walkers around Barbury Down?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Barbury Down search or of course create your own walk for Barbury Down

Can I organise a walk to Barbury Down?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Barbury Down.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Barbury Down?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Barbury Down here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Barbury Down location map

Grid reference: SU156759

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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