Barbury Down
Barbury Down Group Walks | Join a Walk
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Classifications
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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
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.
Photo Gallery
View allPopular Routes
Barbury Castle Loop
EasyA 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.
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
Find Walking Companions
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Walks Near Barbury Down
More walks starting close to this area
Chiseldon to Barbury Shooting School Circular Walk
Shotover Country Park Circular
Ashton Court Circular with Quarry
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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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid Ref: SU156759
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