Cherhill Down
Good walks are even better shared.
Explore routes near Cherhill Down
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Donkey Walk
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Chiseldon to Barbury Shooting School Circular Walk
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Ashton Court Circular with Quarry
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Failand–Abbots Fish pond–Long Ashton
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Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
Cherhill Down to the White Horse
A scenic route that takes you from the base of Cherhill Down to the iconic White Horse, with panoramic views along the way.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
262m
860 ft
Prominence
86m
Coordinates
51.4193, -1.9249
SU053689
OS Map
173
Explorer: 157
At the Summit
The summit features a trig point and stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
Terrain & Geology
Cherhill Down is primarily chalk, a soft and permeable limestone that supports diverse flora. The downland environment is characterised by its deep, fertile soil supporting various plant species, which are particularly striking in spring and summer.
Views & Scenery
On a clear day, you can see the historic town of Calne, the Marlborough Downs, and even glimpses of the distant Cotswolds.
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Cherhill' is derived from the Old English 'ceors', meaning 'a rocky hill'.
Historical Significance
The White Horse, cut into the chalk hillside, dates back to the 18th century and adds a significant cultural landmark to Cherhill Down.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is a small car park at the base of Cherhill Down on the A4. Arrive early as it can get busy during weekends.
Public Transport
The nearest bus stop is in Calne, about 2 miles away, with irregular services.
Nearby Facilities
A few cafes and shops can be found in Calne, though amenities on the hill itself are limited—nature does not provide coffee shops!
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Watch out for occasional livestock on the paths and be mindful of the weather, which can change quickly in this region.
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 Cherhill Down?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Cherhill Down through the maps
Are there other walkers around Cherhill 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 Cherhill Down search or of course create your own walk for Cherhill Down
Can I organise a walk to Cherhill 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 Cherhill 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 Cherhill 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 Cherhill 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 reference: SU053689
View on OpenStreetMapOpens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.
Nearby Hills
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Glastonbury Tor
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Titterstone Clee Hill
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The Wrekin
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Long Mynd - Pole Bank
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