SU1524 : Clearbury Down, stile

Clearbury Ring

145m Elevation
41m Prominence
England Country
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SU1524 : Clearbury Down, stile

Mike Faherty Photo source

Overview

Clearbury Ring

Overview
Clearbury Ring is a charming hill located in Salisbury Plain, England. Standing at an elevation of 229 meters, this hill is not just another bump in the landscape; it's a site rich in history and spectacular vistas that will take your breath away—not that you'll have much breath left after the climb!

Geology
The geological composition of Clearbury Ring is predominantly chalk and flint, a common feature of the South Downs. The rolling hills and open areas provide a beautiful backdrop for your outdoor excursions.

Routes
A popular route starts from the Clearbury Ring car park, offering a circular walk of about 5.5 km. This easy path takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete, making it an ideal choice for families and casual walkers.

Summit Features
At the summit, you’ll find the well-preserved Iron Age hillfort; a testament to ancient engineering. The impressive earthworks create not just a historical tapestry but also an engaging exploration experience. The modest cairn stands watch, marking the highest point—perfect for that 'I've made it!' photo!

Terrain Type
The terrain around Clearbury Ring is predominantly grassy, with some uneven patches due to historical fortifications. This makes for a pleasant walking experience, though caution is advised when wet.

Views
The views from the summit are a highlight, offering sweeping panoramas across Salisbury Plain. You can spot the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral in the distance, along with the rolling countryside full of life. Spring and summer are the best times to enjoy these sights, truly bringing the landscape to life.

Hazards
Watch your step! The paths can be slippery during wet weather, and the edges of the hillfort can be steep—just another reason to keep your wits about you!

Nearby Summits
Not far from Clearbury Ring, you’ll find Shrewton Down and Old Sarum, both worth a visit and adding to your adventure in the area.

Access
Access is straightforward with a small car park at Clearbury Ring. If you're coming from further afield, the nearest station is Salisbury, where public transport options abound to bring you closer to this enticing destination.

Facilities
While Clearbury Ring itself lacks facilities, nearby Amesbury has everything you might need, from cafes to public toilets—perfect for refuelling after your hike.

History
The name 'Clearbury' holds historical meaning, likely derived from ancient English referring to hill fortifications, making it not just a climb but a journey through time. The site itself is significant for its archaeological findings, providing insights into Iron Age Britain.

Whether for a leisurely day out or a delve into history, Clearbury Ring is an outdoors gem waiting to be explored. So grab your walking boots, pack a snack, and enjoy the journey!

Explore routes near Clearbury Ring

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

Wilverley Inclosure Walk, New Forest

5.2 km ~1h 30m Easy

View route

Badbury Rings and The Oaks from Heron Drove, Dorset

5.4 km ~2h Moderate

View route

Bournemouth Walk with Men Walking & Talking

View route

South Downs Way: Winchester to Exton via Beacon Hill

20.2 km ~6h 30m Hard

View route

Route planning notes

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

From the Clearbury Ring car park

A straightforward and picturesque circular route that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the historic earthworks at the summit.

5.5 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

100-199m hill

Elevation

145m

476 ft

Prominence

41m

Coordinates

51.0191, -1.7840

SU152244

OS Map

184

Explorer: 130S

At the Summit

The summit features a well-preserved Iron Age hillfort, complete with ramparts and ditches, ideal for those with a love for history and prehistoric architecture. There's also a modest cairn to add to the charm.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly grassy with mild slopes suitable for easy walking. Some areas may be uneven due to the ancient fortifications.

Clearbury Ring is composed primarily of chalk and flint, typical of the South Downs, which gives the area its characteristic rolling hills and open landscapes.

Views & Scenery

The panoramic views extend across the rolling landscapes of Salisbury Plain, with notable sights including the distant Salisbury Cathedral and several small villages. On a clear day, you might even spot the spire of Old Sarum.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Clearbury' is thought to derive from the old English words 'cleare' meaning 'hill' and 'bury', which refers to the fortified site (from 'burh').

Historical Significance

Clearbury Ring is a significant archaeological site, preserving the remnants of Iron Age settlements and military structures, offering insight into ancient British life.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park located near the entrance to Clearbury Ring off the B3086, providing easy access for visitors.

Public Transport

The nearest train station is in Salisbury, from which you can take a bus or taxi to the vicinity of Clearbury Ring.

Nearby Facilities

Amesbury offers several facilities, including cafes, restaurants, and public toilets. However, facilities directly at Clearbury Ring are limited, so come prepared.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The paths can become slippery when wet, and as with any outdoor adventure, be mindful of the weather conditions. Stay clear of steep drops along the hillfort edges.

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 Clearbury Ring?

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

Are there other walkers around Clearbury Ring?

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 Clearbury Ring search or of course create your own walk for Clearbury Ring

Can I organise a walk to Clearbury Ring?

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 Clearbury Ring.

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 Clearbury Ring?

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 Clearbury Ring 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

Clearbury Ring location map

Grid reference: SU152244

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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