ST8345 : 2008 : Cley Hill from the north

Cley Hill

244m Elevation
73m Prominence
England Country
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ST8345 : 2008 : Cley Hill from the north

Maurice Pullin Photo source

Overview

Cley Hill

Nestled in the stunning landscapes of the West Country, Cley Hill rises to an elevation of 235 meters, making it a prominent Marilyn and a favorite spot for hikers and wanderers looking for some breath-stealing views.

Geology

Cley Hill is primarily made up of limestone, reminiscent of the rugged and dramatic terrains formed during the Mid Jurassic period. This geological wonder provides an array of breathtaking rocky outcrops and steep slopes that often invite a bit of careful navigation on the way to the summit.

Routes

The most recommended route is the Cley Hill Circular Trail, which offers a delightful combination of gentle incline and stunning scenery. Covering a distance of 3.5 kilometers, this moderately challenging trek can be accomplished in about 1.5 hours, making it a great option for a weekend jaunt.

Summit Features

At the pinnacle, hikers are greeted by a trig point that stands proudly, offering a place to catch your breath while contemplating the picturesque landscapes below. The nearby remnants of ancient earthworks hint at a storied past, where one might imagine early settlers arguing over the best picnic spots.

Terrain Type

The terrain itself is a mix of grassy areas interspersed with rocky sections, ideal for training your legs to negotiate these natural hurdles. However, do watch your step during rainy days, as the grassy patches can turn into mini-slides.

Views

From the summit of Cley Hill, a panorama awaits: you can spot the grand estate of Longleat and the idyllic countryside typical of Wiltshire and Somerset. The best time for these views? Spring and early autumn, when the air is fresh and the skies are clear.

Hazards

Though not overly treacherous, Cley Hill does come with its share of hazards, such as slippery patches after rain and the occasional overenthusiastic sheep who might have mistaken you for a long-lost friend. Always keep an eye on the weather as sudden gusts can unceremoniously toss your hat—or your lunch—into the air.

Access

The nearest parking is conveniently located at ST839444, where you can leave your vehicle without too much hassle. For those relying on public transport, Warminster station provides a portal of possibilities, albeit with a little bit of patience regarding the local bus schedules. The nearest town, Warminster, hosts a variety of facilities including cafes for post-hike treats.

History

The name 'Cley' literally means 'hill' in Old English—proof that some names speak for themselves. Historically, Cley Hill has seen human activity since the Iron Age, making it a remarkable place not just for hikers, but also for history buffs who enjoy their jaunts with a splash of the past.

Cley Hill isn’t just a summit; it’s a delightful journey bedecked with history, rugged beauty, and fantastic views that will make you wonder why you didn’t pack a picnic!

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just someone looking to stretch your legs, Cley Hill invites you to explore, reflect, and maybe even share a few laughs along the way.

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Cley Hill

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

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Mindful photowalk at Heal Somerset

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Route planning notes

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

Cley Hill Classic Circular

This popular circular route begins at the National Trust car park near the base of Cley Hill. The walk ascends the hill via a winding path, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. After reaching the summit, the route descends along the northern slope before looping back through fields and woodland to the starting point.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Moderate

Cley Hill Summit and Woodland Loop

Starting from the same National Trust car park, this route combines the ascent of Cley Hill with an extended loop through nearby woodland and farmland. After enjoying the summit views, the trail heads eastward, meandering through shaded paths before returning via an open field path.

5 km ~2 hours Moderate

Cley Hill and Longleat Boundary Walk

This longer route begins at the National Trust car park and takes in the summit of Cley Hill before heading south toward the boundary of the Longleat Estate. The walk offers a mix of open countryside and shaded trails, with occasional glimpses of Longleat House in the distance, before looping back to the start.

8 km ~3 hours Challenging

Cley Hill Sunrise Walk

This shorter route is designed for those looking to experience a sunrise from the summit of Cley Hill. The walk starts at the base of the hill and follows a direct path to the top. After enjoying the views, walkers return via the same path, making it a quick yet rewarding hike.

2 km ~1 hours Easy

Cley Hill and Wessex Ridgeway Explorer

This route combines a visit to Cley Hill with a section of the historic Wessex Ridgeway. Starting from the car park, the trail ascends Cley Hill before heading west to join the Ridgeway. Walkers follow the path through rolling countryside and return via a series of connecting trails.

10 km ~4 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

200-299m hill

Elevation

244m

801 ft

Prominence

73m

Coordinates

51.2023, -2.2325

ST838448

OS Map

183

Explorer: 143

At the Summit

The summit is adorned with a prominent trig point, and nearby you might find remnants of ancient earthworks. It’s said these Hill Forts were built by anyone trying to stake a claim for the best picnic spot.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops providing an excellent workout for your calves.

Cley Hill is primarily composed of limestone, formed during the Mid Jurassic period, giving it unique rocky outcrops and a characteristic steep slope that would make even a goat reconsider its life choices.

Views & Scenery

Breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including Longleat and the serene landscapes of Wiltshire and Somerset.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Cley' is derived from the Old English word for 'hill', possibly indicating that those who named it were not particularly imaginative.

Historical Significance

Historically, Cley Hill has been a site of human habitation since the Iron Age, making it a witness to a myriad of historical events—though it hasn't written any memoirs yet.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The Cley Hill car park is conveniently located at ST839444, with enough spaces for vehicles—a bit like a game of Tetris if you're there during peak times.

Public Transport

The nearest station is Warminster, from which local buses run to the village of Heytesbury. Good luck, you might need it with the bus schedules!

Nearby Facilities

The closest facilities include The Corner Shop in Heytesbury, offering refreshments and the occasional chat about local flora and fauna.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Slippery muddy patches after rain, occasional energetic sheep, and unexpected gusts of wind that may result in hairstyle disasters.

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 Cley Hill?

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

Are there other walkers around Cley Hill?

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 Cley Hill search or of course create your own walk for Cley Hill

Can I organise a walk to Cley Hill?

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 Cley Hill.

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 Cley Hill?

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 Cley Hill 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

Cley Hill location map

Grid reference: ST838448

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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