Best mountain peaks around Heywood offer diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. This region features a landscape characterized by chalk hills and downs, providing both scenic views and historical significance. With 5 distinct peaks to explore, the area is ideal for those seeking both challenging climbs and family-friendly walks. The varied terrain includes important areas of chalk grassland and ancient historical sites.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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Cley Hill stands proud of the surrounding flatlands at 244 m high. There is a trig point, awesome views and steep sided trails to run. It's an important area of chalk downland managed by the National Trust for the plants and insects which live here. Cley Hill is also famous for UFO sightings and crop circles, so keep an eye out :-)
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The oldest of the Wiltshire white horses this was originally cut in 1772 and restored in 1778. There was evidence of an older horse here facing the other way, but no strong evidence suggests how old that was. In 1872/1873 the horse was considered to be losing its shape, it was re cut and edging stones added. In 1957 the horse was concreted to preserve it. For the runner the trails around the top of the horse are great fun and the 33-mile Imber trail also passes here. There are nice loops from the car park above the horse or from nearby Westbury.
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Upton Cow Down is a 16.4 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest on the western edge of Salisbury Plain and overlooking the village of Upton Scudamore. The down is an area of chalk grassland, covered in wildflowers and pollinators over the summer months.
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A rooty climb leading to open fields going through some trees to the top. Great downhill and slightly less fun going up!
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Westbury White Horse was originally cut in the late 1600s and is the oldest white horse in Wiltshire. From this spot, you are afforded lovely views.
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Middle Hill, nicknamed locally as ‘piggy in the middle’, is a conical chalk hill that stands between Battlesbury Hill to the northwest and Scratchbury to the southeast. This row of hills is on the southwestern edge of Salisbury Plain overlooks the Wylye valley. Atop the hill you find an ancient and sizable bowl barrow.
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Bratton Camp was originally an Iron Age hill fort built over 2,000 years ago to defend the settlement from its enemies. Today the hill's most defining feature is the striking white horse cut into its slopes. Records suggest that the horse was made at the end of the 17th century to commemorate the Battle of Ethandun. Despite its turbulent past, Bratton Camp is now a relaxing place to take a stroll. The chalk grassland is teeming with wildlife and insects. Look out for the rare Adonis Blue butterfly which can be found here. You can visit any time during daylight hours. Entrance is free.
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Great short walk for all the family. Amazing views of Somerset and Wiltshire.
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Among the most popular peaks, Cley Hill stands out as a viewpoint offering amazing views of Somerset and Wiltshire. Another favorite is Middle Hill, a historical site with an ancient bowl barrow at its summit, overlooking the Wylye valley.
Yes, Cley Hill is a great short walk suitable for the whole family, offering fantastic views and interesting chalk downland to explore.
The peaks around Heywood are characterized by chalk hills and downs. You'll find important areas of chalk grassland, such as Upton Cow Down, which is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest covered in wildflowers and pollinators during the summer months.
Absolutely. Middle Hill is a notable historical site, featuring a conical chalk hill with an ancient bowl barrow at its summit. The region as a whole is rich in ancient historical sites.
Beyond exploring the peaks themselves, you can find various outdoor activities. For hiking, check out the Hiking around Heywood guide. If you're into mountain biking, there are MTB Trails around Heywood. Road cycling enthusiasts can explore routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Heywood guide.
Many peaks offer excellent views. Cley Hill provides amazing panoramic views of Somerset and Wiltshire. Cotley Hill also offers great views after a climb through open fields.
Upton Cow Down is a 16.4-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. It's an area of chalk grassland that bursts with wildflowers and attracts numerous pollinators during the summer months, making it a beautiful spot for nature observation.
Yes, Cley Hill is locally famous for UFO sightings and crop circles, adding a mysterious element to its natural beauty.
The terrain varies, but generally includes chalk hills and downs. Peaks like Cley Hill feature steep-sided trails, while Cotley Hill involves a rooty climb leading to open fields. Many areas are chalk grassland, offering diverse walking experiences.
Visitors frequently appreciate the amazing views, the historical significance of sites like Middle Hill, and the natural beauty of chalk grasslands rich in wildflowers. The komoot community has shared over 60 photos and given more than 50 upvotes, highlighting the area's appeal.
Yes, some peaks offer more challenging ascents. For instance, Cotley Hill involves a rooty climb, and Upton Cow Down is categorized as intermediate to challenging, providing options for more experienced hikers.


See even more amazing summits around Heywood with these guides: