Cherhill White Horse loop — North Wessex Downs

Embark on the Cherhill White Horse loop, a moderate hike through the North Wessex Downs that spans 5.8 miles (9.4 km) with an elevation gain of 665 feet (203 metres), typically taking around 2 hours and 39 minutes to complete. You will traverse varied terrain, including chalk grassland, hard tracks, and byways, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the picturesque Wiltshire countryside. The trail's highlight is the magnificent Cherhill White Horse, an 18th-century hill figure carved into the chalk hillside, providing a memorable focal point for your journey.

Planning your visit requires good fitness and sure-footedness, as the trail features uneven or muddy chalk grassland, especially after rain, and some steeper descents. The route includes public footpaths and bridleways across farmland, so be prepared for diverse surfaces. For the best experience, consider hiking in late spring or summer to witness stunning displays of wildflowers and a variety of butterflies, or in autumn for vibrant colors across the downland.

This area is rich in history and natural beauty, making the Cherhill White Horse loop a notable adventure. Beyond the iconic White Horse, you will encounter the Iron Age hillfort of Oldbury Castle and the 19th-century Lansdowne Monument, a 120-foot stone obelisk. As part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the trail offers diverse chalk downland habitats and follows sections of The Ridgeway, a historic long-distance path, also connecting to the broader White Horse Trail.