Walking in the North Wessex Downs

Steve Davison is a freelance writer and photographer who has written several walking guides. He has also written for a number of outdoor magazines and other publications, including local and national newspapers, specialising in hill walking and European travel, with interests in nature, geology and the countryside. A keen hill walker for many years and a Mountain Leader, Steve has also worked as a part-time outdoor education instructor. He is also a member of the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild. Find out more about him out at www.steve-davison.co.uk.

• Overview map Map key Introduction Geology Brief history Plants and wildlife Where to stay Getting around Food and drink Long-distance routes Maps Walking in the North Wessex Downs Waymarking, access and rights of way Protecting the countryside Using this guide Berkshire Downs East Walk 1 Chapel Row, Bucklebury and Stanford Dingley Walk 2 Ashampstead and Yattendon Walk 3 Aldworth Walk 4 Shillingford, Wittenham Clumps and Dorchester on Thames Walk 5 Blewbury and the Astons Lambourn Downs Walk 6 West Ilsley and Farnborough Walk 7 Ardington and the Hendreds Walk 8 Great Shefford, Chaddleworth and East Garston Walk 9 Lambourn and Eastbury Walk 10 The Ridgeway and the Letcombe villages Walk 11 Compton Beauchamp, Woolstone and the Uffington White Horse Walk 12 Ashbury and Bishopstone Marlborough Downs Walk 13 Ramsbury and Littlecote Walk 14 Mildenhall and the River Kennet Walk 15 Marlborough and Savernake Forest Walk 16 Ogbourne St Andrew, Rockley and Barbury Castle Walk 17 Fyfield Down and the Devil's Den Walk 18 Avebury Vale of Pewsey Walk 19 Cherhill and Oldbury Castle Walk 20 Heddington, Oliver's Castle, Roundway Down and Morgan's Hill Walk 21 Alton Barnes and the Wansdyke Walk 22 Knap Hill and Oare Walk 23 Martinsell Hill and Wootton Rivers Walk 24 Great Bedwyn and Wilton North Hampshire Downs Walk 25 Tidcombe and Hippenscombe Bottom Walk 26 Inkpen and Walbury Hill Walk 27 Ashmansworth and Faccombe Walk 28 St Mary Bourne and the Bourne Valley Walk 29 Ecchinswell and Ladle Hill Walk 30 Kingsclere and Hannington Appendix A Route summary table Appendix B Useful contacts Appendix C Further reading