Milk Hill the highest point in Wiltshire

A pleasant Wiltshire walk across chalk downland to the highest point in the county. The walk also includes some other interesting features typical of this area.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.50 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 1h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 98 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 102 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 292 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 216 m

Description der Wandertour

(S/E)The start is a small car park on the minor road between Lockeridge and Alton Barnes at grid ref. SU116638. After parking, cross the road and take the path heading southwest through a field climbing gently across the northern flank of Walkers Hill.

(1)At a junction of paths (grid ref. SU112635), bear right and follow the path towards Milk Hill that passes above the White Horse carved in the grassland. The path turns north with a flat filed on your right that forms the summit area of Milk Hill. The highest point is not that marked on OS maps but a point surrounded by the 295 metre contour on maps. This can be accessed via a gate and you can then decide for yourself which is the highest point!

(2)To continue follow the path north to Wansdyke which is a medieval defensive ditch. Here turn right along the White Horse Trail.

(3)After just over 400 metres bear right on to a path that descends gradually back to the road and the start of the walk.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 221 m - Start: car park on minor road
  2. 1 : km 0.36 - alt. 240 m - Junction: bear right
  3. 2 : km 1.86 - alt. 270 m - Milk Hill: continue north
  4. 3 : km 3.44 - alt. 277 m - Bear right, downhill
  5. S/E : km 4.5 - alt. 216 m - Finish: car park on minor road

Practical information

This short walk takes you to the highest point in Wiltshire, which despite its status probably offers less of a view than many points nearby! The route is easy to follow and apart from Milk Hill's summit offers some wonderful views across the downland and passes some points of interest along the way.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 1 review

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Clarity of route map
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
JoannaC
JoannaC

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : 21/10/21
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very good, classic walk with wonderful long distance views from high up throughout. Be warned, though, to save disappointment, that The White Horse looks a lot more distinct from a distance than close up.

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.