Wiltshire Walks

Barbury Castle Walks & Route Maps

Barbury Castle walk, Wiltshire
Barbury Castle · Photo: Andrew Smith

These walks explore Barbury Castle and the surrounding chalk downs, combining a short climb to the Iron Age hill fort with a much longer route across the wider rolling countryside of the Ogbourne and Coombe Downs.

The landscape is open and elevated throughout, with steady rises leading to far-reaching views and a strong sense of space.

Depending on the route, you can either enjoy a quick visit to the hill fort or a full day’s walk through the surrounding villages and downland, with both walks offering a rewarding mix of history, quiet paths and expansive scenery.

Download the Wiltshire Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.

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Walk information

Barbury Castle Walk 1

Walk distance
1¼ miles
Time
30 mins
Route type
Circular

This short walk climbs gently onto the open downs to reach the site of Barbury Castle, an impressive Iron Age hill fort set high above the surrounding countryside.

It’s a small adventure with a strong sense of history, where the earthwork ramparts hint at the ancient settlement that once stood here.

On clear days the downs feel expansive and airy, making this an enjoyable little outing with plenty of scenery packed into a short route.

After your walk, a short 2 minute drive to the bottom of the hill gives you the option to stop for a coffee or something to eat at Barbury Shooting School.

Refreshments:

Barbury Shooting School cafe

Barbury Castle Walk 1 4.8 Ratings and reviews 5 ratings · 2 reviews

Based on 5 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.8

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly2.8 / 5
Path condition4.6 / 5
Buggy friendly1.6 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.4 / 5
Toilet facilities3.3 / 5
Pub or café1.0 / 5
Route accuracy5.0 / 5
ClimbingGentle slopes
LivestockNo livestock
StilesA stile or two
Mud levelMay be muddy after wet weather

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Wiltshire Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

We thought the views were spectacular

Walker review

Nice walk, but probably calls for walking boots in wet weather, slippery today in wellies. Nice dog friendly walk with great views.

Walk information

Barbury Castle Walk 2

Walk distance
8½ miles
Time
4 hours
Route type
Circular

This much longer route is an epic adventure that stretches out across the rolling landscapes of the Ogbourne and Coombe Downs, offering a proper downland outing with plenty of fresh air and wide horizons.

The route also passes through the characterful Ogbourne villages, adding a touch of rural charm to the day.

With its mix of steady climbs, big skies and quiet countryside, it’s an epic adventure that captures the broad, uplifting scenery of this part of the downs.

Barbury Castle Walk 2 4.4 Ratings and reviews 12 ratings · 8 reviews

Based on 12 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.4

A very popular walk

Dog friendly4.5 / 5
Path condition4.0 / 5
Buggy friendly1.8 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.8 / 5
Toilet facilities1.3 / 5
Pub or café1.1 / 5
Route accuracy4.8 / 5
ClimbingSome climbing
LivestockRarely any livestock
StilesA stile or two
Mud levelMostly dry

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Wiltshire Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

The only toilet is at the car park. But a great walk we went clockwise round the route, last 3 miles is a steady climb.

Walker review

A very well marked route. Fabulous views.

Walker review

Beautiful walk.

Walker review

Long stretches of The Ridgeway and beautiful surrounding views.

Walker review

Brilliant walk. Definatly need walking boots when its muddy. Route is mapped out brillaintly. Its hard work:)

Walker review

Good walk.

Walker review

Really enjoyable walk.

Walker review

Nice walk overall, best for a non-windy day!

Navigate the walks

Wiltshire Walks App

Follow the Barbury Castle walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know you're on the right path.

The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

Download the app

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Wiltshire Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 300 Wiltshire walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Expanded route map for Barbury Castle Walk 1, a 1.25 mile circular walk in Wiltshire