Wiltshire Walks

Cherhill Walks & Route Maps

Cherhill walk, Wiltshire
Cherhill · Photo: John Salter

These walks explore the rolling chalk downs around Cherhill, combining rewarding climbs with expansive views across the surrounding Wiltshire countryside.

The landscape feels wonderfully open, with sweeping slopes, high ridges and wide horizons that make this part of the North Wessex Downs so distinctive.

Whether you choose the shorter climb to the impressive Lansdowne Monument or the longer adventure across the downs and along the ancient Wessex Ridgeway, the walks offer a satisfying mix of big scenery, fresh air and a strong sense of history.

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

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Walk information

Cherhill Walk 1

Walk distance
2¼ miles
Time
1 hour
Route type
Circular

This short but strenuous route climbs from the village of Cherhill up onto the open slopes of Cherhill Down, where the chalk grassland and wide skies give a real sense of space.

The steady ascent leads to the striking Lansdowne Monument, a tall stone column that has watched over the downs since the 19th century.

From the higher ground, the views stretch out across the surrounding countryside, making the effort worthwhile.

Cherhill Walk 1 4.2 Ratings and reviews 10 ratings · 8 reviews

Based on 10 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.2

A very popular walk

Dog friendly3.5 / 5
Path condition3.9 / 5
Buggy friendly1.6 / 5
Wheelchair friendly0.9 / 5
Toilet facilities1.0 / 5
Pub or café1.3 / 5
Route accuracy4.9 / 5
ClimbingPlenty of climbing
LivestockRarely any 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

Most enjoable walk with lovely views.........

Walker review

Beautiful walk, got my heart rate working and leg muscles, all worth it, with rewards of stunning views once you reached to top.

Walker review

Lovely walk. Need to keep an eye on adventurous kids!

Walker review

The climb up was strenuous and unrelenting but worth it for the views. There were cows in the vicinity but a distance away on the day we visited. Apart from the road sections, dogs can be off the lead all the way round.

Walker review

Beautiful views from the top - well worth the climb!

Walker review

Well worth the climb, stunning views at the top.

Walker review

Did this walk today with a 3 year old and 6 year old. It was a bit steep in places but lovely views and a lovely walk

Walker review

Brilliant view from top. Plenty of space for picknicks.

Walk information

Cherhill Walk 2

Walk distance
7½ miles
Time
4 hours
Route type
Circular

This is a long, strenuous route across the open downs south of Cherhill, where rolling chalk hills and wide horizons give a real sense of distance and space.

The paths wander through classic downland scenery, with steady climbs, exposed ridges and far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside.

A stretch along the Wessex Ridgeway adds a touch of history to the outing, following one of the area’s ancient high-level routes.

It’s a demanding but rewarding long walk, best suited to those happy to spend a few energetic hours out on the hills.

Cherhill Walk 2 4.6 Ratings and reviews 16 ratings · 8 reviews

Based on 16 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.6

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly4.1 / 5
Path condition3.4 / 5
Buggy friendly1.1 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.3 / 5
Toilet facilities1.4 / 5
Pub or café0.8 / 5
Route accuracy4.1 / 5
ClimbingPlenty of climbing
LivestockSome livestock
StilesA few stiles on route
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 went clickwise, a steep climb very early. Then a great walk, but the last couple of miles was tricky, lots of tracks and it took a bit of backwards and forwards to find the right one. We did take a long stretch on the wrong track and had a couple of steep climbs to get back on route. Some gates had private signs and another was chained. But even going slightly off was fine as they were msrked as national trust routes. A great walk.

Walker review

You’ll need to keep referring to the map as there are lots of other paths and sheep tracks, many of which are more well trodden than this route. What I find frustrating is that me map shows no features. This route takes in Oldbury Castle, the Lansdowne obelisk and the Cherhill White Horse, none of which are shown or even mentioned on the map. ...

Walker review

Lovely walk with stunning views , very muddy in places but what do you expect in mid December....

Walker review

A really nice walk that in some spots got the blood flowing! Went clockwise so sharp climb pretty much to start, but fantastic views along the way. Quite muddy and wet in places but not really a walk for wellies. Got a little turned around near the church but just detoured a little to get back on track. Overall great walk for older kids and adults.

Walker review

Hi great walk, lovely views and the app route really easy to follow. Lots of alternative paths marked too which was helpful.

Walker review

Spectacular views and very varied. We had a coffee and a biscuit at the half way point, which was great. Not many public footpath signs, so we were pleased to have the app. Take water for dogs as there are no streams. Parts of it are strenuous but mostly easy walking.

Walker review

Lovely walk. Beautiful views. Good footwear needed slippedy and muddy after rain.

Walker review

We really enjoyed this walk. Varied terrain, good points of interest and beautiful views!

Navigate the walks

Wiltshire Walks App

Follow the Cherhill 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 Cherhill Walk 1, a 2.25 mile circular walk in Wiltshire