Local Walks Home

Wiltshire Walks

Great Ridge Downs Walks & Route Maps

Great Ridge Downs walk, Wiltshire
Great Ridge Downs · Photo: Ronald Searle

These walks explore the Great Ridge Downs, where rolling chalk hills, open farmland and scattered woodland create a wide, varied landscape.

Expect a mix of steady climbs, open views and quieter shaded sections that give each route a good balance of terrain.

The shorter options focus on gentler countryside and the village of Sherrington, while the longer route extends further across the downs for a more demanding full-day outing.

All routes share a strong sense of space and far-reaching views across this open part of the Wiltshire landscape.

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

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Walk information

Great Ridge Downs Walk 1

Walk distance
4¼ miles
Time
2 hours
Route type
Circular

This pleasant countryside route explores the quieter northern slopes of the Great Ridge Downs, with rolling farmland, open skies and a relaxed rural feel throughout.

The landscape here has a spacious, unhurried character, making it a lovely option for a gentle long walk in this peaceful part of the downs.

The route also passes through the picturesque village of Sherrington, adding a touch of charm and history along the way.

Great Ridge Downs Walk 1 4.1 Ratings and reviews 8 ratings · 3 reviews

Based on 8 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.1

A very popular walk

Dog friendly2.6 / 5
Path condition3.8 / 5
Buggy friendly1.1 / 5
Wheelchair friendly0.8 / 5
Toilet facilities1.0 / 5
Pub or café1.3 / 5
Route accuracy4.5 / 5
ClimbingGentle slopes
LivestockSome 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

We had a lovely walk with our little dog. We had to do a very small detour as there were cows blocking the end of one field.A few styles that need the dog lifting over.

Walker review

One stile at the end difficult with dogs as it had no gap due to strands of wire. I guess ok if two of you as you could lift and pass a large dog over. Mine are small but 3 of them so had to do it 3 times. Stunning walk, not many others around.

Walker review

Walked this route in July. Nice walk with sweeping views lots of butterflies and insects. GPS seemed to be inaccurate around the village section but we managed to get back on route again.

Walk information

Great Ridge Downs Walk 2

Walk distance
6 miles
Time
3 hours
Route type
Circular

This more strenuous route heads deeper into the Great Ridge Downs, with plenty of climbing and a real sense of open, upland countryside with great views all around.

Patches of beautiful woodland then add variety along the way, offering cooler, sheltered sections between the climbs.

It’s a rewarding long walk with a bit more effort involved, but the mixture of hills, trees and big downland scenery makes it well worth it.

Great Ridge Downs Walk 2 4.6 Ratings and reviews 5 ratings · 1 review

Based on 5 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.6

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly4.2 / 5
Path condition4.6 / 5
Buggy friendly2.4 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.0 / 5
Toilet facilities1.0 / 5
Pub or café0.8 / 5
Route accuracy4.6 / 5
ClimbingSome climbing
LivestockRarely any livestock
StilesNo stiles
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

Its easy to take the fork to the left not the right at the start as it is a very gradual fork you dont realise until you have walked quite a bit. Amazing views and beautiful woodland with bluebells, primroses and wild strawberries on the woodland floor. The long straight section is on an old roman road which is interesting.

Walk information

Great Ridge Downs Walk 3

Walk distance
7¾ miles
Time
4 hours
Route type
Circular

This last option is an epic adventure that explores the best of the Great Ridge Downs in one long, varied outing.

Rolling chalk hills, open farmland and wide skies give the route a real sense of space, with plenty of fresh air and far-reaching views along the way.

Strenuous climbs and undulating ground also make this a proper training hike, with large sections of woodland and quieter tracks adding variety to the landscape.

Finally, you'll also visit the pretty little village of Sherrington.

It’s a long, rewarding walk that showcases the character of the downs, well suited to those looking to stretch their legs and enjoy a full day in the countryside.

Great Ridge Downs Walk 3 4.3 Ratings and reviews 6 ratings · 6 reviews

Based on 6 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.3

A very popular walk

Dog friendly3.3 / 5
Path condition4.8 / 5
Buggy friendly2.0 / 5
Wheelchair friendly1.0 / 5
Toilet facilities1.0 / 5
Pub or café1.2 / 5
Route accuracy5.0 / 5
ClimbingSome 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

Lovely walk. I did this early in the morning and we only met one cyclist. Parking dirrections were spot on and I parked safely where the road becomes track. When we returned there was only one other car there.

Walker review

Very pleasant walk, not too strenuous. We did it on a clear dry Easter day and the eventual views were superb. The long straight track through the forest was a bit long and samey, so a bit boring, but otherwise a lovely walk.

Walker review

Lovely walk lots of woodland , on a better day the views would be fantastic but overall a great walk

Walker review

Great walk!

Walker review

Parking at the start isnt easy. Sherrington village has no parking and theres limited parking on the road. The walk was easy to follow but a lots of the route is on rough gravel track so walking boots are easier on your ankles. The views are fabulous and i did the longer route this morning and only saw one tractor and one cyclist. Brilliant dog walk...

Walker review

A stunning walk with beautiful views! Well worth the short climb at the start.

Navigate the walks

Wiltshire Walks App

Follow the Great Ridge Downs 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

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
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

Explore the area

Nearby walks

Explore the county

Wiltshire walks map

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Search Wiltshire walks

See where the walks start, explore the area and tap a pin to find a route for your next adventure.

Search Wiltshire walks
Expanded route map for Great Ridge Downs Walk 1, a 4.25 mile circular walk in Wiltshire