A Wintry Wander in Wiltshire - Pewsey South

Located in the heart of the North Wessex Downs, between Stonehenge and Avebury, resides the Vale of Pewsey. A gem for anyone who enjoys country walks with spectacular views, beautiful countryside, and plenty of history. 

Pewsey has strong historical ties to King Alfred the Great. Alfred owned the Pewsey estate and proclaimed Holy Cross Day from the doorway of Pewsey church following his victory over the Danes. The Pewsey White Horse is a chalk hill figure located on a steep slope of Pewsey Hill. It was cut in 1937 and is one of the smaller Wiltshire white horses. Pewsey also hosts an annual Feast and Carnival, which is the oldest carnival in Wiltshire. This tradition dates back to the time of King Alfred. This is the second of two walks from Pewsey.

Starting in Pewsey we’ll head east towards Little Salisbury which forms part of the Salisbury Estate. Little Salisbury is part of the larger Pewsey parish, which has a rich history dating back to the time of King Alfred the Great. Alfred owned the Pewsey estate and proclaimed Holy Cross Day from the doorway of Pewsey church following his victory over the Danes. We’ll turn south via Easton Clump through to Aughton Down, part of the Pewsey downs. The Pewsey Downs are also home to a variety of wildlife and are part of a conservation effort to enhance the wildlife and landscape of the area. Heading north, we arrive at The Giant's Grave on Milton Hill, a burial place of Britain’s early farming communities and among the oldest visible field monuments, dating back to the Early and Middle Neolithic periods (3400-2400 BC). Weather dependant we should be able to observe the Pewsey White Horse. This hill figure of a white horse was cut into the chalk in 1937, replacing an earlier horse that had disappeared under the grass. It is one of eight remaining white horses in Wiltshire and measures 66 feet by 45 feet, making it the smallest of the eight canonical white horses in the county.

The route (please click on the link to see it at the Ordnance Survey website)

Dogs: I welcome dogs on all my walks and this walk is suitable for them. There are a few fields with livestock. A dog must be obedient if it is off the lead. There will also be a few short stretches on roads to negotiate. Please see (Keeping Dogs Under Effective Control)

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Image / photo credits:  All images taken by the event leader (October 2024) with permission for ODL use.