Uffington White Horse Circular Walk

This short circular walk visits White Horse Hill and the Iron Age hillfort of Uffington Castle near Swindon.
The area is particularly significant for its combination of prehistoric and historic landmarks, with the 3,000-year-old White Horse hill figure and Uffington Castle located close together.... The hillfort stands at 860 feet (262m) above sea level, making it the highest point in Oxfordshire. Also nearby is Dragon Hill, traditionally said to be the site where St George slew the dragon. The surrounding chalk downland is very attractive, with wide-ranging views across the Berkshire Downs and the Vale of White Horse.
The White Horse Hill car park provides direct access to the trail leading up to the White Horse. From here, the paths head south east towards the hill top, where you'll find the distinctive White Horse, grazing sheep and a trig point. The elevated position provides extensive views across the surrounding countryside, making this a particularly scenic spot for a short walk.
The route also takes you past Uffington Castle, where the earthworks and ramparts of the Iron Age hillfort remain clearly visible. The combination of the ancient hill figure, hillfort and Dragon Hill makes this one of the most interesting walking areas in the Oxfordshire countryside.
If you would like to extend your walk you can continue west along the Ridgeway to Wayland's Smithy. This fascinating Neolithic long barrow is only about a mile from the hill. You could also head south and visit Ashdown House Estate. The National Trust owned estate has nice woodland walks and attractive grounds.
If you are on a bike you can visit White Horse Hill from the Ridgeway which runs past the site.
Postcode: SN7 7QJ
Pubs and More Info
After your exercise head north from the hill into the village of Uffington for some post walk refreshments. The Fox & Hounds is a good option with a great menu and a nice outdoor seating area. The Pub has 4 Star B&B accommodation, a beamed bar, and unrivalled views of The Ridgeway and Uffington White Horse. It makes a great base for exploring this lovely area. You can find the pub in the centre of the village on the High Street, with a postcode of SN77RP for your sat navs.
The interesting village also has some pretty thatched cottages and a noteworthy old church which dates from the 13th century. It also has strong literary connections as John Betjeman lived there in the 1930's and 40's, during which time he wrote many famous works. JRR Tolkien, while based in Oxford, visited this area, and it is said much of his inspiration for Middle Earth came from the Ridgeway nearby.
There are several other white horse figures in Britain but the Uffington Horse is by far the oldest and is of an entirely different design from the others inspired by it. The horse's origins were confirmed when silt removed from the horse's 'beak' was scientifically dated to the late Bronze Age, some time between 1380 and 550 BC. Iron Age coins that bear a representation of the White Horse have been found, supporting the early dating. The horse is thought to represent a tribal symbol perhaps connected with the builders of the adjacent Iron Age hillfort of Uffington Castle.
Just to the west is the worthy village of Ashbury where you could visit The Rose and Crown. The inn includes a charming interior with a cosy fire while outside there's a lovely garden area for warmer weather.
You can find them on the High Street at postcode SN6 8NA for your sat navs. The village is also a very pleasant place for a stroll with its quaint thatched cottages and fine old church.

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The Ridgeway Wayland's Smithy Ashbury

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Uffington White Horse. There was some uncertainty as to the age of the figure, some thought it dated from the Bronze Age as its stylised shape is similar to those found on coins from the period whilst others thought it was Anglo-Saxon and dated from the time of King Alfred. Research has revealed that the figure dates back some 3,000 years to the late Bronze Age.

Head of the horse

The Eye of the Uffington White Horse. Taken from just above the head of the White horse, with The Manger in the background.

Earthworks of Uffington Castle View to the south from the eastern earthworks of Uffington Castle which dates from the Iron Age and the year 300BC to 43AD.

Whitehorse Hill top kite flying. Looking out across the Vale of White Horse.

Aerial satellite view of the Uffington White Horse

The Ridgeway National Trail on Whitehorse Hill. Chalk is very much in evidence here as the ancient highway passes a little to the south of the top of the hill. This is in contrast to many of the lower sections where mud is more in evidence.

Sheep on Whitehorse Hill

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