Wiltshire walking route and map NoW9

Click here for full size picture of Barbury Castle ramparts

BARBURY CASTLE TO OGBOURNE ST. GEORGE

Waypoint	Map Reference	Bearing to next waypoint
START	SU 1555 7613	286
WP1	SU 1457 7634	163
WP2	SU 1490 7544	161
WP3	SU 1521 7471	80
WP4	SU 1545 7477	140
WP5	SU 1620 7399	157
WP6	SU 1644 7353	149
WP7	SU 1677 7306	96
WP8	SU 1805 7302	131
WP9	SU 1889 7239	13
WP10	SU 1943 7377	354
WP11	SU 1924 7466	293
WP12	SU 1588 7583	316
START	SU 1555 7613	-

General:-This 9 mile circular walk is easy to follow and the gradients are gentle on the legs. Fine views over downland are the dominant feature, if you are feeling low your spirits will soar as you walk the stretch of Ridgeway Path from Ogbourne St. George back to Barbury Castle.

Do not expect Barbury Castle to be a stone built medieval castle, what you see here is an iron age hill fort and dwelling area from the 6th century BC. Double earth ramparts command an excellent view of the surrounding countryside, ideal for defence, but a bleak place in the winter winds. It has a presence of its own though, you can easily image what life was like over two millennia ago. More recently Barbury Castle has become famous for point to point horse racing.

Oxford & Wiltshire County Council spent nearly half a million pounds on resurfacing the Ridgeway for four wheel drive recreational use. Although the work was only completed only a few years ago the vehicles have wrecked the repairs already and proved the folly of letting vehicles on public paths, you can see for yourself what a waste of money it has turned out to be!

There are pubs in Ogbourne St Andrew & Ogbourne St George if you need supplementary spirit. There is also a small cafe at the farm next to the car park. (GPS length 8.63 miles).

How to get there: On the A4361 Swindon to Avebury road at Wroughton (SU 1447 8048) turn off at the Three Tuns pub and take the local road to Barbury Castle. Park in the car park at SU 1555 7613.