Navigate your way to The Compasses Inn
This 14th century pub at Lower Chisgrove in the Nadder Valley, is one of those specials worth searching out. Read More
Find out moreThe Westbury Horse is a hill figure on the Bratton Downs, visible for miles around, it’s one of the oldest of Wiltshire’s carved horses, measuring 180 foot tall and 170 foot wide and dating back hundreds of years. It was carved in 1778 and at the base of an iron age hill fort.
Sam Duggins from Instagram’s @wandersthewild takes us on a walk to see the horse in all its glory.
He warns the walk is steep in places but there are great views, an alpaca farm, kissing gates, a pottery and country pubs – so plenty of incentive!
He explains the route is around seven miles, but with the climb and cross country paths, it will feel closer to ten on foot so not for the faint-hearted!
Starting your walk from Westbury Marketplace (BA13 3DG), turn with your back to Garstons Vets and follow the road ahead, heading north along Alfred Street. The Horse And Groom pub will be on your right (our finishing post) and then approach a roundabout. Go straight over until you meet the crossroads.
Cross straight over and head uphill to Newtown. At the base of Newtown you will see White Horse Pottery on your left.
Keep heading up Newtown, passing the houses and some stables on your right. Stay ahead following the road round to the left and setting off on another incline.
When you reach a kissing gate on your left, go through and head through the centre of the field diagonally. You’ll pass an old, discarded grain tanker on your left – then pick up the ridge line, following the fence. Follow the path with the fence on your left and enjoy stunning views of the Westbury White Horse ahead.
Eventually you’ll reach another kissing gate. Go through and take the short steep climb up the grassy bank until you see a bench on the summit.
Follow the patch heading directly towards the white horse until you come down some steps to another gate and pick up the Ridge path to walk along the tip of the white horse on a chalky pathway.
On a clear day if you look out above the white horse you’ll see air balloons above the skies of Bristol and to your right views across to Devizes. If your eyesight is good enough, you may even spot the Devizes White Horse.
Stay on the path until you reach another gate. Don’t go through the gate, but follow the path to the right. Once you reach the fence line about 100 metres ahead, you’ll see a gate on your left. Go through and follow the hill down, passing another slurry tanker on your right.
Eventually you’ll reach a gate on your right, taking you out onto the road to follow down until you reach the base. Cross over and head to your right into the town of Bratton where you can have food and drinks at the lovely ‘Duke At Bratton’ pub.
Once refreshed and raring to go once more, exit the pub with the car park on your right and take your second right down the steep Court lane. After around 200 metres you’ll see a lane on your left, Lower Westbury Road.
Take this track and follow your nose for a nice long stroll of around 2 1/2 miles. Here you will pass an alpaca farm on your right and views up and out across Westbury White Horse to your left. Soon you’ll see White Horse Country Park Golf club on your right, until you finally reach the end of the path and take in the White Horse from the viewing platform on your left.
Continue ahead on the narrow pavement heading back towards Westbury.
Once you reach a point where you need to cross the road ahead (Bitham Park), cross and walk straight on, passing the cemetery on your left, until you once again reach Alfread Street on your right and Newtown on your left.
Take a left and head back towards the market Square, of course stopping at the Horse and Groom! This is a traditional country pub with great food, local ales, entertainment, log burner and a warm welcome.
The route takes in approximately 7 miles but it can feel longer with the climb and the winding paths.
The Market Square offers a variety of pubs, with The Market Tavern offering the widest selection of drinks in Westbury, The Crown, popular with ale drinkers and the Ludlow Arms for one of the cheapest pints in Westbury.
Instagram: @wandersthewild