10 Best Cranborne Chase Walks
Cranborne Chase is an official 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' that covers a vast region of beautiful countryside. It is a diverse natural landscape including areas of rare chalk grasslands, ancient woodlands and majestic downs with breathtaking views, and this makes it a great region for exploring.The Wiltshire Walks app has a large selection of beautiful routes in Cranborne Chase and here are 10 of our favourites.
200+ walks in Wiltshire. Download the app to see your position on the map as you walk
1. Kingston Deverill
Cranborne Chase
We have a wonderful set of routes in the hilly and peaceful countryside around the Deverill villages and Cranborne Chase. There are some steep climbs to tackle, and there can can be a lot of livestock on the route, so these walks are not without their perils. However, the views at times are breathtaking and the feeling of peace and tranquility up on the hills makes it all worth the effort.
Wiltshire Walks App User Comment:
"Truly wonderful walk. Didn't see another soul and the views were outstanding."
Here is a route map for Kingston Deverill walk 1 on the app (3.3 miles)
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Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2021
Photo © Maigheach-gheal (cc-by-sa/2.0)
2. Bowerchalke
Cranborne Chase
This is a nice, (but challenging) walk in the countryside around the pretty village of Bowerchalke. Expect open countryside, a lovely village walk and a vigorous climb up the Marleycombe Hill for some great views of the Cranborne Chase AONB. There is a small section of road walking on this route as you walk into the village.
Wiltshire Walks App User Comment:
"Stunning views, loved the walk. So much mud though so wear wellies!"
Photo © Nigel Freeman (cc-by-sa/2.0)
3. Tollard Royal
Cranborne Chase
This is an epic and varied walk from the pretty village of Tollard Royal, located within the Cranborne Chase AONB. It enjoys the countryside and hills of Rushmore Park and also takes you on a long woodland walk through the Chase Woods.
Wiltshire Walks App User Comment:
"Really beautiful walk in verdant countryside, stunning far-reaching views from trig point, steep uphill to Win Green, might be tricky if wet through wooded section.”
Photo © Maigheach-gheal (cc-by-sa/2.0)
4. Heavens Gate
Cranborne Chase
Heaven's gate is a part of the Longleat Estate and we have two short and beautiful routes that all the family can enjoy including pretty woodland and some lovely views.
Wiltshire Walks App User Comment:
"Went with the kids and they loved this walk. Great views!"
Photo © John Potts (cc-by-sa/2.0)
5. White Sheet Downs
Cranborne Chase
The White Sheet Downs offer a number of lovely walking routes with fantastic views and majestic hills to explore. This area of Cranborne Chase is for those of you that want to have a bit of a workout, whilst enjoying the tranquility and views of the downs.
Wiltshire Walks App User Comment:
"Great adventure with brilliant views!"
Photo © Derek Harper (cc-by-sa/2.0)
6. Broad Chalke
Cranborne Chase
We have three routes of varying lengths in the gorgeous countryside around Broad Chalke. You can expect lots of beautiful scenery, peaceful meadows, a stroll alongside the River Ebble, and a number of different downs where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Cranborne Chase AONB.
Wiltshire Walks App User Comment:
"Lovely walk on well kept tracks with some great views of the downs. Good for dogs although some lead walking required. Easy to follow route with a very short section of quiet road walking. No stiles and wellies definitely needed in wet weather for the valley section through low lying meadows. Great pub with good food."
Photo © Maurice Pullin (cc-by-sa/2.0)
7. Shearwater
Cranborne Chase
If you want some waterside and woodland adventures, we have two routes that takes you on an adventure around the beautiful Shearwater lake and the surrounding undulating woodlands that you'll find near Crockerton.
Wiltshire Walks App User Comment:
"Nice walk with lots of amazing views."
Photo © Maurice Pullin (cc-by-sa/2.0)
8. Cley Hill
Cranborne Chase
This is a rare 'there and back' walk on the app, but this is worth it as it's a strenuous walk to the summit of Cley Hill where you'll enjoy some magnificent views across the Cranborne Chase AONB.
Wiltshire Walks App User Comment:
"Lovely views!"
Photo © Maigheach Gheal (cc-by-sa/2.0)
9. Fonthill Gifford
Cranborne Chase
This is a lovely long adventure around the wonderful Fonthill Estate, located within the Cranborne Chase AONB. You can expect lots of open countryside, some woodland and some walking alongside the pretty Fonthill Lake.
Wiltshire Walks App User Comment:
"Very pretty walk with well signed paths that were in good condition. About 25% on rural roads but they are very quiet with little traffic. Nice pub at the end of the walk. There is also parking in a lay-by near the lake if the pub is busy."
Photo © Ronald Searle (cc-by-sa/2.0)
10. Great Ridge Downs
Cranborne Chase
We have three beautiful walks in the very peaceful Great Ridge Downs area of Cranborne chase. The walks are quite challenging as it's a very hilly area, but you'll be rewarded with 'off-the-beaten-track' walking that offers a mixture of majestic woodland and great views.
Wiltshire Walks App User Comment:
"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."
