Round Hill Downs

Downs, Moorland in Wiltshire

England

Round Hill Downs

A346 towards Swindon Bypassing Ogbourne St George, which is to the left. — A346 towards Swindon Credit: Robin Webster

Round Hill Downs is a scenic area located in the county of Wiltshire, England. It is part of the larger expanse known as the Salisbury Plain, renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. The downs encompass a vast stretch of rolling hills, moorland, and open grasslands, covering an area of approximately 5,000 acres.

The landscape of Round Hill Downs is characterized by its gentle slopes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including heather, gorse, and a variety of wildflowers. It also serves as a habitat for several bird species, such as skylarks and stonechats.

Round Hill Downs is steeped in history, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. The downs contain several prehistoric burial mounds, ancient trackways, and remnants of Iron Age settlements. Additionally, the area has witnessed military activity throughout the centuries, serving as a training ground for soldiers during both World Wars.

The downs are accessible to the public, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. Visitors can enjoy walking, hiking, and cycling along the numerous trails that crisscross the landscape. The area also offers a serene environment for picnicking, wildlife spotting, and nature photography.

Round Hill Downs, with its breathtaking vistas, rich history, and abundant natural beauty, is a cherished destination for both locals and tourists seeking tranquility and a connection to the past.

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Round Hill Downs Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.473474/-1.6939834 or Grid Reference SU2174. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A346 towards Swindon

Bypassing Ogbourne St George, which is to the left.

Robin Webster

A346 High Street Brow, towards Swindon

Near the start of a very long straight, thanks to the Romans.

Robin Webster

A346 High Street Brow, towards Swindon

On a long Roman straight.

Robin Webster

The Inn With The Well

Ogbourne St George's village inn offers fulfilling food, boisterous beers and relaxing rooms, it says on the wall. There is indeed a well, through the door and under a glass plate on the right. The single storey bit is a more recent extension and the well would have originally been outside in a yard. No info on the rooms, but my pint from Ramsbury Brewery was most pleasantly boisterous.

Des Blenkinsopp

White Fence by an Ancient Route

The last straight bit of an old Roman Road which loses its way briefly at Ogbourne St George before carrying on northwards as the busy A346 towards Swindon.

Des Blenkinsopp

Ridgeway signpost and field

Rob Purvis

Car parked on the Ridgeway, looking north

Rob Purvis

The Ridgeway and other Byways

Rob Purvis

The Ridgeway heading north

No motor vehicles allowed in winter months - from the start of October to the end of April

Rob Purvis

Bridleway junction

Rob Purvis

On Castle Street a bend in the road ahead

Rob Purvis

On the Ridgeway heading south

Rob Purvis

Byway and pasture, Aldbourne

Climbing to the west of the site of Snap village.

Andrew Smith

Farmland, Ogbourne St George

Arable land on a gentle slope to the south-east of Chase Woods Farm.

Andrew Smith

Ogbourne St George houses [11]

Park Cottage, High Street, was built in the early 19th century. Constructed of stone under a thatch roof. Ogbourne St George is a village in the valley of the River Og in Wiltshire. It is sited just off the Roman Road from Cirencester to Winchester, about 7 miles south of Swindon and some 3¼ miles north of Marlborough. The name derives from the Saxon 'Oceburnan' or 'Oc[c]a's stream'. There is a great deal of evidence of prehistoric, Roman and medieval activity including Neolithic flint tools, Iron Age coins, Romano-British coins and pottery and medieval pottery fragments. Ogbourne St George today is a commuter village.

Michael Dibb

Ogbourne St George ways [3]

From High Street, this footpath leads, via a network of Rights of Way, to Southend and on to Ogbourne St Andrew. Ogbourne St George is a village in the valley of the River Og in Wiltshire. It is sited just off the Roman Road from Cirencester to Winchester, about 7 miles south of Swindon and some 3¼ miles north of Marlborough. The name derives from the Saxon 'Oceburnan' or 'Oc[c]a's stream'. There is a great deal of evidence of prehistoric, Roman and medieval activity including Neolithic flint tools, Iron Age coins, Romano-British coins and pottery and medieval pottery fragments. Ogbourne St George today is a commuter village.

Michael Dibb

Ogbourne St George houses [12]

The Park, formerly Park House, High Street, is set gable end to the street. The rear range was built in the late 18th or early 19th century of diaper brick. The front range, seen here, in red brick with a rendered facade, is mid 19th century. There is a late 19th century wing to the right. All are under tile roofs. There is a fine Tuscan portico with flanking bay windows. There is another image of the house at SU2074 : Ogbourne St George houses [13]. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Ogbourne St George is a village in the valley of the River Og in Wiltshire. It is sited just off the Roman Road from Cirencester to Winchester, about 7 miles south of Swindon and some 3¼ miles north of Marlborough. The name derives from the Saxon 'Oceburnan' or 'Oc[c]a's stream'. There is a great deal of evidence of prehistoric, Roman and medieval activity including Neolithic flint tools, Iron Age coins, Romano-British coins and pottery and medieval pottery fragments. Ogbourne St George today is a commuter village.

Michael Dibb

Ogbourne St George houses [13]

The Park, formerly Park House, High Street, is set gable end to the street. The rear range, seen here, was built in the late 18th or early 19th century of diaper brick. The front range in red brick with a rendered facade is mid 19th century. There is a late 19th century wing to the right. All are under tile roofs. There is a fine Tuscan portico with flanking bay windows. There is another image of the house at SU2074 : Ogbourne St George houses [12]. Listed, grade II, with details at: Link

Michael Dibb

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Round Hill Downs is located at Grid Ref: SU2174 (Lat: 51.473474, Lng: -1.6939834)

Unitary Authority: Wiltshire

Police Authority: Wiltshire