Chalk Hill

Hill, Mountain in Wiltshire

England

Chalk Hill

Battlesbury Hill, Wiltshire Battlesbury Hill is the site of an Iron Age bivallate hill fort near the town of Warminster. — Battlesbury Hill, Wiltshire Credit: Rebecca A Wills

Chalk Hill, located in the county of Wiltshire, England, is a prominent geological feature that forms part of the Marlborough Downs, a range of chalk hills in southern England. Rising to an elevation of approximately 220 meters (720 feet), Chalk Hill is classified as a hill rather than a mountain due to its relatively low height and gentle slopes.

The hill is primarily composed of chalk, a soft, white sedimentary rock formed from the remains of microscopic marine organisms millions of years ago. This geology gives Chalk Hill its characteristic appearance, with its slopes displaying a pale, chalky white color that contrasts with the surrounding greenery. The chalky soil found on the hill is also known to support a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several species of wildflowers, butterflies, and birds.

Chalk Hill offers visitors and locals alike the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and nature walks, thanks to its accessible trails and paths. The hill provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby towns of Devizes and Marlborough, and on clear days, even glimpses of the ancient stone circle, Avebury, can be seen in the distance.

With its picturesque landscapes and unique geological features, Chalk Hill is not only a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts but also serves as a valuable natural resource and habitat for local wildlife. Its historical and environmental significance make it a cherished and well-preserved part of the Wiltshire countryside.

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Chalk Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.203883/-2.154952 or Grid Reference ST8944. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Battlesbury Hill, Wiltshire

Battlesbury Hill is the site of an Iron Age bivallate hill fort near the town of Warminster.

Rebecca A Wills

Salisbury Plain [10]

At the edge of the military training area is an installation for cleaning vehicles before they leave and traverse public roads. For a few days each year the public are allowed into the military training area on Salisbury Plain.

Michael Dibb

Salisbury Plain [11]

At the edge of the military training area is an installation for cleaning vehicles. Some are then parked in this large compound. For a few days each year the public are allowed into the military training area on Salisbury Plain.

Michael Dibb

Salisbury Plain [12]

At the edge of the military training area is an installation for cleaning vehicles. This area is where the soil from the vehicles is temporarily stored. For a few days each year the public are allowed into the military training area on Salisbury Plain.

Michael Dibb

Salisbury Plain [13]

Michael Dibb

Old Milepost by the B3414, Warminster Road, Norton Bavant

Cast iron post by the B3414, in parish of Norton Bavant (West Wiltshire District), Warminster Road; 800m East of entrance to Bishopstrow Farm, by the road, on Southwest side of road. C&M Classical iron casting, erected by the Warminster turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- SALISBURY 19 WARMINSTER 2 Grade II listed. List Entry Number: 1364340 Link

Milestone Society National ID: WI_SAWM19

M Faherty

Bigbury Wood, Wiltshire

Looking northwest along a series of strip lynchets to the south of Bigbury Wood. Strip lynchets are earth terrace found on the side of a hill and are a feature of ancient field systems.

Rebecca A Wills

Middle Hill, Wiltshire

Looking south from the vicinity of the Imber Range Perimeter Path towards the strip lynchets on Middle Hill. Strip lynchets are earth terraces found on the side of a hill and are a feature of ancient field systems.

Rebecca A Wills

Northern Edge of Scratchbury Camp

Section of the Iron Age Hillfort, dating from around 100BC, of Scratchbury Camp on the edge of Salisbury Plain. The Wessex Ridgeway long distance footpath adopts these ramparts. ST9144 : Ramparts and Fortifications on Scratchbury Hill ST9144 : More Ramparts and Fortifications on Scratchbury Hill

Chris Heaton

Access Lane to North Farm

Follows a dry valley below the northern flanks of Scratchbury Hill. The Wessex Ridgeway long distance footpath is indicated by the fingerpost.

Chris Heaton

Wessex Ridgeway ascending Middle Hill from the East

The long distance footpath ascends the eastern flank of Middle Hill, crossing Strip Lynchets in the process - medieval lines of ploughed land, seen as grassed over ridges in the photograph

Chris Heaton

View towards Scratchbury Hill

Looking south east from the flanks of Middle Hill

Chris Heaton

Summit of Middle Hill

The clump of trees marks the summit, while the footpath is adopted by the Wessex Ridgeway as it follows the western edge before descending down the flank of the hill.

Chris Heaton

View towards Battlesbury Hill

As seen from the Wessex Ridgeway on the flanks of Middle Hill, the impressive eastern side of the hill crowned by the Iron Age Hillfort of Battlesbury Camp.

Chris Heaton

Field Barns seen from the Foot of Middle Hill

Field barns seen from the Wessex Ridgeway long distance footpath between Middle Hill and Battlesbury Camp. Behind the barn a series of Strip Lynchets can be seen - the remains of medieval ploughed field systems.

Chris Heaton

Wessex Ridgeway heading towards Battlesbury Hill

The Wessex Ridgeway is a 136-mile long-distance footpath which runs from Marlborough in Wiltshire to Lyme Regis in Dorset. It was opened in 1994. Wikipedia entry: Link

Chris Heaton