North Wessex Downs holidays

History under your feet - a wonderful walk

"Chisbury is a marvellous place: a tiny, hidden village of steep-banked hedges, small farms, thatched, brick and flint buildings – and truly ancient history. From the enchanting woodland crossroads on Knowle Hill among the fringes of ancient Savernake Forest, follow the snaking lane along the edge of the Savernake Plateau and turn left into Chisbury Lane."

"When you reach Chisbury turn right and follow the lane through the banks of an Iron Age hillfort, Chisbury Camp. This may well be the same entrance used by the people who built the fort, probably between 600BC and around 50AD. It’s one of only about 50 in the whole country. You can almost smell the history: people have lived here for at least two thousand years."

" Inside the fort are Chisbury Manor Farm, a listed building and the 13th century flint St Martin’s chapel with an 18th century thatched roof."

Henry Oliver, Director, North Wessex Downs AONB

The Aldworth Giants and Ancient Yew

"High up on the Berkshire Downs, just off the Ridgeway National Trail, is the village of Aldworth where the medieval St Mary's Church guards a surprising congregation. Inside, you will find an intriguing group of nine stone effigies representing the De la Beche family who rose to prominence in the 13th century."

"The effigies, purported to be life size, with some of the knights being over 7 foot tall (and thus known as the Aldworth Giants) are a collection of the largest number of medieval memorials to a single family in a parish church in the country. Unfortunately many of these carvings were damaged by Cromwell's men who decreed 'the demolition of monuments of idolatry and superstition.' Nonetheless, their impressive bulk continues to overwhelm the small church and the stories of the giants from centuries long gone filter through to today with the local legends of John Long, John Strong, John Ever Afraid and John Never Afraid still being uttered."

"Pause in the churchyard next to the 1000 year old yew tree before strolling to the Bell Inn, dating from 1340, or the thatched Four Points down at the crossroad. If you still have the energy, walk off a warming autumnal lunch along the Ridgeway and enjoy the far reaching views across Berkshire and beyond."

Corinna Woodall, North Wessex Downs AONB LEADER Programme Manager

Mountain bike racing

"From 'weekend warriors', to those who are just getting started in off road cycling I can recommend challenging yourself at one of the autumn/winter mountain bike events held in and around the North Wessex Downs AONB. Although going to a race for the first time can be a little daunting, with lots of expensive looking kit on display, the atmosphere is really fun and you don't have to be superfit to take part. Nothing beats the satisfaction of crossing the finish line knowing you have done your best!

"Try Gorrick's Cool MTB Challenge, which takes in some of the best country trails around North Hampshire (6th November - 30 or 45 km routes), or a Southern Trail Ride run by Trailbreak and starting in Newbury (15th October - 25 or 40 km). SPAM biking run the (chilly) Winter Challenge on Salisbury Plain (18th December - 25, 35 or 50 km routes).

"But the real benefit of taking part in events is the chance to ride trails that you wouldn't otherwise find, see views to remember and get close to the countryside in a way that only getting muddy can achieve..."

Oliver Cripps, North Wessex Downs AONB, Acting Assistant Director