Wiltshire walking route and map NoW11

Click on thumbnail to view full size picture of Quakers Walk

DEVIZES TO ROUNDWAY HILL

Waypoint	Map Reference	Bearing to next waypoint
START	SU 0039 6180	97
WP1	SU 0062 6179	32
WP2	SU 0127 6302	355
WP3	SU 0122 6334	345
WP4	SU 0102 6391	331
WP5	SU 0045 6477	251
WP6	SU 0003 6459	31
WP7	SU 0270 6507	340
WP8	SU 0226 6517	290
WP9	ST 9915 6548	140
WP10	ST 9959 6502	152
WP11	SU 0590 6344	-248
WP12	ST 9967 6299	176
WP13	ST 9981 6198	164
WP14	ST 0390 6180	89
START	SU 0039 6180	-

General:- This walk has fine views but it is exposed so a windy or cold day will be exhilarating to sat the least. There is one steep section but this should not deter anyone from trying the route, in fact you are left wondering why there are not more hills to get such an elevated viewpoint.

As with many so called castles in Wiltshire Oliver's Castle is only an iron age earthwork fortress. There is a stunning view from the top and many drive up there on a Sunday afternoon for nothing else. It is named after Oliver Cromwell, not because he was ever there but after a Civil War battle in 1643 when the King's Royalist cavalry met the Parliamentary forces near the old earthwork. I've heard two versions of what happened that day. Some say the Roundheads lined the escarpment with infantry and when the Royalist cavalry charged they saw the drop too late and went over the edge. Others say the Roundheads ran in terror at the sight of cavalry and the Royalists named it Runaway Hill as a result. Whatever you believe, the Roundheads lost!

GPS length 6.93 miles). GPS users should note that the map reference suffix changes from SU to ST during this walk. An explanation of this can be found in our Navigation section.

How to get there:

From Chippenham or Melksham. After crossing canal turn L by Wadworths Brewery onto A361 to Swindon. Almost immediately turn L @ signpost to Wharf Theatre & park @ SU 0039 6180.

From Swindon. Cross canal and turn R at roundabout (SU 0080 6142) onto A342 to Chippenham. Pass church on R then turn R into Wharf Theatre carpark.

From Andover & Salisbury. At roundabout (SU 0080 6142) where it joins A361 to Swindon take second exit onto A342 to Chippenham. Pass church on R then turn R into Wharf Theatre car park.