Battlesbury, Middle Hill and Scratchbury Hillforts from Warminster
Wiltshire
The chalk escarpment east of Warminster carries three rounded hills in a row, two of them crowned by Iron Age hillforts, and a lead is sensible for a dog throughout since the grassland is likely grazed and the ground borders the Salisbury Plain training area. Battlesbury Camp has a flat summit plateau at 208 metres, with its ramparts still clear and a trig point on top, while Scratchbury, a short walk away, has strip lynchets on its flanks and a smaller inner enclosure that may date back to the Bronze Age. Middle Hill sits between them, marked by a barrow under a clump of trees. This 6.5km circuit starts where walkers park by the concrete tank track off Battlesbury Road and climbs each hill in turn, linking them with footpaths, field edges and a tank track. It is strenuous for its length, with steep ascents and descents on grass and chalk and roughly 230 metres of climbing in total.
This dog friendly walk suits fit dogs that like hills, but it needs care. The hills sit right on the edge of the Salisbury Plain military training area, and live firing from the ranges can be heard, which can unsettle noise-shy dogs. Stay on the public paths and never follow a dog onto the range side. The chalk grassland is likely to be grazed, so keep a lead handy and use it near stock. There is no water or shade on the tops, so carry water for your dog. Warminster has pubs and cafes nearby.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.5 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Duration
- 2 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route; pubs and cafes in Warminster.
- Parking
- Informal free parking by the concrete tank track off Battlesbury Road, reached from Imber Road in Warminster.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Battlesbury, Middle Hill and Scratchbury Hillforts from Warminster, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Sturminster Newtons Old Coach House
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £428 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in WiltshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Battlesbury, Middle Hill and Scratchbury Hillforts from Warminster dog friendly?
This walk is dog friendly with a rating of 7 out of 10, and it's a great choice for fit, hill-loving dogs. The 6.5km circuit takes in three chalk hills with impressive Iron Age ramparts and far-reaching views, though it is strenuous, with around 230 metres of climbing across steep grass and chalk slopes. There are no facilities on the route itself, but Warminster has pubs and cafes nearby for a post-walk reward.
Can dogs be off lead at Battlesbury, Middle Hill and Scratchbury Hillforts from Warminster?
A lead is sensible throughout this walk, as the chalk grassland is likely to be grazed and you should be ready to put it on near any livestock. The hills also border the Salisbury Plain military training area, so it's important to stay on the public paths and never let your dog stray onto the range side. Given these factors, this is really a walk for dogs that are reliable on a lead.
What should I know before visiting Battlesbury, Middle Hill and Scratchbury Hillforts from Warminster with my dog?
The most important things to be aware of are the proximity to the Salisbury Plain training area — live firing can be heard from the ranges, which may unsettle noise-shy dogs — and the complete lack of water or shade on the hilltops, so bring plenty of water for your dog. The ascents and descents are steep, making this a walk best suited to fit dogs in good condition. Parking is free and informal, off Battlesbury Road via Imber Road in Warminster.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk4 mi awayWestbury White Horse and Bratton Camp Circular
Somerset
A chalk downland walk above the Westbury White Horse with the Iron Age Bratton Camp hillfort and wide views over the Vale of Pewsey.
Walk9.5 mi awayFarleigh Hungerford Castle and River Frome Circular
Somerset
A Somerset river and castle walk following the Frome beneath the ruins of Farleigh Hungerford's medieval fortifications.
Attraction9.6 mi awayFarleigh Hungerford Castle
Somerset
A fortified mansion with a crypt full of lead coffins and death masks, though your dog stays in the grounds, which are pleasant Somerset valley.
Attraction9.7 mi awayNunney Castle
Somerset
A compact French style moated castle in the middle of a Somerset village, exterior viewing only, so you and your dog walk the moat circuit.
Walk10 mi awayStourhead and King Alfred's Tower Circular
Wiltshire
Shaded conifer rides give a dog room to walk loose lead, climbing through the Stourhead estate to King Alfred's folly tower for the view.
Walk10.5 mi awayBradford on Avon to Avoncliff Aqueduct Circular
Somerset
A Wiltshire canal and riverside walk from Bradford-on-Avon to the Avoncliff Aqueduct, with a valley pub to finish.