Cherhill White Horse and Lansdowne Monument Circular
Wiltshire
Cherhill Down, above the A4 east of Calne, carries two landmarks visible for miles, and the National Trust asks for a dog to stay under control here since sheep and cattle graze the down. The Cherhill White Horse was cut into the chalk in the 18th century, while the Lansdowne Monument, a stone obelisk around 38 metres tall designed by Sir Charles Barry, has been cared for by the National Trust since 1988. This 6.4km circuit from the church in Cherhill crosses the A4, climbs on chalk tracks to the monument, passes through the Iron Age ramparts of Oldbury Castle and looks down on the white horse before a steep grassy descent back to the village. There is roughly 150 metres of climbing, with no stiles but some steep, slippery chalk underfoot.
This is a dog friendly walk with big views, but not a free-running one. The National Trust welcomes dogs on Calstone and Cherhill Downs and asks that they stay under control because sheep and cattle graze the downs, so plan on a lead for most of the time on the hill. There is no water on the route and almost no shade once you leave the village, so carry water for your dog on warm days. Keep dogs close when crossing the A4, which is fast and busy. Parking is by the church or in the lay-bys on the A4, and the Black Horse in Cherhill, listed as dog friendly, is on the main road at the end.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.4 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Historic, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- No facilities on the down; the Black Horse in Cherhill (reported dog friendly) is on the A4 in the village.
- Parking
- Free roadside parking by St James Church in Cherhill, or the lay-bys on the A4 at the eastern edge of the village.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Cherhill White Horse and Lansdowne Monument Circular, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Old Stable - Cirencester
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £494 / 7 nights
Cotswolds - Thames Head Barn
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £662 / 7 nights
Rough Grounds Farmhouse
Sleeps 12 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £2,100 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in WiltshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Cherhill White Horse and Lansdowne Monument Circular dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome on this 6.4km chalk down circuit, and the National Trust explicitly welcomes dogs on Calstone and Cherhill Downs. It carries a rating of 7/10 — the walking is genuinely enjoyable for dogs, but the grazing livestock and busy A4 crossing mean it suits owners who are happy to keep their dog under close control rather than those looking for a free-running day out. The Black Horse pub in Cherhill is reported to be dog friendly, making it a decent spot to round off the walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Cherhill White Horse and Lansdowne Monument Circular?
Off-lead time will be very limited here. The National Trust asks that dogs stay under control across the downs because sheep and cattle graze the area, so you should plan on keeping your dog on the lead for most of the time on the hill. The A4, which the route crosses, is described as fast and busy, so a lead is essential there too.
What should I know before visiting Cherhill White Horse and Lansdowne Monument Circular with my dog?
A few practical things are worth bearing in mind before you set off. There is no water available on the route and almost no shade once you leave the village, so carry enough water for your dog, especially on warmer days. The chalk underfoot can be steep and slippery in places, and there is around 150 metres of climbing, so it helps if your dog is reasonably sure-footed. Parking is free, either by St James Church in Cherhill or in the A4 lay-bys at the eastern edge of the village.
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