Westbury White Horse

Westbury Hill rises to the commanding height of 750ft (229m) above sea level and forms the dramatic western edge of Salisbury Plain. The views are tremendous, with the scarp slope dropping into the Vale of Pewsey, and on the horizon, on a clear day, you can see across Somerset to the Mendips and the Cotswolds. Dominating the hilltop is Bratton Castle, an Iron-Age hill fort covering 25 acres (10ha) of the plateau and defended by double banks and ditches rising to 35ft (11m). The long barrow inside the fort is a burial mound probably built before 3000 bc.

Cut into the side of the hill, just below the castle ramparts, is Wiltshire's oldest and best known white horse measuring 180ft (55m) long and 108ft (33m) high. This graceful hill figure is believed to have replaced a much earlier and cruder creature which local tradition states was cut in celebration of King Alfred's victory over the Danes at the Battle of Ethundun in ad 878.

The present, well-proportioned animal, which is featured on the bottles of a brand of whisky of the same name, was cut by a Mr Gee, steward to Lord Abingdon, in 1778, apparently because he objected to the primitive dog-like creature which had previously existed on Westbury Hill. The White Horse was remodelled in 1853 and restored 20 years later, with its most recent makeover in concrete, courtesy of Westbury Cement Works. This is the unmistakable industrial complex you can see in the valley below.

The most notable feature of Bratton, a large modern village in the shadow of a huge downland escarpment, is the Church of St James the Great, arguably one of the most charming churches in the county. Reached by a series of steep steps, and nestling at the base of the chalk downland, it dates from the 13th century and is worth the climb to view the traces of Norman architecture and the wildly grinning gargoyles.

The Imber Range Perimeter Path is a 30 mile (48km) trail circumnavigating the Army's largest live firing range in the south of England. For over 50 years an area of Salisbury Plain 10 miles (16.1km) long and 5 miles (8km) wide has been occupied by the Army and public access has been very limited. Your view south is across the great central plateau, a wild and lonely landscape, full of mystery and a sense of space.

Where to eat and drink

Refresh yourselves after this taxing downland walk at the Duke in Bratton, noted for its generous home-cooked food, including excellent Sunday roasts, and Moles ales.

What to look for

Make sure you pause at the viewpoint pillar on Westbury Hill, especially on a clear day, as you will be surprised just how far reaching the view is. Walk this way in spring and early summer to see the grassy downland summit and slopes alive with chalk loving plants, such as bird's foot trefoil, and butterflies like the chalkhill blue.

While you're there

Make the short trip east along the B3098 to Edington to see the impressive, cathedral-like Church of St Mary, St Katherine and All Saints. It is an architectural treasure, built in 1351 as part of a priory founded by William of Edington, Bishop of Winchester, for Augustinian monks. There is much to marvel at including a rare wooden screen of 1500 and one of the oldest clocks in England, so pick up a church guide.