Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Adventures

Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB covers approximately 379 square miles across southwest Wiltshire, southeast Dorset, and parts of Hampshire and Somerset. The landscape is distinguished by expansive chalk downlands, steep valleys, and mixed farmland, with distinctive ancient woodlands and grasslands. The area is renowned for its archaeological significance, including Neolithic long barrows, Bronze Age burial mounds, and Iron Age hill forts, reflecting thousands of years of human occupation. Key landmarks include Ackling Dyke, a Roman road cutting through the chalk hills, and the prehistoric Bokerley Dyke earthwork. The AONB provides outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation with an extensive network of public footpaths and bridleways suitable for hiking, cycling, and horse riding. Wildlife is abundant here, with diverse chalk grassland species, rare orchids, butterflies like the Chalkhill Blue, and birds including skylarks and buzzards. The rural character of villages such as Alvediston and Tollard Royal complements the natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along country lanes, photography, and seasonal events celebrating local culture and nature. The combination of accessible countryside, deep history, and vibrant ecosystems makes Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts and heritage visitors.