The 5 Most Amazing Peaks around Berkley
Best mountain peaks around Berkley are characterized by chalk hills and downland, offering expansive views across the surrounding countryside. This region features significant natural monuments and historical sites, providing a blend of outdoor activity and cultural interest. The landscape is defined by its elevated points, which serve as popular destinations for exploration and scenic appreciation.
Best mountain peaks around Berkley
- The most popular mountain peaks is Cley Hill, a viewpoint that stands at 244 m high, offering views of Somerset and Wiltshire. It is an important area of chalk downland managed for its plants and insects.
- Another must-see spot is Hose Gate Road Summit, a viewpoint with forest tracks suitable for cycling. Visitors can expect an alternative off-road route between Alfred’s tower and Gare Hill.
- Visitors also love Middle Hill, a historical site and conical chalk hill. It stands between Battlesbury Hill and Scratchbury, overlooking the Wylye valley, with an ancient bowl barrow atop.
- Berkley is known for its viewpoints, historical sites, and natural monuments. The region offers a variety of summits, ridges, and trails to see and explore.
- The mountain peaks around Berkley are appreciated by the komoot community, with 50 upvotes and 62 photos shared.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Westbury White Horse
Highlight • Natural Monument
Today the hill's most defining feature is the striking white horse cut into its slopes. Records suggest that the horse was made at the end of the 17th century to commemorate the Battle of Ethandun.
Despite its turbulent past, Bratton Camp is now a relaxing place to take a stroll. The chalk grassland is teeming with wildlife and insects. Look out for the rare Adonis Blue butterfly which can be found here.
You can visit any time during daylight hours. Entrance is free.
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Cley Hill
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Middle Hill
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Upton Cow Down
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Hose Gate Road Summit
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Tips from the Community
Cley Hill stands proud of the surrounding flatlands at 244 m high. There is a trig point, awesome views and steep sided trails to run. It's an important area of chalk downland managed by the National Trust for the plants and insects which live here. Cley Hill is also famous for UFO sightings and crop circles, so keep an eye out :-)
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The oldest of the Wiltshire white horses this was originally cut in 1772 and restored in 1778. There was evidence of an older horse here facing the other way, but no strong evidence suggests how old that was. In 1872/1873 the horse was considered to be losing its shape, it was re cut and edging stones added. In 1957 the horse was concreted to preserve it. For the runner the trails around the top of the horse are great fun and the 33-mile Imber trail also passes here. There are nice loops from the car park above the horse or from nearby Westbury.
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Upton Cow Down is a 16.4 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest on the western edge of Salisbury Plain and overlooking the village of Upton Scudamore. The down is an area of chalk grassland, covered in wildflowers and pollinators over the summer months.
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Westbury White Horse was originally cut in the late 1600s and is the oldest white horse in Wiltshire. From this spot, you are afforded lovely views.
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Middle Hill, nicknamed locally as ‘piggy in the middle’, is a conical chalk hill that stands between Battlesbury Hill to the northwest and Scratchbury to the southeast. This row of hills is on the southwestern edge of Salisbury Plain overlooks the Wylye valley. Atop the hill you find an ancient and sizable bowl barrow.
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Bratton Camp was originally an Iron Age hill fort built over 2,000 years ago to defend the settlement from its enemies. Today the hill's most defining feature is the striking white horse cut into its slopes. Records suggest that the horse was made at the end of the 17th century to commemorate the Battle of Ethandun. Despite its turbulent past, Bratton Camp is now a relaxing place to take a stroll. The chalk grassland is teeming with wildlife and insects. Look out for the rare Adonis Blue butterfly which can be found here. You can visit any time during daylight hours. Entrance is free.
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Great short walk for all the family. Amazing views of Somerset and Wiltshire.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular mountain peaks around Berkley?
The most popular mountain peaks around Berkley include Cley Hill, a viewpoint offering expansive views of Somerset and Wiltshire, and Hose Gate Road Summit, known for its forest tracks suitable for cycling. Another highly appreciated spot is Middle Hill, a historical conical chalk hill.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on the peaks around Berkley?
The peaks around Berkley are characterized by chalk hills and downland. For example, Cley Hill is an important area of chalk downland managed for its diverse plants and insects. Upton Cow Down is another significant chalk grassland area, rich in wildflowers and pollinators during the summer months.
Are there historical sites among the peaks near Berkley?
Yes, several peaks have historical significance. Middle Hill is a notable historical site, featuring an ancient and sizable bowl barrow atop its conical chalk hill. This area overlooks the Wylye valley and stands between Battlesbury Hill and Scratchbury.
Are there family-friendly options for visiting the peaks around Berkley?
Absolutely. Cley Hill is considered a great short walk for all the family, offering amazing views. Hose Gate Road Summit also features forest tracks that are suitable for family outings, including cycling.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain peaks around Berkley?
Beyond exploring the peaks themselves, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. There are numerous easy hikes, such as the 'Mes Amis Café loop from Beckington' or 'Riverside Walk, Frome loop from North Hill House'. For running, trails like the 'Nunney Castle – Catherine Street loop from Frome' offer more challenging options. Cycling enthusiasts can explore routes like 'Colliers Way and Three Castles Loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes, running trails, and cycling guides for the Berkley area.
What kind of views do the peaks around Berkley offer?
The peaks provide expansive and stunning views across the surrounding countryside. From Cley Hill, you can enjoy panoramic vistas of Somerset and Wiltshire. These elevated points are renowned for their scenic appreciation.
Are there trails suitable for cycling near the peaks?
Yes, Hose Gate Road Summit is particularly noted for its great forest tracks, which are suitable for both cyclocross bikes and mountain bikes. It offers an alternative off-road route between Alfred’s Tower and Gare Hill.
What makes Upton Cow Down a unique place to visit?
Upton Cow Down is a 16.4-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. It's an area of chalk grassland on the western edge of Salisbury Plain, known for its abundance of wildflowers and pollinators during the summer months, making it a vibrant natural habitat.
What do visitors enjoy most about the peaks around Berkley?
Visitors particularly enjoy the amazing views, the opportunity for short walks suitable for families, and the unique natural environments. The area's blend of outdoor activity and cultural interest, including historical sites and diverse chalk downland, is highly appreciated by the komoot community.
Are there any unusual local legends or phenomena associated with these peaks?
Yes, Cley Hill is famously associated with UFO sightings and crop circles, adding a touch of mystery to its natural beauty. Visitors are often encouraged to keep an eye out for these phenomena.
What is the elevation of the peaks around Berkley?
The peaks vary in elevation. For instance, Cley Hill stands at 244 meters high, offering a prominent viewpoint over the surrounding flatlands.
Can I find challenging trails near the peaks around Berkley?
While many trails are intermediate, some offer more challenge. For instance, Upton Cow Down is listed as having challenging sections. Additionally, the running guide for Berkley includes difficult routes like the 'Nunney Castle – Catherine Street loop from Frome', which can provide a more strenuous experience.
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