Rising from the northern edge of the Cranborne in the stunning countryside of Wiltshire is Win Green.

At 277m (911 ft above sea level), it is the highest hill in the Cranborne Chase AONB.

Win Green is crowned by beech trees growing on a Bronze Age bowl barrow with a distinctive ridge around the edge. This clump of trees is visible for miles around.

Head for the top and enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views.

On a clear day, you can see as far as Glastonbury Tor, from the nearby hilltop town of Shaftesbury to the Isle of Wight. Some say that you can even see the spire of Salisbury Cathedral.


Cranborne Chase

This nationally designated AONB covers 380 sq. miles of countryside overlapping the boundaries of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset.

The Chase lies across a chalk plateau with the cathedral city of Salisbury to the north-east and the hilltop town of Shaftesbury to the north-west.

This used to be King John’s hunting ground and for centuries it was kept wild to accommodate hunting.

Today, Cranborne Chase is sparsely populated with few roads and villages.

It is a diverse landscape offering areas of rolling chalk grassland, ancient woodlands, chalk escarpments, downland hillsides and chalk river valleys.


Walking

We love staying in this part of the Cranborne Chase AONB. There is so much to explore on foot!

From Win Green you can walk towards Tollard Royal. There you can have a great lunch in the King John Inn before heading back. A magnificent 5 mile circular!

This walk towards Tollard Royal follows the Ox Drove.

The Ox-drove links the countryside of Thomas Hardy’s novels with Salisbury, this was a long-distance droving route along which cattle were herded from Devon and Somerset to the Hampshire ports.

Or you can venture southwest and explore Hambledon Hill and Hod Hill. The views from both Iron Hills are amazing.


Images by Cool Places Britain
Cycling

There are several cycling trails to choose from and one of them explores the area around Win Green.

This 19 km trail offers spectacular panoramic views from the top of Win Green. It passes through historic villages and runs along an old drove road, along tracks and quiet country lanes.

With some thrilling descents, this circular cycle-trail really has it all!



Cool Places to Explore: Hod Hill | Hambledon Hill | Shaftesbury | Old Wardour Castle | Chalke Valley.

Cool Places to Eat: The King John Inn.