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Yarnbury Castle Poppies Walk

1.2 miles (2 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This walk takes you to Yarnbury Castle near the villages of Steeple Langford and Winterbourne Stoke in Wiltshire.
At the site you will find an historic multivallate Iron Age hillfort and some wonderful poppy fields.
The site is one of the largest and best-preserved hillforts in southern England, covering approximately 28 acres. Its impressive triple ramparts and ditches were designed for both defense and display, showcasing the power of the local tribe during the Iron Age. The hillfort was later reused during the Roman period and again in the medieval era as a livestock enclosure, adding layers of historical significance. Perched on a chalk downland, Yarnbury Castle offers panoramic views across the rolling Wiltshire countryside. On a clear day, you can see as far as Salisbury Plain and the distant Cranborne Chase. The elevated position provides a sense of the strategic importance of the site, with commanding views over the surrounding landscape—a key feature for its original inhabitants.
The castle is located next to the Parsonage Down National Nature Reserve where you can enjoy some fine chalk downland and lots of interesting flora and fauna.
For some more local history head east to visit the world famous Stonehenge.

Yarnbury Castle Poppies Walk OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Yarnbury Castle Poppies Walk Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Yarnbury Castle

Yarnbury Castle. The hill-fort consists of two banks separated by a deep ditch. There's a trig point on the inner bank, just seen here. The purple flower is wild thyme.
The area around Yarnbury Castle is rich in flora and fauna, thanks to its chalk grassland habitat. In spring and summer, the fields come alive with vibrant wildflowers, including poppies, oxeye daisies, knapweed, and pyramidal orchids. The chalky soil supports a variety of rare plants, making it a haven for botanists. The hillfort’s slopes are also home to butterflies such as the chalkhill blue and marbled white, which thrive in this environment.

Towards Yarnbury Castle

Towards Yarnbury Castle. Birdwatchers will appreciate the presence of skylarks, meadow pipits, and kestrels, which are often seen soaring above the grasslands. The surrounding farmland and hedgerows provide habitat for brown hares, roe deer, and other small mammals. The combination of historical intrigue, stunning views, and abundant wildlife makes Yarnbury Castle a truly special destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts alike.

GPS Files

GPX File

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