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Milk Hill and Tan Hill

4.9
·15 reviews·, United Kingdom

Highest point in Wiltshire offering vast chalk downland views, famous for crop circles and ancient history.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Magical light & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Milk Hill - Image 1

Milk Hill and Tan Hill

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Magical light & fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Highest point in Wiltshire offering vast chalk downland views, famous for crop circles and ancient history.

4.9
(15 reviews)

"Breathtaking views, an amazing walk and the very best of the Wiltshire countryside."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Chalky paths can get slippery. Wear good walking boots for comfort and safety on the hills.

☀️ Pack for All Weather

The weather can change rapidly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection, even on seemingly clear days.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Wiltshire Views

Panoramic Wiltshire Views

Summit of Milk Hill

Experience the highest point in Wiltshire with sweeping vistas of the rolling chalk downs and surrounding countryside.

Reddit
Historic Crop Circle Sites

Historic Crop Circle Sites

Fields around Milk Hill

Explore the area famous for some of the world's largest and most intricate crop circles, a truly unique phenomenon.

Reddit
Wansdyke and Rybury Camp

Wansdyke and Rybury Camp

Along the walking routes

Walk along ancient earthworks like the Wansdyke and explore the Iron Age hillfort of Rybury Camp for a dose of history.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Elements

Milk Hill and Tan Hill offer breathtaking, wide-open landscapes. Be prepared for changeable weather; sunshine can quickly turn to wind and rain. Sturdy walking boots are essential for navigating the chalky terrain, especially after wet spells. Reddit

Timing Your Visit

For the most dramatic scenery and a sense of solitude, consider visiting during sunrise or sunset. These times offer stunning light for photography and a more spiritual experience, as highlighted by visitors. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Magical light & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer Mornings
Why
Sunshine & pleasant walking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A gorgeous morning for a longer walk on the Pewsey Downs. Big circuit past the Alton Barnes White Horse and Milk Hill then along the Wansdyke to Tan Hill and then over Rybury Camp to All Cannings - 8 miles of glorious sunshine. We needed that! #wednesdayexplorer #takeawalk #socialexercise #nordicwalking #pewseydownsnaturereserve #milkhill #whitehorse
walxwessex
27 likes • 500 views

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Chalky paths can get slippery. Wear good walking boots for comfort and safety on the hills. Reddit

☀️ Pack for All Weather

The weather can change rapidly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection, even on seemingly clear days. Reddit

reddit.com

This is One of the Largest crop circles ever stretching over 500 meters wide... Milk hill, June 2009.

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning sunrises, sunsets, and the vast chalk landscapes. Reddit

🗺️ Explore the Circular Walks

Many visitors enjoy longer circuits incorporating the White Horse and ancient sites. TikTok

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key

Chalky paths can get slippery. Wear good walking boots for comfort and safety on the hills. Reddit

☀️ Pack for All Weather

The weather can change rapidly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection, even on seemingly clear days. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning sunrises, sunsets, and the vast chalk landscapes. Reddit

🗺️ Explore the Circular Walks

Many visitors enjoy longer circuits incorporating the White Horse and ancient sites. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.9
(15 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking views and the spiritual, epic quality of the landscape at Milk Hill and Tan Hill. The area is highly regarded for its natural beauty, historical significance including crop circles, and the sense of remote tranquility it offers. Some find the terrain challenging and facilities scarce, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.

"Great walk as part of the pewsey circular"

Lewis K

"A beautiful and historic landscape..can't believe anyone wouldn't give this 5 stars."

Ian Thomas

"I had one of the most magical nights of my life here. Back in 1992 i was in love with a Marlborough girl. I came to see her (i'm from Lancashire) and we spent a Summer's night sleeping atop Milk Hill. When i awoke the next morning, in golden sunshine, the first thing i saw - after Susannah's smiling face, that is - was the crop circle someone had made in the field below us. I was gobsmacked. I'd give anything to experience those few moments again.
"If you see her, say hello...""

Martin Peacock

What People Like

Breathtaking panoramic views
Spiritual and epic landscape
Unique crop circle phenomena

What People Dislike

Challenging terrain
Limited facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Milk Hill and Tan Hill are best accessed by car, with parking available at various points near the Pewsey Downs. Public transport options are limited, so driving is recommended for flexibility. Reddit

Parking is available in lay-bys and designated areas along the country lanes surrounding Milk Hill and Tan Hill. Be mindful of where you park to avoid obstructing local access. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore the area, especially for those interested in longer routes. The rolling hills offer a good challenge for cyclists. TikTok

Public transport is scarce. The nearest train station is Pewsey, from which you would likely need a taxi or a very long walk to reach the hills. Reddit

Using a map and compass or a reliable GPS device is advisable, especially for longer walks. Trails can be indistinct in places. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Milk Hill and Tan Hill are open access countryside and do not require tickets for entry. You can explore freely. Reddit

As open countryside, there are no set opening or closing times. You can visit at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

There is no entrance fee for the fields where crop circles appear. However, always be respectful of private farmland and do not trespass. Reddit

While official guided tours are rare, local walking groups may organize events. It's best to check local community boards or websites for any scheduled walks. Reddit

Crop circles typically appear in late spring and summer. The best time to see them is when they are freshly formed and clearly visible from a distance. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The terrain is primarily rolling chalk grassland. Expect uneven ground, slopes, and potentially muddy or slippery conditions after rain. Reddit

Facilities are very limited. It's advisable to bring your own food, water, and any necessary supplies. There are no cafes or public toilets directly on the hills. Reddit

While the open space is great for kids to run, the uneven terrain and lack of facilities might make it challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Reddit

You might spot various bird species, butterflies, and other chalk grassland wildlife. The area is a haven for nature. Reddit

Yes, due to its remote location and minimal light pollution, Milk Hill and Tan Hill are excellent spots for stargazing. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers expansive panoramic views. The rolling hills themselves, especially with dramatic skies, make for stunning landscape photography. Reddit

Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful light for capturing the landscape. Reddit

Yes, crop circles are a unique photographic subject. Remember to be respectful of the land and avoid disturbing the crops. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details or distant features. A tripod is helpful for low-light conditions. Reddit

Generally, photography is permitted. However, always be mindful of private property and any specific signage. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Milk Hill and Tan Hill offer a fantastic opportunity for families to connect with nature. The vast open spaces are perfect for children to run and explore freely. Pack a picnic and enjoy the stunning views – it’s a great spot for a family adventure away from the usual tourist crowds. Reddit

However, be mindful of the terrain. The chalky ground can be uneven and slippery, so ensure children wear sturdy shoes. While the open space is exciting, supervision is key, especially near any steeper slopes. Consider shorter walks that focus on the most accessible areas to keep younger ones engaged and safe. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Walkers

For serious hikers, Milk Hill and Tan Hill are a dream. The Pewsey Downs offer extensive walking networks, with opportunities for long-distance treks or shorter, scenic loops. The highest point in Wiltshire provides a rewarding destination for any hike. TikTok

Be prepared for varied conditions. The chalk grassland can be beautiful but also challenging underfoot. Always carry water, snacks, and a map. The Wansdyke and Rybury Camp offer historical points of interest along many routes, adding an extra dimension to your walk. TikTokReddit

📸 Photographers

This area is a paradise for landscape photographers. The rolling hills, dramatic skies, and expansive views offer endless photographic possibilities. Sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular, bathing the landscape in golden light. Reddit

Don't miss the chance to capture the unique phenomenon of crop circles if they are present. A wide-angle lens is ideal for the sweeping vistas, while a telephoto can capture distant details. Be prepared for changing weather, as dramatic clouds can add significant mood to your shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Chalk Downs

Milk Hill and Tan Hill are situated within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, renowned for its vast chalk landscapes. These hills represent the highest points in Wiltshire, offering unparalleled panoramic views that stretch for miles on a clear day. The terrain is characterized by rolling grasslands, ancient earthworks, and a sense of wild, open space. Visitors often describe the landscape as spiritual and epic, perfect for long walks and contemplation. Reddit

Walking routes here are plentiful, ranging from short strolls to more challenging circuits. Many popular walks incorporate nearby landmarks such as the Alton Barnes White Horse and the ancient Wansdyke. The chalky soil supports a unique flora and fauna, making it a haven for butterflies and birds. It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, as the ground can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Reddit

These hills are also historically significant, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Iron Age. The presence of hillforts like Rybury Camp and the mysterious crop circles adds layers of intrigue to the landscape. Whether you're seeking a vigorous hike or a peaceful escape, the chalk downs offer a profound connection with nature and history. TikTokReddit

The Mystery of Crop Circles

The area around Milk Hill is famously associated with crop circles, a phenomenon that has captivated imaginations for decades. These intricate patterns, formed by flattening crops, often appear mysteriously overnight in the fields. While the exact origins and methods of creation remain a subject of debate and speculation, their presence adds a unique allure to the landscape. Reddit

Some of the largest and most complex crop circles have been documented in the fields below Milk Hill, drawing visitors and researchers alike. The sheer scale and precision of these formations are awe-inspiring. Experiencing them firsthand, especially when freshly formed, can be a truly memorable event. Reddit

When visiting, it's important to remember that these fields are private farmland. While there's no entry fee to view crop circles from the perimeter, always respect the land, avoid trespassing, and do not damage the crops. The best way to appreciate them is often from a distance or during guided walks that respect agricultural boundaries. Reddit

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