National Grid is working with local groups on plans to remove pylons to the north of Devizes. Their aim is to get permission to replace them with cables underground, transforming the Devizes skyline.

Members of the National Grid project team working on this landmark landscape project will lead the walk to explore Roundway Hill, the site of the Civil War Battle of Roundway Down and the hillfort known as Oliver’s Castle. Learn about the archaeological finds that have been made so far, and what the team expects to find in the future.

Discover why the landscape around the Millennium White Horse has been singled out for special attention. Hear about the engineering and environmental challenges involved when removing an overhead line and replacing it with cables underground. Find out about how the local community can get involved and work with National Grid to help it go underground.

There are some steep climbs, but there are rewarding views to enjoy along the way. We will walk at a good pace, stopping regularly to talk about the project, the landscape, our plans and the technical challenges we face. Dress appropriately for the weather (this is an exposed landscape) and bring any drinks and snacks needed as there is nowhere to buy refreshments along the route.

 

Walk leader/organisation: Stuart Fox, National Grid

Walk Information

  • Booking: Free – Booking essential – 20 places
  • Distance & approximate duration: 7.5 miles (12 km) – 4 hours
  • Difficulty: Fairly strenuous (challenging, steep gradients, rough terrain).
  • Accessibility: Suitable for older children (12+). Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult (see useful information). Steps/stiles on the route. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
  • Dogs: Dogs on leads welcome
  • Refreshments: Bring snacks and drinks as needed. There are amenities at the meeting point in Devizes, but no other refreshments on the route (see below).
  • Toilets: There are no public toilets on the route (see below).
  • Meeting point: Market Cross, Market Square, Devizes Town Centre, SN10 1JJ. What3Words: perfectly.scribble.layered. OS grid reference: SU 004 614.
  • Public transport: Devizes is well-served with buses from Pewsey, Melksham, Swindon, Salisbury and Westbury. See Stagecoach.
  • Parking: There is paid parking at Wharf Car Park, Wharf Street, Devizes, SN10 1EA, or Station Road Car Park, 55 Station Road, Devizes, SN10 1BZ.

For general booking information, health and safety advice, terms and conditions please see our useful information page.

Further Information

There are no refreshments or toilets on the walk route, but plenty of options at the meeting point of Devizes town centre. The closest public toilets to the meeting point are at West Central car park, New Park Street, Devizes, SN10 1DP.

For information about the Millennium White Horse, see Wiltshire White Horses: the new Devizes white horse.

For more information about National Grid’s undergrounding work in the North Wessex Downs, see Going underground in the North Wessex Downs.

For more information on the wider Visual Impact Provision project, see National Grid.

This walk brought to you by our partner:

Roundway Hill walk © Henry Oliver