National Grid’s landmark project to remove 10 pylons from Roundway Hill near Devizes is now underway, with construction due to complete and the pylons removed in 2026. Join members of the National Grid team undertaking the project for this afternoon walk exploring Roundway Hill, including the site of the Civil War Battle of Roundway Down and the Iron Age hillfort, Oliver’s Castle.

Discover why and how 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.

Learn about the ecology and archaeology work that has enabled the project, and find out about how the local community can get involved through National Grid’s community grant programme.

Walk leader/organisation: Stuart Fox, National Grid

BOOK NOW

Walk information

  • Booking: Free – Booking essential – 20 places
  • Distance & approximate duration: 5 miles (8 km) – 3.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate (more challenging, for keen/active walkers).
  • Accessibility: Suitable for older children (12+). Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult (see useful information). Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams/pushchairs.
  • Dogs: No dogs.
  • Refreshments: Bring snacks and drinks as needed. There are no places to purchase refreshments on the route (see below).
  • Toilets: There are no toilets on the route (see below).
  • Meeting point: Millennium White Horse car park, Roundway, Devizes, SN10 2HZ. What3Words: wiggling.dusty.picture. OS grid reference: SU 014 641. Google Maps.
  • Public transport: None available. Nearest public transport in Devizes, about two miles away.
  • Parking: Free public parking at Millennium White Horse car park, Roundway, Devizes SN10 2HZ.

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

Further information

There are refreshments (pubs, shops, cafés) and toilets in Devizes town centre, about 2 miles from the meeting point.

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

The National Grid’s work on Roundway Hill is part of its national Visual Impact Provision project, which aims to enhance landscapes where National Grid’s transmission infrastructure crosses National Landscapes and National Parks. The project near Devizes in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape is one of only five such projects in England and Wales. For further information, see National Grid.

This walk brought to you by our partner:

Roundway Hill walk © Ann Shepley