Badbury Hill Fort, Badbury Clump

The circular earthworks you see today are the remains of impressive defensive structures, though much of the site was levelled during the early 1800s. What's visible now are subtle banks and ditches that require a bit of imagination to picture the ancient settlement at full strength.

The walk itself is straightforward and genuinely rewarding. You'll climb through mixed woodland before emerging onto open grassland at the summit, where clear days bring views stretching across the Vale of White Horse towards the Berkshire Downs. You can understand why Iron Age peoples chose this location—the elevated position would have offered excellent visibility for spotting approaching threats or trade opportunities.

Badbury Hill carries some intriguing historical claims. Some scholars have suggested it might be the site of Mons Badonicus, the legendary 5th or 6th century battle where King Arthur supposedly defeated the Anglo-Saxons, though this remains unproven. There's also evidence of World War II use, when parts of the hill served as a training range for local resistance fighters.

A leisurely circuit takes around two hours. Faringdon town lies just a few miles away, making this an easy addition to exploring that market town and the wider area. It's the kind of walk that rewards you with both history and views without demanding too much effort.