'Bloody Ditch', Beacon Hill, near Heddington. The name in the title sadly isn't to be found on the maps. Otherwise it would commemorate the deaths of a large number of cavalrymen and their horses on 13th July 1643. The chain of events that led to their demise can be found in the description of this image 1536912 Other views in or near 'Bloody Ditch' are here 1535586 and 1535578 References to 'Bloody Ditch' and the Battle of Roundway Down can readily be found by search engines. Keywords: Bloody Ditch, English Civil War, Battle of Roundway Down, Royalist victory.

Roman SiteVisit

Oliver's Castle

📷 Photo by Brian Robert Marshall · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

High above the Vale of Pewsey sits an Iron Age hillfort with views that stretch across the North Wessex Downs for miles.

The ramparts and ditches are still clearly visible, and walking around them gives you a real sense of how seriously the communities living here thousands of years ago took their defences. Rather than just reading about early British history, you're standing in it, seeing the layout and understanding the choices made by people long gone.

The fort's current name comes from the English Civil War, when it was refortified and played a strategic role, thought to be connected to Oliver Cromwell's forces. Stand at the highest point and it becomes immediately clear why different armies chose this location across different eras—the tactical advantage is obvious from every direction.

Whether you're interested in the history or simply want a good walk with expansive views, it's worth the visit. The rolling downland and open skies have their own appeal even if Iron Age earthworks aren't your main draw. There are no facilities on site, so bring water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes for the terrain. It's only a short drive from Devizes, the nearby market town, which is handy for grabbing refreshments before or after you visit.