STEVE DAVISON / Whitehorse Hill, Oxfordshire


Whitehorse Hill - OS ref: SU 300 864 (access from the Ridgeway National Trail) - the highest point in Oxfordshire at 262m, is home to the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and the galloping outline of the Uffington White Horse. Although first mentioned in a medieval manuscript, recent dating techniques have shown that this remarkable chalk figure was carved around 3000 years ago during the Bronze Age. We may know the age of the carving with some degree of accuracy, but as to its purpose, we’ll


probably never really know; however, it’s a magical spot to sit a while and wonder who has been this way before. The views stretch north across the Vale of White Horse; north-east to the distant Chiltern Hills; south-east over the rolling Lambourn Downs; and south-west to the Iron Age hill forts of Liddington Castle and Barbury Castle. Just below is the small, flat-topped mound of Dragon Hill, where St George is reputed to have killed the dragon; the steep-sided coombe, or dry valley, just to the west is known as The Manger, and legend has it that the White Horse goes there to feed. And in case you’re wondering, the best view of the white horse is from the air.


www.steve-davison.co.uk 8 Outdoor focus | spring 2017


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