This circular route combines sweeping chalk downland views along the ridge-top Ox Drove with long, Roman-straight forest paths through the peaceful expanse of Vernditch Chase. It’s a gently undulating walk on well-defined paths – broad open stretches with panoramic views, broken up by cool, shady woodland. A great choice for a hot day.
The walk naturally divides in two at a road crossing in the middle – a handy point to shorten the route if you wish. The right-hand loop is one of our go-to shorter walks, and this version simply extends it for a satisfying day hike. If you’re after the shorter option, just turn right at the halfway road and follow it for a few minutes straight back to the car. Perhaps return another day to explore the second half!
A word of warning: the long, straight stretch through Vernditch Chase can be wet – even in summer. Unless there’s been an exceptionally dry spell, some sections still require good footwear and a bit of care. In winter, it’s definitely a wellies-or-bust affair.
There’s plenty of off-road parking at Cow Down Hill to start the walk. The descent from the Ox Drove into the Middleton Down Nature Reserve leads you down into a hidden, folded valley. While the reserve loop isn’t necessary for the route, I really recommend adding it – especially in summer, when the slopes are alive with wildflowers. We always plan our picnic stop there.
When we reached the road crossing at Pribdean Wood, we were eaten by horseflies – so pack the insect repellent if it’s warm.
The final straight track runs parallel to the Ox Drove above the Shire Rack. It does save you from a road stretch past Middle Chase Farm, but be warned – it’s dead straight, with high hedges on both sides, and can feel a bit monotonous. On a hot day, I’d opt for the higher Ox Drove path to catch a breeze and soak in the views.
Much of the walk has that timeless green lane feel. One section, marked on the map as a hedge-boundary path, turned out to be a beautiful old track heading towards Cobley Farm – ancient and inviting.
And what looked on the map like a modest copse beside Middle Chase Farm revealed itself to be a curving path through a towering, cathedral-like stand of forest – one of the walk’s quiet highlights.
