Berkshire Downs, Chalk hill chain in Berkshire, England
Berkshire Downs is a chalk hill chain running from east to west with a steep northern slope facing the Vale of White Horse. The southern edge is marked by the River Kennet, which forms a natural boundary for the hills.
The region was called Æscesdūn during Anglo-Saxon times and hosted the Battle of Ashdown in 871 between Saxon and Danish forces. This conflict marked a major moment in the struggle for control of early medieval England.
The ancient Ridgeway path runs across these hills, linking prehistoric sites and the Uffington White Horse carved into the chalk slope. This route shows how people have walked and traveled through this landscape for thousands of years.
The hills are easy to navigate and offer many paths for walking and exploration across different routes. The well-drained pastures make walking straightforward and the area is accessible year-round.
The Goring Gap is a cut carved by the River Thames that separates the Berkshire Downs from the Chiltern Hills to the east. This natural opening creates a striking transition between two different hill landscapes.
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