Our verdict
No set footpaths here — you're free to wander the grass as you like, which suits a slow wildflower walk better than a there-and-back route march. Time it for May if orchids and gentians are the draw.
Steeply sloping chalk downland close to Aldbourne, lightly grazed and never 'improved' with fertiliser, which has left it rich in wildflowers. Bought by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in 1998 largely to protect its population of the nationally scarce early gentian, alongside fragrant, common spotted and pyramidal orchids and clouds of blue chalk milkwort in May.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust reserve — free to explore on foot; many are dog-free to protect wildlife.