Mere Stroll in the Park

Starting high above Mere on the B3095 where there is ample off road parking either side of the road.  You start by heading in a westerly direction on a largely level unsurfaced byway for approximately a mile before heading downhill to the south.  Here are spectacular views over the Blackmore vale as the walk descends into the large village of Mere.  After crossing above the A303, take a footpath to the right through woods which leads out to the foot of Mere Castle.  Little now remains of the former Norman stronghold but a stiff climb up its former ramparts affords fine views back to where you have come from.  You then walk along a ridge for 500 metres before heading in a north west direction for 2kms along a bridleway which can be muddy after rain. 

After passing a farm and cottages turn right at a crossing on to an old drove road, passing a clump of beech trees, the site of which witnessed the disastrous crash of a Lancaster bomber in thick fog towards the end of WWII.  After a gradual climb, you will come to a car park with a choice of paths to the top of White Sheet Hill.  Follow the BOAT which runs to the left of the car park as it continues the ascent of White Sheet and follow it round as it bears to the East past a former neolithic settlement.  Here, there are glorious views north to three of Wiltshire's highest hills, Brimsdown, Long and Little Knolls.  Continue along the byway past White Sheet hill fort to your right and retrace your steps to the start.