Fosbury Hill Fort was constructed in the Iron Age as a defence against the Gallic Belgae tribes around the 1st century BC. It later served as a defence against the Romans following their invasion in 43 AD but the British Tribes were unable to hold back the vast army of 50,000 highly trained troops. The Romans subsequently built the road that starts at Portsmouth travelling via Andover and on through the Savernake forest to Marlborough. Despite their victory over the ancient Britains, the Romans broke with their usual ‘straight road’ strategy and wisely circumvented the ancient Hill fort, thus creating the Chute Causeway which runs round to the south.
The walk from the recommended parking place at N 51, 18.367 W 01, 31.523 is noticably uphill, but the view across the valley to the Chute Causeway on Conholt hill is well worth the effort. The Hill fort comprises a single ditch and rampart and is quite large with an approximate diameter of 400m at its widest. The majority of the inner ring and the slope to the south of the hill fort are common land with a right of way stretching from Gouyses gate at the start of the walk, through the middle of the hill fort to its northern gate and on into Oakhill Woods which eventually leads to the village of Fosbury.
Amongst the Hill Forts other claims to fame are that; a view including the open country of Fosbury hill fort is incorporated in the Vernham Dean section of the Test Valley tapestry. Additionally, in August 1997 it was host to a crop circle as shown in the background picture.
Being 'off the beaten track', the site is refreshingly quiet and the area around the hill fort is well worth exploring. Additionally, there is a trig point (TP3240) on Haydown Hill near N51, 18.507, W 01, 33.064.
The cache is a small size ammo box and contains various goodies. We hope that you enjoy it. Please note that the cache camouflage is fairly fragile so please remove and replace it as carefully as you can.
Cheers, John & The Gang.
