The Manger

Below White Horse Hill is the dramatic sweep of a steep sided dry valley, known as the Manger; a natural amphitheatre. Ripples in the eastern valley side are known as the Giants Stairs and are a reminder of how the valley was created by scouring melt-water during the retreat of the last Ice Age. A terrace along the lower edge of the western slopes is thought to be the remains of medieval farming practice, or alternatively were used for early farming after being formed by natural processes. Local legend tells that the White Horse grazes at The Manger during the night, before returning to its position on the hillside before sunrise. Cheese Rolling once took place on the steep sides of The Manger during festivities held every seven years whilst The White Horse was scoured and re-cut.