I found this tiny nature reserve on the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust website when I was looking for places to visit near Marlborough and Savernake Forest. I am always on the lookout for places that are not well known, which is in keeping with this sites ethos to explore "hidden Wiltshire".
At less than one hectare in size it is extremely small and there isn't any signage at the site to indicate there is anything of note. It is actually a small section of dismantled railway, which can clearly be seen from the road as there are two bridge abutments on either side, and an elevated section where the track used to be which can be accessed via some steps.
The Trust bought the land from British Rail in 1988 for the princely sum of £1, and although the land grows wild it is cut back and cultivated in the middle, allowing you to walk through and see the wild flowers.
It is a quiet and peaceful place, with great views across to Pewsey Vale and Martinsell Hill and is worth a visit if you are passing through the area. Unfortunately there was a strong wind on the day I visited which limited the aerial footage as my drone was nearly blown away but hopefully you can get the essence of the place from my photos. But sadly there is no video of this location for this blog post.
Access Information
Directions from Marlborough and a reserve leaflet can be found here: Hat Gate