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Hiking in Wiltshire is the best way to get a taste of the great British countryside. Endless fields, rolling hills and friendly locals are but a few of the highlights here. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Wiltshire, then going for a long walk should be at the top of your list.
Wiltshire walks are some of my favourites. Why? Because I’m from Wiltshire! If there’s one thing I know, it’s that Wiltshire is a great place for walking. We’ve got the best of the English countryside here, and I’d love for you to discover why for yourself.
There are so many great places to visit via walking in Wiltshire. You can go and see filming locations for well known TV and film productions, such as Castle Combe and Lacock. There are historic areas you can visit, such as Avebury and Stonehenge and enjoy stunning scenery and adventures county-wide.
Looking for inspiration for your Wiltshire walking adventure? Read on!
North Wiltshire Walks
Northern Wiltshire contains a smattering of towns and villages surrounded on all sides by fabulous footpaths through classic English vistas. Here, you’ve got your thatched roofs and farm animals, picture perfect and great for the ‘gram. The largest towns in northern Wiltshire are Malmesbury, Chippenham, Calne and Corsham, which are great bases if you’re after a scenic holiday. Picturesque villages nearby such as Castle Combe and Lacock are well worth incorporating into your hiking adventures.
Biddestone Walks
OS Explorer Map – 156
Biddestone is a gorgeous Cotswold village, the perfect start to any walk. There plenty of paths for you to explore in the surrounding area, ample room for parking… and a pub. It’s one of my favourite places on Earth to visit, and I’m lucky that it’s close to home.
Park next to the village green, or by the church (be careful not to block any driveways) and pick your path! I recommend heading west along Weavern Lane towards the Macmillan Way. The Macmillan Way long-distance footpath was devised to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Relief. It’s a 467km / 290 mile route connecting Boston in Lincolnshire to Abbotsbury in Dorset.
While I can imagine the full Macmillan Way will be a stretch for even a seasoned walker, this small part of the trail is stunning. It’s far enough away from busy civilisation for you to really relax and embrace the slower mode of transport that are your own two legs.
As seen on your map, the yellow lanes are usually fairly quiet, and perfectly safe to walk along. The orange road through the heart of Biddestone is a shortcut for local drivers. Be careful and pay attention if you choose to walk along it, especially at rush hours. You have enough space to walk along the village green, so don’t worry too much about the traffic.
AWW Top Tip: Patronise the local pub to help support a local business – there’s nothing like sitting outside watching the ducks from the village pond go about their day.
Castle Combe Walks
OS Explorer Map – 156
Castle Combe is the English village of dreams. It’s been host to some big blockbuster films, including the old Dr Dolittle films (with Rex Harrison), Stardust, and my personal favourite, War Horse. I was fortunate enough to witness the filming, even managing to catch a glimpse of Steven Spielberg (and eat some of the set food – which do you think I preferred?)
Walks around Castle Combe are top notch. It’s a local village for me, and one that I revisit time and again to get my fill of fresh air and to clear my mind. The Macmillan Way passes through here, so if you fancy a long straightforward route, then link it to Biddestone. The walk along the valley is one of my favourites, and it’s easy to make it a shorter circuit route, heading along the yellow road back to Castle Combe. Be sure to practice decent road sense though!
Another favourite Castle Combe route heads out west to the charming little village of Nettleton, taking in a stud with gorgeous horses before heading back along the Macmillan way to your starting point. There’s a couple of good pubs in Castle Combe to choose from upon your return. My personal favourite is The White Hart – not to be confused with The White Hart in nearby Ford.
AWW Top Tip: Head out early for perfect pictures in the village without the tourists. There’s a large free carpark to the north of the village. Castle Combe doesn’t have any unsightly features such as telegraph poles since it’s a prime location for period productions.
Lacock Walks
OS Explorer Map – 156
What does Wolf Hall, Cranford, Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, The Other Boleyn Girl, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and the Harry Potter movies all share? Scenes shot in Lacock, that’s what! You may never have heard of Lacock, but you’ve probably seen it. Like Castle Combe it’s a top-notch location for your favourite films and period TV shows. Lacock is the perfect place to stretch your legs. With the National Trust property Lacock Abbey at its east end and its movie pedigree, this is a photogenic village with an old-timey feel.
There are plenty of walks in the surrounding area. You can park in Lacock itself, or in the carpark, though payment is required if you’re not a National Trust member. There are also options along the road at Reybridge or towards Bowden Hill for spectacular views.
A circular route from the top of Bowden Hill (which has a small area to park) to the southeast takes in part of the Spye Park estate, where they keep some beautiful and friendly horses. If you’re heading north instead, there are some great options for a circuit towards Derry Hill, taking in fab views and a nice section of easily navigable woodland.
From a Lacock or Reybridge starting point, there are public footpaths in every direction, with the chance for a decent view of the Abbey if you don’t want to visit the actual grounds.
Lacock itself is full of tearooms and good pubs, so make a stop while you’re there! It might be a good idea to book in advance during peak season, as it’s a prime tourist stop. If you want to make like a local, head up the hill to The Rising Sun for good food and vast views.
AWW Fun Fact: Did you know that Lacock was the birthplace of modern photography? It was where Henry Fox Talbot invented the negative. Head to Lacock Abbey if you want to find out more. I used to be a room guide there, so I can vouch for it being well worth a visit.
Malmesbury Walks
OS Explorer Map – 168
There are loads of walks around Malmesbury, once a market town and royal borough. It became a centre for learning in the Middle Ages, focused around the Abbey there. The Abbey is a rare survivor from the dissolution of the monasteries (thanks Henry VIII 🙄).
I can affirm that it’s a great little town with some fab shops to pop into during or after your walk (or before if you’re feeling indulgent). Your walking options here include anything from a short loop in the fields around town, to walks further afield, taking in local villages.
End your circuit with some yummy food to eat in or takeaway. A personal favourite is the Italian La Campagna, and I’ve always fancied popping into The Birdcage. The bakery opposite is a must-stop if you’re after a picnic lunch. There’s also a handy co-op if you’re after something more budget-friendly.
AWW Fun Fact: On your map, you’ll see a dead-straight road, marked for the most part by the green crosses indicative of a byway (open to all traffic). This is the famous Fosse Way, a Roman road known for being one of the straightest of their straight roads in Britain. It runs all the way from Exeter, Devon in the southwest of the country to Lincoln in the northeast. It’s still visible and in use (compared with the roman road found to the south of Lacock on OS Explorer map 156, which can no longer be seen in places.) The Fosse Way marked the western frontier of the early Roman province. “Fosse” is derived from the Latin “fossa” for ditch, since there was likely a defensive construction running alongside.
Roundway Down & White Horse Walks
OS Explorer Map – 156/157
I once decided to commit to a late-night photography excursion on a cold November night to watch the sunset here. Despite the freezing cold, I decided to get up early the next morning to catch the sunrise. I am firmly not a morning person so this proved to be an Excursion for me (with a capital E).
It was completely worth it, for I got there just as the sun was rising, the birds started singing, and the vast plateau below me was blanketed in a vast swirling vortex of mist. It was truly magical. I bumped into a local (even more local than me) who told me that he’d never seen anything like this in all his years living here.
I like to believe that there’s a rhyme and reason to life. Whatever pulled me to Beacon Hill that evening and morning had a treat in store for me.
While I cannot guarantee an awe-inspiring weather phenomenon for you, I can tell you that the views there are spectacular. The sentinel trees that stand along the crest of Oliver’s Castle Fort attract birds of prey, and miles of land spread out before you.
Nearby Roundway Hill Covert is a gorgeous little wood, at the south end with views over Devizes. A vast high-level and largely barren area to the east beckons, with long angular trails that bring the horizon closer to you.
Head to the car park by the fort to begin with. As an alternative, head through Heddington, past Hill Cottage to the right (west) and at the end of the yellow road. That’s where I head if I’m going up there.
AWW Top Tip: Head there for sunrise in autumn or winter to catch the light coming over the hills. You’ll be more likely to catch the mist rolling off the hills to the lower plains, which is utterly, spectacular.
East Wiltshire Walks
Eastern Wiltshire is full of history: ancient history. From the vast plateaus of the Marlborough Downs and the mysterious energy of the Avebury stone circle, walking in the east of Wiltshire is guaranteed to put you in some-kind of mood (aliens and portals to other dimensions anyone?)
Now I’m personally not a believer of the ET thread I’ve started here, but I must like the energy or something , since I return time and again. I’ve summed up the walks you can do, and my feelings about them below, so keep on reading…
Avebury Walks
OS Explorer Map – 157
Avebury walks through the ancient landscape here are unlike other walks you’ll find in Wiltshire. Avebury is a village surrounding the famed stone circle found here. Think of it as Stonehenge’s less popular, but friendlier cousin.
Avebury stone circle is set among a flat plain and walking here can be rather trying if you’re after more interesting views. To the north it’s mostly flat, though Windmill Hill to the northwest offers a brief respite, with views over the surrounding area. It is well worth a visit, knowing that you are on sacred ground.
Honestly, I could write an entire post on the history of this area, and I probably will at some point. Walking-wise, you’re not short of choice here, indeed the 157 map contains mostly footpaths at a quick glance! To the south you can pick up the Wansdyke Path and the Wessex Ridgeway.
AWW Top Tip: End your walk with a visit to the sacred stones. Pop into the local rock shops to select a special keepsake imbued with the ancient energy of the stones. The pub here is great too if that’s more your thing, but it can get busy, so call ahead and book.
Savernake Forest Walks
OS Explorer Map – 157
Savernake Forest is a 2,750 acre Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is a registered important historic park and there are plenty of gorgeous old trees to be found on your adventures here. You can find the Big Bellied Oak, one of the country’s oldest trees, alongside the A346.
Forest walks can be so peaceful, providing a valuable injection of nature to calm your nerves and clear your mind. In fact, the Japanese practice the art of “shinrin yoku”, or “forest bathing” for those of us not well versed in the languages of the Orient. It’s an ancient practice extolling the virtues of resting and resetting oneself in nature. I find trees to be calming, grounding beings, but as a solo hiker, I’m not too keen on heading off alone. Perhaps you’ll discover you feel differently, so if you’re looking to try solo hiking in a forest, give this a go, since there will be other people around if you’re not a fan.
Located close to the town of Marlborough, there are loads of trails to explore, with smaller copses to the east. Walking in Savernake Forest is a great choice for either a paired, group or solo walk. While I’m personally not a huge fan of solo walking in forests, I do recommend you try it once.
There are a myriad of routes and trails throughout Savernake Forest, so choosing a route won’t be hard. If you fancy going with the flow, then go where your feet take you. Just make sure you either periodically check where you are on your map, or make sure you have phone signal!
AWW Fun Fact: It is believed that Savernake Forest holds the highest concentration of veteran trees in Europe. Quite a feat, considering how many forests there must be on the wider continent!
Devizes Walks
OS Explorer Map – 156/157. Devizes is right on the edge of these maps, so if you’re heading west 156 is for you. The OS Map 157 is for walkers headed east.
The canal at Devizes takes in Caen Hill locks. This is a mostly flat, gentle route following the Kennet and Avon Canal, from Reading in the east, to Bristol in the west. Now I’m not saying to walk all of that, but a route from Devizes is well worth ticking off.
According to Google maps, walking from Devizes to Bradford on Avon takes upwards of 4 hours. If you have the luxury of a lift, this is definitely an option. Alternatively, opt for following your route back to the start (if you have the luxury of time) or do a longer circuitous route via the surrounding footpaths.
I find walking next to canals a calming and meditative experience. I love the simplicity that living on narrow boats seems to yield, though it’s not something I see myself doing. It could be rather boring if you’re after a variety of terrain and scenery in your route, but if you fancy an easy route, consider the canal.
AWW Top Tip: Caen Hill locks is a group of 29 locks and is one of the longest continuous flights of locks in the country. It’s a scheduled ancient monument and well worth checking out!
Marlborough Downs Walks
OS Explorer Map – 157
Walking on the Marlborough Downs is to give yourself over to space and the intangible necessity of freedom. A solo hike here transports you back through the mists of time. You are standing upon the same plain and seeing the same views as our ancient ancestors. There’s really no feeling like it. Though the landscape remains largely barren and, I imagine, unchanged from early days, it’s this feeling that keeps me coming back.
You can join up long, sweeping paths here. There is only your whim and motivation to guide you. It’s hard to get lost, though bear in mind that distances can be longer than you realise.
I would say that this is a great place to build up stamina. I have the distracting habit of taking too many photos (as a photographer I just can’t help it!). Since there’s not much going on here in terms of interesting focal points, it’s the perfect place to pound along. Simply taking in the vast horizons here (for England that is – I know that it might not compare to foreign plateaus) is enough. If you’re training for a specific event or challenge, or out to improve your fitness levels, this is the place to come.
Start either in the National Trust carpark in Avebury itself, or one of the parking places along the ridgeway. If starting in Avebury, prepare for a bit of a trek to get to the ridge. When you can see for miles around, distance has a funny way of becoming warped
AWW Fun Fact: You may notice that the Downs are littered with sarsen stones. What are sarsen stones? Well, that’s a little contested, but the name may orginate from the Anglo Saxon “sar sten”, indicative of a troublesome stone, or from “saracen”, meaning foreign or alien. Locally, and on your map, they go by the name of “grey wethers” due to their similarity to sheep in the half-light. If you’re interested in geography, then this short article on their composition and history will be right up your alley.
http://www.avebury-web.co.uk/dryvalls.html
South Wiltshire Walks
Salisbury
OS Explorer Map – 130
Salisbury is a city well versed in history, from a site of pilgrimage to the recent, more tragic events of the poisonings, Salisbury will stay in the books. Originally Old Sarum, then New Sarum, before adopting its current moniker, it passed through Viking and Norman hands and became an important centre for music in the 18th Century.
Old Sarum, the (very) old town is definitely worth a wander around if you like taking in your historical surroundings on a walk. However, your options for a longer excursion are limited if you decide to start there.
The Monarch’s Way slices across the landscape to the north of the city, with plenty of options for a circular route. A Roman road cuts diagonally across the city, but the south west side looks most interesting to explore. There are loads of old tracks, called droves, in this area, including a conspicuous one heading west from Salisbury.
Droves, or drovers roads, are the names for routes intended for driving livestock on foot between places, such as to market or between pastures for the summer and winter. The word drove refers to a group of animals driven or moving as one. Many of these tracks are ancient routes, but just how ancient no one knows. Others date back to medieval times or are perhaps more recent.
Given the surrounding landscape, which includes Stonehenge to the north, I reckon these tracks are ancient. What could be a better place to explore than in the footsteps of people from the distant past?
Regardless of where you wish to go, the 130 OS Explorer map is full of long tracks, so get planning!
AWW Fun Fact: The city of Salisbury is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Stourton
OS Explorer Map – 142
To the west of Stourton is a huge wooded area, with plenty of potential for fab walks. The Macmillan Way heads through it to the west, and there are plenty of options for walks in the surrounding area if you’d prefer to stay clear of the woods, or more types of landscape.
Stourhead is a National Trust property nearby that extends into Somerset, walks in and around Stourhead take in the borders of Wiltshire and Somerset.
The National Trust grounds themselves contain enough space for a pleasant amble, though the carpark requires either a membership, or payment. The good thing about leaving your car here, is that it’s probably safer than parking on the side of a road somewhere. Plus, when you’re back, you’ve got a café or a farm shop at your disposal (the Pilton cider is GREAT, if a little expensive!)
If you are a fan of landscape and nature photography, then you’ll be in heaven here. I myself am an avid landscape and macro photographer. I love the points of interest in the garden, the flowers, bees and butterflies of the more formal house gardens.
A visit to the house is worth it, if you’re so inclined, for the epic large-scale paintings alone. Head west across the grass to begin a circuit of the lake. This can also be the beginning of a longer hike, taking in Alfred’s Tower for a nice 11+km hike.
If you’re not into planning your own route, or looking for recommendations, then search the area on Google, the Ordnance Survey site, or the Komoot app.
AWW Top Tip: National Trust places can be expensive to get in to, so if you’re on a budget perhaps opt to forgo entering the Stourhead grounds. Alternatively, the National Trust is a charity and directly benefits from donations and membership prices.
A membership is only £72 a year for 1 person (£120 for 2 adults), which is £6 a month, so you could always consider joining to help protect our historic places. National Trust properties are great starting points for further exploration!
Old Wardour Castle
OS Explorer Map –
Old Wardour Castle is one of my favourite castles in the UK. It’s up there with Raglan, situated just over the English/Welsh border. I don’t know why I love Wardour so much, other than it’s one of the settings in one of my favourite films, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. It’s one of the movies I revisit time and again; I found it comforting in its familiarity.
The castle ruin and grounds themselves are an English Heritage property, so prices are high to get in. If you’re a history buff and have come far to get here, I would say it’s worth splurging out to get in, perhaps pack a lunch though, to save you some £££.
There’s a great 11+km route that starts at the old castle and takes in both the old and new castles. It’s purportedly a fab trek at all times of the year, so what are you waiting for? Grab your boots!
AWW Fun Fact: Old Wardour Castle was used in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves as Robin’s father’s castle. It’s one of my favourite films of all time and the reason why I love this castle so much!
West Wiltshire Walks
Bradford -on-Avon
OS Explorer Map – 156
Bradford-on-Avon can be traced back to Roman times. It’s a charming little village full of fab food and shops, if you care to get a little distracted. Check facebook to see whether Evie’s Mac and Cheese van is in town while you’re there – they do the best burgers and dirty fries!
Bradford on Avon is a charming town I revisit again and again with my family. A nice little walk begins along the river, to the aqueduct and a fab pub, then back again along the canal. A longer route can of course be done, and there are routes around the surrounding area that make the most of the countryside views.
Make your own way using your OS explorer map, or check out this fab website for ideas to get you started.
AWW Top Tip: Check out the huge local tithe barn, where tithes from the local area used to be stored. Tithes were essentially the taxes of ye oldy days and local people would pay them in kind, such as agricultural produce. A tithe is a one-tenth part of a contribution paid to a religious organisation, in this case the church, or a compulsory government tax. Today, tithes are usually voluntary and paid in the form of money.
Colerne
OS Explorer Map – 156
Starting your walk from Colerne, a village on a high plateau, footpaths fan out in every direction. My favourite one is heading out north-east to Euridge Manor Farm, then back down south-east, before heading back round to Colerne.
Alternatively, you could head south towards Box, and pick up the Macmillan Way for a longer circuit walk. End in the pub, or with a snack from the corner shop. Park on the side of the road, where there’s usually space, and head off on your hike!
The surrounding countryside here is utterly gorgeous, and really makes me glad that northern Wiltshire is my home! It’s a little hilly, but the views are so worth it, you won’t mind. It makes the added muscle gain easy-peasy.
AWW Fun Fact: Look out for Euridge Manor Farm, which has wonderful views down the valley. I think it’s my dream home, so if there’s a “For Sale” sign, let me know!
Bratton Camp and Westbury White Horse
OS Explorer Map – 143
Situated right on the northern edge of the Danger Area of Salisbury Plain, used for military training,
Bratton Camp is an Iron Age hilltop fort, while Westbury White Horse on the west side was cut in the 1600s. Bratton Camp was built 2,000 years ago. There is evidence that 3,000 years ago a Neolithic long barrow existed here. It is believed that the white horse was cut to commemorate the Battle of Ethandun in AD 878.
The Battle of Ethandun (also called the Battle of Edington) was a clash between the kingdom of Wessex under Alfred the Great and the Great Heathen Army of the Danish Viking king Guthrum. It took place between the 6th and 12th of May in 878. Alfred led the Wessexians (I made that up!) to victory, leading to the Treaty of Wedmore. This demanded that Guthrum be baptised and leave Wessex with his army.
I love chalk grasslands as they’re such a distinctive eco-system. Not as barren as they first seem, they support a variety of insects, such as the rare Adonis Blue butterfly and the forester moth.
You can pick up the Wessex Ridgeway here, the White Horse Trail or the Imber Range Perimeter Path. Take care to not stray into the Danger Area, because live ammunition is used and sometimes unexploded ordnance is still about. It’s easy enough to create a circular walk around this area by joining up footpaths. Perhaps give the entire Perimeter Path a miss though… unless you’re up for a challenge! It’s 30 miles / 50km if you’re interested.
AWW Top Tip: There’s a free car park adjacent to the hillfort from which you can start your walk. Grab a picnic lunch from nearby Westbury, or finish with a meal there. There’s also a pub in nearby Bratton if you fancy it.
Walking in Wiltshire App
Walking in Wiltshire is not complete without downloading the Wiltshire Walks App. A collection of walks and hikes around the county, use this as a handy guide to get started with some simple walks.
- 200 walks
- GPS pointer guides you, with no internet required
- You can filter down to find walks you want
- 30 day free trial
- I love to see that they’re crediting the image creators
- Available on the Apple Store and Google Play
Downside –
- It costs after the trial period – £1.99 a month or £14.99 a year
Sarsen Trail – Special Mention
A special mention goes to one of my favourite hikes of all time: the Sarsen Trail. A north to south 26-mile route from Avebury to Stonehenge, organised by and hiked in aid of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Unfortunately, as of 2019, this iconic hike has been discontinued. ☹
Don’t fret though! Because new challenge events are in development. Sign up to the Wiltshire Wildlife newsletter to stay ahead of new developments, or watch this space…
Visit Wiltshire
I love Wiltshire and always will. To me it’s home, lending a comforting familiarity wherever I happen to wander within this county. I am fortunate enough to currently be based by some gorgeous Cotswold villages that are worthy of Hollywood blockbusters!
I would love to know which Wiltshire walks you love, or which areas you’d love to visit. Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time fellow Wiltshire wanderers!
Jenni
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