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Walking in Wiltshire

Wiltshire has more than 7,500 paths for walkers and cyclists to explore. Whether you choose a gentle stroll or want a more challenging route, there is a network of footpaths for everyone. Walking in Wiltshire's peaceful, glorious countryside will show you rural England at its very best.

Much of Wiltshire is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and one of the best ways to explore is on foot. Prehistoric sites such as Stonehenge and Avebury, and the famous White Horse figures that have been cut into the hillsides exposing the chalk beneath, provide examples of the importance to Wiltshire of its wonderful landscape.

Below you will find a variety of great self guided walks in Wiltshire and surrounds which can be downloaded as PDF files.

LOCATION MAP - view a map showing the locations of the walks within Wiltshire.

If you are looking for a more organised guided or self guided walking break in Wiltshire, follow this link to find details of the excellent Wiltshire companies offering this service.

PLEASE NOTE - Walks 1 to 11 refer to the 'Wiltshire Bus Enquiry Line' which is no longer available. For Public Transport Timetable information please ring TRAVELINE on 0870 608 2 608 or visit the Traveline Website at www.travelinesw.com.

You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the PDFs of the walks. If you do not have it, click here to download it free of charge.

A delightful downland walk for a clear day. Part of the route is along the Ridgeway, said to be Europe's oldest road. The Iron Age hillfort of Barbury Castle is believed to be the site at which Cynric defeated the Britons in 556AD.

Download this walk as a PDF file (511 kb)

This beautiful National Trust village is one of Wiltshire's real gems. With houses dating from the 13th century, a majestic abbey and winding streets to explore, you will certainly want to set aside some extra time to explore. The abbey became the home of William Fox Talbot, pioneer of photography, and a museum commemorating his work is situated outside the abbey gates. (N.B. Being in a river valley, parts of the route may occasionally be flooded).

Download this walk as a PDF file (545 kb)

This walk includes sections along the Kennet and Avon Canal and The Wansdyke, a great bank and ditch earthwork, thought to have been constructed in the Dark Ages following Roman occupation. Some parts of the walk may be muddy and strong shoes or boots are recommended. This area is so beautiful you may well want to expand your route by continuing further along the canal to Stanton St Bernard, turning left up to Tan Hill and left again onto the Wansdyke (approx 11 1/2 miles).

Download this walk as a PDF file (578 kb)

This route takes in part of the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath, as well as Wilton Windmill, the only working windmill in Wiltshire, and the world's oldest working beam engine at Crofton Pumping Station. And it's easy walking!

Download this walk as a PDF file (533 kb)

An enjoyable and undulating walk presenting fabulous views from the northern aspect of the Imber Range Perimeter Path. Beginning in the village of Bratton, the route takes in Westbury White Horse. From the superb vantage point at the Horse, on a clear day Cherhill and Alton Barnes Horses can also be seen in the distance. For history buffs, the walk passes through 'Bratton Camp', an Iron Age hillfort.

Download this walk as a PDF file (412 kb)

West Lavington is situated in the heart of Salisbury Plain, and the village itself is so long that it has joined with the adjacent hamlet of Littleton Pannell. The first part of this walk is on the Wessex Ridgeway, which then meets the Imber Range Perimeter Path for a short while, before dropping back into the valley and returning to the village. Magnificent views across the hills, woods and villages can be savoured, along with unusual flora and fauna.

Download this walk as a PDF file (494 kb)

Shearwater Lake, a haven for fishing and sailing, lies in the Longleat Estate - at the center of which is Longleat House, a splendid stately home, open to the public along with its garden and safari park. The first part of this walk takes you around the edge of the Lake and through established open woodland. The second part is across open fields and through green lanes offering a wealth of wild flowers, butterflies and birds. The walk finishes by re-entering the estate, passing through a plantation in which there are magnificent beech trees among the conifers.

Download this walk as a PDF file (464 kb)

This walk takes in several Iron Age Hillforts that are a common feature of the chalk uplands of Wiltshire, including Scratchbury Hill - one of the finest hillforts in the area. Views from the Imber Range Perimeter Path are far ranging, particularly eastwards towards the forbidden military training grounds of Salisbury Plain.

Download this walk as a PDF file (512 kb)

A varied walk with extensive horizons exposed to the elements on the southern perimeter of Salisbury Plain. Setting out from Heytesbury the route soon ascends the massive chalk plateau. The Imber Range Perimeter Path takes you past the Iron Age Knook Barrow and Knook Castle. As the route descends into Wylye Valley, Great Ridge Wood monopolises the horizon before you reach charming Upton Lovell and on to Heytesbury - whose main street houses a delightful 13th century church and interesting 'jailhouse'.

Download this walk as a PDF file (408 kb)

A pleasant walk through fields and along tracks, which can be muddy in winter. Old Wardour Castle dates from the 14th century and was the site of two sieges in the Civil War. It features in the film 'Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves'. The Castle is in the care of English Heritage and opens daily from April to September, but weekends only in winter. New Wardour Castle was built in the Palladian manner in the 18th century and has a fine Italinate Chapel. It is not open to the public.

Download this walk as a PDF file (493 kb)

A varied walk that combines a wide range of countryside habitats with fabulous views. There are interesting churches to visit en-route and several nearby pubs for sustenance after the walk! The route takes you up Edington Hill and onto the Imber Range Perimeter Path (IRPP). Edington has its place in history as the site where King Alfred, in 878, gained a decisive victory over Danish invaders - ensuring the continuing existence of Wessex as an independent kingdom.

*This walk has been funded by Leader + Sustain the Plain initiative and the SW RDA Rural Renaissance funding.

Download this walk as a PDF file (479 kb)

Explore some of Wiltshire's finest villages and inns, delight in the natural beauty and crystal clear waters of the River Avon. Go the added mile and enjoy stunning views of Stonehenge from the tumuli at Normanton Down.

*This walk has been funded by Leader + Sustain the Plain initiative and the SW RDA Rural Renaissance funding.

Download this walk as a PDF file (460 kb)

This is a short walk with two river crossings, capturing some of the best river and architectural views of the Woodford Valley.

*This walk has been funded by Leader + Sustain the Plain initiative and the SW RDA Rural Renaissance funding.

Download this walk as a PDF file (564 kb)

Explore the Lower Avon valley taking in Old Sarum and Great Durnford on the way back to Middle Woodford.

*This walk has been funded by Leader + Sustain the Plain initiative and the SW RDA Rural Renaissance funding.

Download this walk as a PDF file (507 kb)

Visit Wilton and the tranquil tree-lined avenues of Grovely Wood. Descend into the beautiful Wylye River Valley and explore Great Wishford before returning to Wilton along the valley. This walk is particularly special in spring when carpets of bluebells light up the forest floor.

*This walk has been funded by Leader + Sustain the Plain initiative and the SW RDA Rural Renaissance funding.

Download this walk as a PDF file (592 kb)

Kennet and Avon Canal Rural Transport Partnership have produced a leaflet giving details of three walks, using the Wiggly Bus, on the Kennet and Avon Canal between Devizes and Pewsey.

Download the guide for this walk as a PDF file (776 kb)

Download the map for this walk as a PDF file (1.4 Mb)

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