8 reasons to go walking in Wiltshire

Wiltshire is blessed with many walking routes, suitable for those who prefer a short ramble in the countryside to those who are looking for a challenge. Here, we give you nine reasons why you should walk in Wiltshire:

1.    You can walk through a World Heritage Site

Step back through thousands of years of history and walk in the footsteps of our ancestors by walking in the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. 

Although the exact purpose of these monuments is still debated, their alignment to the rising and setting sun has paid a part in drawing people to the area for millennia. 

From the Stonehenge visitor centre, you can pick up a walking guide that will show you further walks you can do in the landscape (as well as some of the archaeological things of interest along the way). Or, take the two mile walk from the visitor centre along the old road to the stones.

At Avebury, National Trust staff can show you the wider landscape and routes can take you to Silbury Hill, Windmill Hill or for a longer distance route, you can pick up the Ridgeway National Trail. 

It’s worth also keeping an eye out for guided walks offered by the National Trust and English Heritage in the ancient landscape here. 

2.    Discover some of our lesser-known villages

Walking is a great way to see parts of our county that you can’t see by car. Take some of the small tracks, pass through countryside and see aspects of some of our villages and hamlets that you perhaps haven’t seen before. If you are walking in the Woodford Valley, near Old Sarum, for example then you may spot camels (yes, camels!) at the Little Durnford Estate. 

3.    Take in aspects of Salisbury Plain

Salisbury Plain is one of those areas that people often drive through, not really knowing where you can and can’t walk. The presence of the red warning flags can be a bit daunting however take a look at some of our Salisbury Plain walks which show you areas that you can walk. 

As the area is used as a military training area, it is as such not farmed in the conventional way. This leads to it being particularly of interest to nature lovers, with many rare species of flora and fauna found here, including the Great Bustard! 

4.    Pick up part of the Thames Path

Follow the path of one of the country’s greatest rivers, the Thames. It meanders its way through the north of the county through the Cotswold Water Park, the town of Cricklade and marks the border of our neighbouring county, Oxfordshire. 

5.    Cross the county beside the Kennet & Avon Canal

The Kennet & Avon Canal is one of the legacies that remain from the days at the start of England’s Industrial Revolution. Linking Bristol to Reading (and subsequently to London), the canal crosses the heart of Wiltshire. The tow path lends itself to traffic free walks with peaceful surroundings. Watch the barges slowly navigate their ways along, spot wildlife and make time to stop at one of the canal-side pubs or tea rooms. 

6.    Health benefits

Of course, it must be said that there are many health benefits to walking. Not only can it help you lose weight and keep fit but can also be good for your mental health too. So press pause from your busy schedules and make time to walk in Wiltshire! 

7.    Walking festivals

If you prefer walking as part of a group, or like being guided, particularly on routes that are unfamiliar then our walking festivals could be the answer. Look out for a variety of walks held in the Bradford on Avon and Corsham annual walking festivals. 

8.    Walker-friendly places to stay

You’ll find many of our accommodation providers will be more than willing to have you to stay and some offer facilities such as areas to store your muddy boots. Don’t forget to ask our local providers their favourite walking routes and many will have maps or routes that you can borrow for your adventure. 

We hope we’ve given you some great reasons why you should go walking here in Wiltshire. If you fancy some walking routes to try out then don’t forget to check out this walking page where you’ll find downloadable walking routes as well as links to other walks you can do in the county.