Top 10 Places To Walk in Wiltshire

Love walking? Enjoy getting out in the fresh air? Don those walking boots and explore some of our top places to walk in Wiltshire.

1. The Kennet & Avon Canal

Crossing the heart of Wiltshire, enjoy either a long distance walk or take shorter walks along the canal. As well as the wealth of wildlife the canal offers, look out for landmarks including Caen Hill Locks and Crofton Pumping Station as well as some pretty towns and villages. You’ll find plenty of refreshments stops en route too including canal side pubs and tea rooms.

See the Wiltshire Walks Kennet & Avon canal walk map.

2. Westbury White Horse

For some spectacular views across west Wiltshire journey up to the Westbury White Horse. From Bratton Hill you can not only look across to Wiltshire’s oldest remaining White Horse but you can see the old Iron Age hill fort of Bratton Camp. There are several walks that you can do in the area including parts of the Imber Perimeter Walk.

See the Wiltshire Walks Westbury White Horse map.

3. The Stonehenge Landscape

Much of the land around Stonehenge is under the care of the National Trust. Visitors to the new visitor centre can choose to take one of the land trains to the famous stones or to walk across the ancient landscape (a journey of approximately 2 miles). Walk to the cursus, the Avenue and if you are feeling more energetic then extend your walk to encompass Woodhenge. Various walks are available to download from the National Trust website.

See the Wiltshire Walks Stonehenge landscape map.

4. The Wessex Ridgeway

The Wessex Ridgeway is a long distance walking path that passes through Wiltshire. Enjoy sections of the Ridgeway near to Avebury Stone Circle and taking in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

See the Wiltshire Walks Wessex Ridgeway map.

5. The Avon Valley Path

Beginning in Salisbury, the Avon Valley Path is a 34 mile route that ends in Christchurch. The first section of the walk takes you from Salisbury towards Downton where you’ll pass chalk downland, pretty villages and water meadows.

See the Wiltshire Walks Avon Valley Path map.

6. Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs

This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies in the south west of Wiltshire. There are ample walking opportunities here taking in some of the quintessentially English villages, stunning countryside and iconic sites like Old Wardour Castle.

See the Wiltshire Walks Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs map.

7. Malmesbury

The town of Malmesbury is circled by the River Avon. From the Malmesbury Information Centre pick up a guide to the river walks that you can do around the town. Pass Abbey House Gardens, St Aldhem’s Mead and take in views of this spectacular hilltop town.

See the Wiltshire Walks Malmesbury map.

8. Stourhead Gardens

Enjoy a walk around the perimeter of the famous lake at Stourhead and take in views of the temples and grottoes that dot the landscape as well as the seasonally changing colours of the trees and flowers here. Keen walkers will enjoy wider walks on the Stourhead Estate.

9. Shearwater Lake

Within the Longleat estate you’ll find Shearwater Lake. Enjoy short walks on the lakeside or extended walks taking in the wider estate. For spectacular views, head on the route to Heaven’s Gate.

See the Wiltshire Walks Shearwater Lake map.

10. Roundway Down

Roundway Down was the scene of a battle during the English Civil War and is located near to Devizes. Forming part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you will enjoy sweeping views across the Wiltshire countryside here.

See the Wiltshire Walks Roundway Down map.

These are just some of the many walks on offer across Wiltshire. Find out more about walking in Wiltshire.