Walking in Wiltshire is a delightful experience that combines picturesque landscapes with a rich tapestry of history and culture. Located in the South West of England, Wiltshire is home to iconic landmarks such as Stonehenge and Avebury, as well as vast stretches of tranquil countryside, including parts of the North Wessex Downs and the Salisbury Plain. Whether you’re looking for leisurely strolls through historic towns or challenging hikes across rolling hills, Wiltshire offers a wide array of walking opportunities.
Popular Walks in Wiltshire
1. Avebury Stone Circle
- Length: Various short walks around the stone circles and village
- Highlights: Avebury is home to one of the largest prehistoric stone circles in Europe, even bigger than Stonehenge. Walking here combines fascinating Neolithic history with charming countryside. You can extend your walk to include Silbury Hill and the West Kennet Long Barrow for a full day of exploration.
2. The Ridgeway
- Length: 87 miles in total, with the western end starting in Wiltshire
- Highlights: Often described as Britain’s oldest road, The Ridgeway National Trail follows ancient routes and drovers’ paths along the chalk ridges and downland of southern England. In Wiltshire, it passes through the Avebury World Heritage Site, offering stunning views and a journey through time.
3. Salisbury Plain
- Length: Various routes, but accessibility can vary due to its use as a military training area
- Highlights: Known for its extensive chalk grassland and significant archaeological sites, Salisbury Plain offers unique walking experiences. It’s important to respect all military signs and notices when planning walks in this area.
4. The Wessex Ridgeway
- Length: 137 miles in total, with significant sections in Wiltshire
- Highlights: This trail extends from Marlborough Downs in Wiltshire to the Dorset coast. It traverses diverse landscapes including downland, woodland, and river valleys, providing stunning views and a rich sense of history.
5. Castle Combe Circuit
- Length: About 6 miles
- Highlights: Starting from one of England’s prettiest villages, this circular walk explores the surrounding woodlands and countryside. Castle Combe itself is well worth exploring, with its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and idyllic setting.
6. Stourhead Landscape Garden
- Length: Various paths around the estate
- Highlights: Located on the Wiltshire-Somerset border, Stourhead is famed for its world-class landscape garden. Walking routes around the lake and through adjacent woodlands offer views of classical temples, mystical grottoes, and the magnificent Palladian mansion.
Tips for Walking in Wiltshire
- Prepare for the Weather: Wiltshire can have unpredictable weather, so it’s advisable to wear suitable clothing and carry waterproof gear, especially when walking on the open downs.
- Respect the Environment: Stick to the marked paths, especially in protected areas and near historical sites, to preserve the natural and historical integrity of the landscape.
- Check Access Restrictions: When planning walks on Salisbury Plain or near other military areas, check for any access restrictions due to military training.
- Local Amenities: Many walking routes in Wiltshire are rural, so plan your walks to pass through or end near villages where you can find pubs, cafes, and restrooms.
- Navigation: Carry a detailed map or GPS device, especially when exploring more remote areas or following less well-marked trails.
Walking in Wiltshire not only offers a chance to enjoy breathtaking landscapes but also provides a deep connection with England’s ancient and medieval past. Whether you’re meandering through neolithic stone circles, exploring historic villages, or enjoying the serene beauty of the countryside, Wiltshire provides a walking experience that is both enriching and memorable.
- Walks from Alderton
- Walks from Amesbury
- Walks from Avebury
- Walks from Bagshot
- Walks from Box
- Walks from Burbage
- Walks from Compton
- Walks from Corston
- Walks from Cross Keys
- Walks from Devizes
- Walks from Ford
- Walks from Frome
- Walks from Fyfield
- Walks from Greenwich
- Walks from Henley
- Walks from Knowle
- Walks from Lacock
- Walks from Leigh
- Walks from Market Lavington
- Walks from Milford
- Walks from Nettleton
- Walks from Nomansland
- Walks from Normanton
- Walks from Notton
- Walks from Salisbury
- Walks from Stapleford
- Walks from Swindon
- Walks from Upton
- Walks from West Lavington
| Walking Trail | Distance |
|---|---|
| Avon Valley Path (Hampshire to Dorset) | 55 km / 34 miles |
| Bradford on Avon Wheel – Inner | 10 km / 6 miles |
| Bradford on Avon Wheel – Outer | 37 km / 23 miles |
| Clarendon Way | 43 km / 27 miles |
| Great Stones Way | 74 km / 46 miles |
| Great Stones Way Avebury Loop | 6 km / 4 miles |
| Great Stones Way Stonehenge Loop | 14 km / 9 miles |
| Great Stones Way White Horse Trail Route | 10 km / 6 miles |
| Hardy Way | 349 km / 217 miles |
| Imber Range Perimeter Path | 48 km / 30 miles |
| Kennet and Avon Canal Walk | 151 km / 94 miles |
| Land’s End Trail | 488 km / 303 miles |
| Macmillan Way – Boston to Abbotsbury | 467 km / 290 miles |
| Mid Wilts Way | 109 km / 68 miles |
| Monarch’s Way | 946 km / 588 miles |
| North Wiltshire Rivers Route | 40 km / 25 miles |
| Palladian Way | 190 km / 118 miles |
| Ridgeway National Trail | 136 km / 85 miles |
| Sarum Way | 50 km / 31 miles |
| Stour Valley Way (Dorset) | 97 km / 60 miles |
| Tan Hill Way | 19 km / 12 miles |
| Thames and Severn Way | 69 km / 43 miles |
| Thames Path National Trail | 296 km / 184 miles |
| Three Downs Link | 164 km / 102 miles |
| Wansdyke Path | 21 km / 13 miles |
| Wessex Ridgeway | 221 km / 137 miles |
| White Horse Trail | 151 km / 94 miles |
| White Horse Trail via Wansdyke | 16 km / 10 miles |