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Wiltshire, with its lush countryside and tranquil canals, offers an exceptional mix of history, nature, and scenic beauty. This rural gem in the southwest of England is home to some of the UK’s finest walking routes, where every step brings you closer to both its fascinating heritage and peaceful landscapes.
With miles of quiet towpaths, ancient stone circles, and picturesque villages, there’s no better way to take in the region than by walking its many trails. The county is rich in canal history, with the iconic Kennet and Avon Canal running through its heart. Today, the waterway is one of Wiltshire’s most accessible walking corridors, linking villages, open countryside, and key points of interest along the water.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best circular and canal walks in Wiltshire, perfect for all types of walkers – from beginners to experienced hikers. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a full day’s adventure, Wiltshire has the perfect walk for you.
The Best Circular Walks in Wiltshire
Circular walks are a wonderful way to explore Wiltshire’s stunning countryside. These routes allow you to take in a range of landscapes without the need to retrace your steps. Here are some of the best circular walks in Wiltshire, each offering something different in terms of scenery, terrain, and points of interest.
1. The White Horse Walk
The White Horse Walk offers a lovely mix of history, spectacular views, and gentle countryside. The 5-mile circular walking route takes you from the town of Westbury up to the Westbury White Horse, one of Wiltshire’s most iconic landmarks. This chalk hill figure, thought to date back to the 18th century, provides a perfect spot to stop and take in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The walk is easy to moderate, making it suitable for most walkers, including families and those looking for a relaxed day out. The route follows footpaths through fields and quiet lanes, and you’ll be rewarded with a blend of open countryside and historical sites. Along the way, you’ll also pass by the beautiful Salisbury Plain, one of the most scenic places for walks around Wiltshire.
Key things to know about the White Horse Walk:
- The Westbury White Horse is one of Wiltshire’s most famous landmarks.
- It offers stunning views over Salisbury Plain and the surrounding countryside.
- It is a peaceful and relatively easy route, ideal for families or beginners.
2. Avebury Stone Circle and Silbury Hill
The Avebury Stone Circle and Silbury Hill walk is a must for history-lovers holidaying in Wiltshire. Starting and finishing in the village of Avebury, this circular Wiltshire walking route takes you on a journey through a fascinating landscape steeped in prehistoric significance. The Avebury Stone Circle, one of the largest in the UK, is a highlight of the route, as is Silbury Hill, an enormous man-made mound dating back over 4,000 years, believed to have served ceremonial purposes.
You’ll also pass West Kennet Long Barrow, a Neolithic tomb that illustrates the scale and ambition of prehistoric communities in Wiltshire. The walk is easy to moderate, making it accessible to most walkers and perfect for a family outing.
Key takeaways on the Avebury Stone Circle and Silbury Hill Walk:
- The walk takes you through the Avebury Stone Circle and Silbury Hill.
- It offers a perfect combination of ancient history and beautiful countryside.
- This route is relatively easy for all walkers, with a rich cultural experience.
3. Marlborough and the River Kennet Loop
Marlborough is a town steeped in history, and this 7-mile circular walking route takes you from the town centre to the banks of the River Kennet and beyond, on one of the best walks in Wiltshire. The route is an excellent choice for those looking for a blend of town and country, as it combines the best of both worlds: a charming market town and peaceful riverside views.
The walk is relatively easy and suitable for families or beginners. You’ll pass through picturesque meadows and enjoy views of the North Wessex Downs. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your surroundings or a visitor wanting to explore, this route is perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Key takeaways on the Marlborough and River Kenner Loop:
- Marlborough is full of character, with historic buildings and a thriving market at its centre.
- The walk follows a gentle riverside stretch beside the River Kennet.
- Open views of the North Wessex Downs give the route a real sense of space.
4. The Rushall Loop: Wiltshire’s Peaceful Countryside
For anyone searching for nice walks in Wiltshire with plenty of tranquillity, the 5.5-mile Rushall Loop is perfect. Starting in the village of Rushall, this route takes you through peaceful fields, along quiet country lanes, and past lush woodlands. The walk is particularly known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
This circular walk is easy to moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for families and anyone looking for a peaceful day out. It’s a great way to explore some of Wiltshire’s lesser-known gems while taking in its picturesque scenery.
Key takeaways on the Rushall Loop:
- A quieter route that winds through some of Wiltshire’s most peaceful countryside.
- Shaded lanes and small pockets of woodland make it feel tucked away.
- A great choice if you’re after a slower-paced walk with few distractions.
5. The Barbury Castle Circular Walk
A slightly longer 6.5-mile route, the Barbury Castle Circular Walk offers a blend of ancient history and sensational views. Starting in the village of Manton, the walk takes you to Barbury Castle, an ancient Iron Age hill fort, offering sweeping views of the Marlborough Downs and beyond.
This route is moderate in difficulty, suitable for those looking for a slightly more challenging walk, with plenty of uphill sections. Along the way, you’ll pass through fields, ancient woodlands, and the remains of the hill fort, making it a great choice for both history lovers and those looking to enjoy Wiltshire’s landscapes from a higher vantage point.
Key takeaways on the Barbury Castle Circular Walk:
- Barbury Castle is an impressive ancient Iron Age hill fort with wide views across the Downs.
- The route has a steady mix of hills and open ridge walking.
- Ideal for walkers who enjoy history woven into a slightly more challenging trail.
The Best Canal Walks in Wiltshire
Wiltshire’s canal system, particularly the Kennet and Avon Canal, is home to some of the most scenic and peaceful walking routes in the region. Canal walks give you the chance to experience the landscape from a different perspective, with the quiet waters and nearby wildlife providing a tranquil setting for any stroll. Here are a few of the best canal walks in Wiltshire.
1. The Kennet and Avon Canal: Devizes to Bath
This iconic 13-mile canal walk takes you through some of the most picturesque sections of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Starting in Devizes, you’ll follow the canal through idyllic villages, peaceful meadows, and past some of the canal’s most famous features, including Caen Hill Locks. These 16 locks are an impressive feat of engineering and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the canal system.
The route is mostly flat, making it accessible for most walkers. Along the way, you’ll also pass by cosy canalside pubs and cafés, perfect for a break as you explore this beautiful part of Wiltshire.
Key takeaways on the canal walk from Devizes to Bath:
- Caen Hill Locks is one of the most famous canal lock flights in the UK.
- Beautiful waterside views and a mix of peaceful villages and countryside.
- Plenty of pubs and cafés along the route for a relaxing stop.
2. Bradford on Avon to Trowbridge: A Short Canal Stroll
This 2.5-mile stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal is a perfect walk for those looking for a short, scenic route. Starting in the historic town of Bradford on Avon, this walk takes you along the canal, offering views of the water and the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you’ll pass through fields and see the stunning architecture of Bradford on Avon.
The walk is suitable for all levels, including families and beginners. It’s an easy, peaceful route that’s perfect for those looking to enjoy Wiltshire’s canalside scenery without committing to a longer hike.
Key takeaways on the canal walk from Bradford on Avon to Trowbridge:
- The historic town of Bradford on Avon offers a lovely starting point.
- A short, easy walk ideal for families or beginners.
- Scenic views along the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Key takeaways on the Marlborough and River Kenner Loop:
- Marlborough is full of character, with historic buildings and a thriving market at its centre.
- The walk follows a gentle riverside stretch beside the River Kennet.
- Open views of the North Wessex Downs give the route a real sense of space.
3. The Kennet and Avon Canal: Caen Hill to Seend Cleeve
This 5-mile stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal takes you through beautiful rural landscapes and offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the peaceful countryside. Starting at Caen Hill, you’ll walk through quiet meadows and past quaint villages. The canal path is lined with trees, providing plenty of shade in summer and a picturesque setting throughout the year.
The walk is relatively easy, making it suitable for most walkers, including families and beginners. It’s an ideal route for those looking for a longer but still manageable canal walk.
Key takeaways on the canal walk from Caen Hill to Seend Cleeve:
- A peaceful canal-side walk with beautiful countryside views.
- The chance to see Caen Hill locks and experience the canal in action.
- A relaxing, scenic walk, ideal for a full day of exploring.
4. The Kennet and Avon Canal: Seend Cleeve to Melksham
This lesser-known 4-mile stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal offers a peaceful walk through Wiltshire’s rural heart. Starting at Seend Cleeve, you’ll follow the canal through quiet countryside, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. Melksham is a charming town to explore at the end of the route, offering a mix of history, local shops, and pubs where you can relax after your walk.
The walk is relatively flat and easy, making it suitable for walkers of all levels. It’s a great route if you’re looking for a shorter canal walk without the crowds of more well-known routes.
Key takeaways on the canal walk from Seend Cleeve to Melksham:
- A quieter, peaceful canal-side walk.
- Ideal for wildlife spotting and nature lovers.
- A short, easy route perfect for a relaxed day out.
Ready for Your Next Walking Adventure in Wiltshire?
The beautiful English county of Wiltshire is brimming with fantastic circular and canal walking routes. Its tranquil canals, picturesque villages, and a rich history offer the perfect backdrop for exploring on foot.
There are so many picturesque walking routes to choose from, ranging from peaceful waterside walks to historic circular routes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking to enjoy a quiet day in nature, this idyllic corner of the country has something to suit every walker.
Looking to explore the Wiltshire countryside? One of the best ways to experience this part of England is by narrowboating along the Kennet and Avon Canal, passing through charming villages, rolling farmland, and tranquil waterside paths. Discover our canal and narrowboat holidays in Wiltshire, where you can enjoy scenic cruising combined with the freedom to hop off and explore on foot whenever you like.
FAQs
What is the Long-Distance Footpath in Wiltshire?
Wiltshire is home to several long-distance footpaths, including the Ridgeway National Trail, which stretches for 87 miles across the county. It’s a great way to experience the landscape over several days.
What Canals Are in Wiltshire?
Wiltshire’s most famous canal is the Kennet and Avon Canal, which runs from Reading to Bristol and passes through some of the county’s most beautiful landscapes.
How Long is the Kennet and Avon Canal Walk?
The full walk of the Kennet and Avon Canal is around 87 miles long, though you can explore sections of the canal at your own pace. Popular walks include the route between Devizes and Bath, which is 13 miles long.