{"id":2791,"date":"2019-12-17T09:00:11","date_gmt":"2019-12-17T09:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secretescapes.com\/magazine-uk\/?p=2791"},"modified":"2021-03-03T16:32:57","modified_gmt":"2021-03-03T16:32:57","slug":"five-of-the-best-walks-in-wiltshire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.secretescapes.com\/escapist\/five-of-the-best-walks-in-wiltshire\/","title":{"rendered":"Five of the best walks in Wiltshire"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s no secret that Wiltshire is positively packed to the rafters with history – from the pre-historic Stonehenge to a famous Civil War battleground and a litany of stately homes that wouldn\u2019t look out of place in an episode of Downton Abbey, there\u2019s enough material here to keep even the biggest history buffs entertained for weeks. With its miles of scenic countryside, brimming with all the old-world charm you\u2019d expect from a county that\u2019s home to one of the UK\u2019s oldest settlements, Wiltshire boasts a line-up of walks worthy of their own place in the history books. Here are some of our favourites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Stonehenge landscap<\/strong>e<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps the most famous of all of Wiltshire\u2019s attractions, Stonehenge has been drawing in visitors for thousands of years to marvel at its mysterious circular rock formation. While there are plenty of snap-happy patrons parking up and taking pictures from their cars, this ancient landmark is actually best seen on foot. Skip the crowds and look beyond the touristy exterior by taking to one of a handful of easy-to-follow trails. Head to the English Heritage Visitor Centre to pick up a map and start the 3.5 mile Stonehenge Landscape loop in your own time, taking in the beauty of this Neolithic World Heritage Site as you wander past restored chalk grassland, Bronze Age burial mounds and, if you\u2019re lucky, some incredible wildlife too.
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Stonehenge. Image: iStock\/MajaPhoto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Coombes walk<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A stone\u2019s throw from Swindon in the tiny village of Hinton Parva sits The Coombes Valley, a stunning stretch of countryside boasting one of the area\u2019s best walking routes. With sloping grassland at either side, wildflowers blooming in every direction and easy-to-navigate terrain along the way, this walk is a breeze for all abilities. The short one-mile loop, taking around 30 minutes, makes for an ideal morning stroll whatever the weather. After working up an appetite, potter back to the village and straight into a cafe for a well-earned cup of tea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kennet and Avon Canal, Wiltshire. Image: iStock\/ChrisAt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Roundway Hil<\/strong>l<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Battle of Roundway Down was fought in the first English Civil War back in 1643, and to this day, the infamous battlefield has retained all of the allure you\u2019d expect from such a historic event. Today, you won\u2019t see any Royalist cavalry, but visitors can take in large areas of the archaeological site on Roundway Hill, via a seven-mile trail starting in the market town of Devizes. From here, follow the Wessex Ridgeway for around two miles before joining the circular trail that takes you past stretches of the picturesque Kennet and Avon canal and the iron-age landmark Oliver\u2019s castle. If the weather\u2019s playing ball, take a detour through Roundway Hill Covert, a 68-acre area of woodland dotted with ash trees and grassy knolls perfect for picnicking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Roundway Hill, Wiltshire. Image: iStock\/csfotoimages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cherhill downland walk<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for some of the best views in the entire county, Cherhill download walk is the trail for you. This three-mile hike begins on the edge of the village of Cherhill and follows the path up to Bronze-Age Lansdowne Monument, with views stretching right across the valley from the hill\u2019s summit. From here, continue on your journey past acres of chalk grassland until you reach the ramparts of Oldbury Castle hill fort, an Iron Age icon with a trademark earthwork entrance. Pause for a well-earned water or snack break before making your way back to town along the tree-lined downhill bridleway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cherhill, Wiltshire. Image: iStock\/Matt_Gibson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Malmesbury<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The hilltop market town of Malmesbury is reminiscent of a bygone era, with its chocolate-box houses, gothic-style 12th-century abbey and postcard-worthy Abbey House and Gardens, said to be the burial ground of the first King of England. Soak up your iconic surroundings along with a healthy dose of nature via The Malemsbury River Trail. Kick-start your stroll in the town centre, meandering out to the riverside path where you\u2019ll continue along the River Avon for around three miles as you wind your way along the waterway, passing everything from a silk mill and an old courthouse to a disused railway as you go. With so many sights to take in, this walk is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, exploring a hidden slice of the English countryside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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River Avon, near Malmesbury, Wiltshire. Image: iStock\/ChrisAt <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\t\t