Top places for winter walks in Wiltshire

Don’t let the colder months stop you visiting Wiltshire. Some of our attractions keep their doors (or gates) open over the winter months – making a great choice for a walk after any festive excesses. Here are some of our suggestions for great places for a Wiltshire walk this winter:

Avebury Stone Circle

The stone circle at Avebury is open all year and is a great base for short walks of the World Heritage Site or more extended walks including a walk connecting you to the long distance walking path, The Ridgeway. Look out for guided walks of the landscape being run by the National Trust or pick up a local Ordnance Survey map to help plan some of your routes.
What’s more you can warm up with a cup of tea in the National Trust café onsite.

The Kennet & Avon Canal Towpath

Crossing the heart of Wiltshire, the Kennet & Avon Canal’s towpath lends itself to gentle walks which are usually flat (with exception of the area around Caen Hill locks pictured above!). Pick up the section at Great Bedwyn and walk along towards Crofton Beam Engines or head to Bradford on Avon and pop in to one of the pubs or cafes along the route.

Lydiard Park

On the edge of Swindon, Lydiard Park is open all year round. Stroll past the lake, explore the woods and during February look out for the carpets of snowdrops that surround the house.

Langford Lakes

In the beautiful Wylye Valley, Langford Lakes offers level walks around the nature reserve’s lakes and meadows with several bird hides where you can relax with a bit of wildlife spotting.

Stourhead

The iconic National Trust gardens of Stourhead are open all year around. Famous for the autumn colours, Stourhead is not to be missed at other times of the year as well. See the landscape change to a wintery scene with the mists gently rising from the lake. Look out for winter walks being offered around the estate by the National Trust and pick up a warming drink from the Gothic Cottage. If you fancy doing a longer walk then ask the Visitor Services team about how to get to King Alfred’s Tower.

Ludgershall Castle

For a short, brisk wander then Ludgershall Castle is worth an explore. Park up at the small car park and walk on the ramparts of the ruin. 

Westbury White Horse and Bratton Camp

Now you will need to wrap up warm for this walk however the views from Westbury White Horse are spectacular! Download the 6km walk from our website which takes in views from the northern aspect of the Imber Range Perimeter Path and takes you through the Iron Age hill fort of Bratton Camp. If you fancy making a longer day of it then head to nearby pub The Three Daggers for a good old pub meal.

For further suggestions of walking routes in Wiltshire please visit our walking page. Many of our accommodation providers are also very geared up for walkers, with special areas for drying your boots and suggested walks.