Spring is a great time to explore Wiltshire's timeless landscapes. If you love walking, there are lots of brilliant springtime walks winding through the stunning Wiltshire countryside - some short strolls ideal for the whole family, some longer hikes that will really blow away the cobwebs. As nature bursts to life with spring time colours, we tell you where to find the most gorgeous spring flowers - including beautiful bluebells, dancing daffodils and even Wiltshire's famous snakes head fritillaries. Plus, keep an eye out for newborn gambolling lambs as well as woodlands bursting with bright green new life.
Get your walking boots on, its time to discover some of the best spring walks across Wiltshire!
Bluebell Walks at West Woods
A classic sign of spring in England is the incandescent sight of a bluebell wood in full bloom, and there are many bluebell woods to explore around Wiltshire. West Woods near Marlborough is a glorious example. Every spring, the woodland is carpeted with magnificent bluebells - a stunning springtime sight making for a picturesque woodland walk. There are lots of easy-to-follow paths for a wander through the woods, a great option for families with young children. And if you are looking for a longer walk, there are options to plot circular walk of around ten miles from Marlborough to West Woods, passing the Marlborough White Horse on route.
Cricklade North Meadow Fritillary Walks
Located just outside the village of Cricklade to the north of Swindon, Cricklade North Meadow National Nature Reserve is famous for the rare snakes head fritillaries which flower each spring. The fritillaries are usually at their best during the second and third week of April, sprinkling the meadow with fabulous colours. There are a number of marked walks around Cricklade North Meadow, ranging from 20 minutes to an hour and a half, all giving you the opportunity to admire these stunning springtime flowers in all their beauty. Make sure you keep to the pathways and keep dogs on a short lead to avoid damaging the rare flowers.
Stourhead Spring Walks
A gorgeous place to walk at any time of year, Stourhead in the South West of Wiltshire is particularly glorious in the Spring, with new life errupting all around you. The breathtaking 18th century landscape gardens are home to lakes, grottoes and classical temples calling out to be explored. In spring, the gardens are scattered with cheerful yellow daffodils. The 5.5 mile Stourhead King Alfred’s Tower walk plotted by the National Trust is a great option for a spring time stroll, passing through peaceful woodlands to King Arthur's Tower, with lovely views from the top making the walk well worthwhile.
Lambing Season Walks at River Bourne Farm
Located on the edge of Salisbury, it is easy to plot a walk out to River Bourne community farm to see the lambs frolicking in the spring. This is a great walking option if you are staying in Salisbury, and an ideal adventure for small children. There are a number of permissive paths and nature trails to follow around the farm itself, or have a look at the Salisbury and Wilton Walking Map for some more options that will pass near to the farm.
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Westonbirt Spring Walks
Just over the Wiltshire border in Gloucestershire is Westonbirt The National Arboretum. This stunning tree garden is a wonderful place to walk throughout the year. In the Spring, you can see rhododendrons, azaleas, snowdrops, magnolias, wildflowers, bluebells and cherry trees in blossom, filling the space with bright spring colours. It takes around 3 hours to walk around the arboretum, but you can choose to follow a shorter route depending on how long you want to walk for!
What are your favourite places to go walking in Wiltshire? Let us know in the comments section below.
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