Autumn Walks in Wiltshire

With leaves crunching underfoot, vibrant reds and golds all around and peaceful waterways glistening in the late sun, Wiltshire creates the ideal destination for an Autumn walk this season. Surrounded by rich countryside and picturesque villages, there are plenty walking trails to explore with friends and family. So, wrap up warm and get those wellies on!

Vale of Pewsey

Located in the heart of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Vale of Pewsey is the perfect place for getting off the beaten track and exploring breath-taking views across its many walking routes.

Pewsey Vale Circular Way

Launched in March 2022, the Pewsey Vale Circular Way provides spectacular sights across its 77-mile route. With the Vale of Pewsey at its heart, this long-distance walking route explores dramatic downland, quintessential English villages, and the tranquillity of the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Great Bedwyn and Wilton Windmill

With settlements dating back to 3000BC, the Vale of Pewsey boasts a rich and interesting history. If this is what you are looking for along your Autumn walk, the Great Bedwyn and Wilton Windmill trail is for you. Taking in part of the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath, this 5.5-mile circular route allows you to discover some of Wiltshire’s most iconic landmarks including Wilton Windmill and the world’s oldest working beam engine at Crofton! With plenty stops along the way, make sure to endure the magnificent sights set amongst the county’s stunning autumn landscape.

Highworth Walking Tours

Situated on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is Highworth, an ancient hilltop market town. Only 4 miles from the River Thames and close to other historic towns like Swindon, Highworth’s unique and special character provides a great destination for walking this Autumn.

Guided Town Tours

Featuring 84 listed buildings and a Grade I listed church, Highworth has plenty to offer within its bustling town centre. Take a guided town tour this season and learn more about the towns fascinating history from the Civil War to the UK ABBA Fan Club! Tours take approximately 1 hour on flat terrain, and costs just £5.

Highworth Wildlife Walk

Join photographer, Neil George, on a guided wildlife walk at Pentylands Country Park. With over 40 years’ experience, Neil is an avid wildlife spotter and will showcase his vast knowledge as you explore the surrounding parkland through a 2-hour tour.

Westonbirt Arboretum

For a truly remarkable Autumn display, head just outside the Wiltshire borders to Westonbirt Arboretum. Offering one of the finest collections of temperate trees and shrubs in the world, this 600-acre arboretum creates a magical walking experience through the autumn months.

Join an experienced volunteer as they take you through the arboretum, exploring the vibrant colour of its autumn display. Guided tours occur daily at 11am and 2pm.

Discovery Walks

Credit: Johnny Hathaway

Westonbirt’s discovery walks take place every Saturday from now until September 30^th. Here you can discover the less travelled parts of the Arboretum and delve deeper into the captivating trees with different, specialist themes each week.

Walking Tours

Set out on a journey through Wiltshire’s towns and villages this Autumn with one of our walking tour providers. Visit world famous landmarks or take a trip to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a stroll through vibrant landscapes this season.

Wiltshire White Horses

Did you know that there are 8 White Horses to be found across Wiltshire’s rolling hills? All can be seen from a distance, carved into the hillsides, but a few are accessible up close through walking paths. Westbury White Horse in Bratton Down, is regarded as one of the best due to its prominent location. From here, you can also see the old Iron Age Hill Fort at Bratton Camp! Cherhill White Horse is a fantastic view from the fields below with the Lansdowne Monument by its side.

Stourhead, National Trust

One of the most picturesque locations to visit in Wiltshire this autumn is the National Trust site of Stourhead. Offering a range of natural beauty, step inside the breath-taking 18th Century landscape garden and be welcomed with rich colours, grottoes, and classical temples. At the centre of it all, a large lake that offers some of the prettiest reflections of its surrounding trees and shrubs.

Avebury Stone Circle

For more breath-taking history this Autumn, head to Avebury Stone Circle. Recognised for its globally important Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, here you will find the world’s largest stone circle as well as stone avenues and ancient tombs. Did you know that much of Avebury and its surrounding landscape is owned by National Trust? This means that it is free to explore all year round! As you wonder through the standing stones, be sure to also discover huge henge banks and ditches, erected around 4,300 years ago.

The Kennet and Avon Canal

Stretching across the centre of the county, the Kennet and Avon Canal passes through many of Wiltshire’s iconic towns such as Pewsey, Devizes, and Bradford on Avon. Whilst also running through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wiltshire, the canal is often surrounded by stunning countryside and picturesque villages. Take a muddy stroll along this famous waterway and be surrounded by Autumn’s magnificent glow this season.