Visit Wiltshire Visitor Guide 2023

Woodford Valley
Cycling in Wiltshire
Perfect for
Outdoor Pursuits
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This year, step off the world for a while and allow
yourself to appreciate the beauty of Wiltshire’s
breathtaking countryside. Saddle up for a pony
trek. Go fishing. Try your hand at canoeing or paddle
boarding. Whatever you choose, new stories await
you around every corner.
For those travelling under their own steam we have an
outstanding array of walks you can comfortably complete within
just a few hours. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient drovers.
Meander through our market towns. Amble along the towpath
of the Kennet & Avon Canal. Even if you’re short on time, you’ll
never be short on views! If you hanker after more serious, longdistance
routes you can stride out to your heart’s content too.
Walk the Wansdyke. Roam the Ridgeway. Hike the White Horse
Trail. Tackle their entire length over several days (sturdy shoes
recommended!) or cherry pick the bits you like best.
The Pewsey Vale Circular Way is a new long-distance 77 mile
walking, cycling and riding route through dramatic downland,
secluded woodland, sweeping valleys and the Kennet & Avon
Canal.
Cyclists – whether seasoned experts, keen amateurs or just
starting out – have plenty of options too. From the confidencebuilding
to the downright daring. Looking for a stress-free family
outing? Give the Golden Way a go. Crave the excitement of
off-road adventure? The Longleat Estate is a great place to start.
Keen to test your mettle on a demanding long-distance trail?
The 160-mile Wiltshire Cycleway should provide more than
enough of a challenge. There’s an exciting selection of cycling
events throughout the year to watch or take part in too. And don’t
worry if you’ve left your wheels at home – you can hire a bike from
the Towpath Trail in Bradford on Avon.
You’ll find a great choice of walker- and cyclist-friendly
accommodation on our website. Accommodation providers are
often happy to advise on their favourite local routes, and many
actively welcome outdoor enthusiasts by offering facilities such
as drying rooms for wet clothing. Go to visitwiltshire.co.uk/
accommodation to find out more. If your idea of happiness
is heading off in the morning with only a packed lunch and
a map for company, that’s fine by us. But if you’d like a little
help with planning your itinerary, arranging places to stay –
even transporting your luggage – local specialists such as Foot
Trails, Oldbury Tours, Galahad Tours, Britain’s Best Heritage
Tours, Stonehenge Travel, Mad Max Tours and Salisbury
Chequered History Tours are on hand to take the hassle out of
your holiday.
Further details of a wide range of other things to do around
Wiltshire, as well as walking and cycling routes, can be found at
visitwiltshire.co.uk/activities. Maps and routes for cyclists and
walkers can be downloaded from connectingwiltshire.co.uk too.
Or contact one of the Information Centres listed on page 66.
For walkers download the Wiltshire Walks app that includes
over 150 GPS guided walking routes in and around Wiltshire.
These days we’re all so busy. 24/7 this. 5G that. Sometimes
you need to escape, press pause and let time stand still.
To take things at a gentler pace, try a narrowboat cruise along
the Kennet & Avon Canal. You can also take a longer stay on canal
with Foxhangers Canal Holidays, starting form the bottom
of the iconic Calne Hill Locks. With just three speeds – slow,
very slow and stop – there’s no need for speed cameras,
although the more conventional kind could come in handy!
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