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Home> Walks> England> Wiltshire> Savernake Forest

Savernake Forest

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Walk directions

From the car park, turn right, then almost immediately left past a wooden barrier. Follow the wooded path for 500yds (457m), then bear right to reach the A346. Cross over near an old milestone and take the track beyond a wooden barrier, signed to Tottenham House.

In 150yds (137m), at a major crossing of routes, turn right and, after a similar distance, keep left at a junction where the path runs straight on. Follow this straight track (which can be very muddy in places) for 0.75 miles (1.2km) to The Column.
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Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Woodland tracks, tow path, bridle paths, country lanes, several stiles
  Landscape  - Forest, farmland, canal
  Dog friendliness  - Parts of Savernake Forest have signs requesting dogs be kept on lead; off lead along tow path
  Parking  - Hat Gate 8 picnic area off A346 south of Marlborough
  Toilets en route  - None on route
Walks in Wiltshire Dog-friendly walks in Wiltshire
About the walk
On a chalk plateau above Marlborough on the northeast edge of Salisbury Plain, Savernake consists of 2,750 acres (1,114ha) of mixed woodland managed by the Forestry Commission. In the Middle Ages, it was a wilderness of bracken and heathland and had been a royal hunting ground from long before the...
Read more
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Walking in Safety

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About the area
Wiltshire’s charm lies in the beauty of its countryside, with expansive chalk landscapes of the Marlborough and Pewsey downs and miles of uninterrupted views deep into Dorset, Somerset and the Cotswolds. Stroll through quaint timbered and thatched villages in the southern Woodford and Avon valleys and explore the historic streets of the stone villages of Lacock, Castle Combe and Sherston.
Explore Wiltshire
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
The Stables at Manor Farm
★★★★
awardawardawardaward
"Comfortable accommodation on a working farm in Wiltshire..."
  • Total units: 2
Inn
Crown and Anchor
★★★★
awardaward
"Character and comfort in a peaceful village location...."
  • Rooms 7
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
  • Open parking
Inn
Three Swans
★★★★
award
"Historic hotel right in the centre of the busy market town...."
  • Rooms 25
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
Nearby places to stay
The Stables at Manor Farm
The two converted farm buildings at Manor Farm are light and bright, but still have a cosiness about them. They are in East Grafton, a short walk away and with access to open countrysid...
★★★★    Rating
Crown and Anchor
The Crown and Anchor is a delightful traditional country inn set in the peaceful village of Ham, within easy reach of both Hungerford and Marlborough. Complete with oak panelling and fl...
★★★★    Rating
Three Swans
Centrally located in the bustling market town of Hungerford, this charming former inn dates back some 700 years. Visitors will still see original arch under which the horse-drawn carria...
★★★★    Rating
Red Lion at East Chisenbury
Red Lion at East Chisenbury offers an interesting blend of sumptuous accommodation and excellent food, yet retains the informality and laidback atmosphere of a traditional pub. Each of ...
★★★★★    Rating
Chiseldon House Hotel
Conveniently located for access to the M4, Chiseldon House is in a quiet location and has a relaxed ambience. Bedrooms include a number of larger rooms but all are comfortably furnished...
★★★    Rating
Enford House Cottage
Enford House Cottage is part of Grade II listed 18th-century vicarage, found to the northeast of Salisbury Plain. There’s a lovely thatched walled garden and the cottage is a stroll awa...
★★★★    Rating
Enford House Cottage
Enford House Cottage is part of Grade II listed 18th-century vicarage, found to the northeast of Salisbury Plain. There’s a lovely thatched walled garden and the cottage is a stroll awa...
★★★★    Rating
The Pheasant Inn
The Pheasant Inn is located in a quiet spot with vast uninterrupted countryside views yet is easily accessible from the M4. The famous Newbury Racecourse is only a short drive away. All...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
Crown and Anchor
   AA Rosette Award
Three Swans
Red Lion at East Chisenbury
Red Lion at East Chisenbury
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
Crown and Anchor
   AA Rosette Award
Three Swans
Red Lion at East Chisenbury
Red Lion at East Chisenbury
   AA Rosette Award
Chiseldon House Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Queens Arms
The Hawk Inn
The Duke Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Route details
4hrs
Dog-friendly
Difficulty:
Easy

Gradient:
Gentle


Distance:
9 miles (14.5kms)

Ascent:
213ft (65m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
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If you like this walk, you can try more routes in the area.
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Savernake Forest

Recommended by
Walk details
4hrs
Dog friendly
Difficulty:
Easy
Gradient:
Gentle
Distance:
9 miles (14.5kms)
Ascent:
213ft (65m)
Walk directions

From the car park, turn right, then almost immediately left past a wooden barrier. Follow the wooded path for 500yds (457m), then bear right to reach the A346. Cross over near an old milestone and take the track beyond a wooden barrier, signed to Tottenham House.
1 of 7

In 150yds (137m), at a major crossing of routes, turn right and, after a similar distance, keep left at a junction where the path runs straight on. Follow this straight track (which can be very muddy in places) for 0.75 miles (1.2km) to The Column.
2 of 7

Approaching it, turn left and follow the track for 0.8 miles (1.25km) to a junction with Grand Avenue. Turn right and follow it for just over 0.5 miles (800m) to the road. Turn left, pass Warren Lodge and take the next right turning for St Katharine's Church.
3 of 7

Beyond the church turn right at the sign for Durley. Pass through trees and beyond a gate, then continue to a stile beyond the woodland. Walk ahead and over another stile. Cross parkland and woodland and the drive to Tottenham House, then cross a stile to reach open parkland and go over another stile ahead and continue to the road.
4 of 7

Turn left, walk through the hamlet of Durley and keep to the lane across the old railway bridge, then the main railway bridge, and shortly take the footpath on the right, waymarked 'Wootton Rivers'. You are now walking above the Kennet and Avon Canal as it passes through the Bruce Tunnel.
5 of 7

Walk down some steps, pass through a narrow and low tunnel under the railway line and join the canal tow path just below the entrance to the Bruce Tunnel. Turn left along the tow path for about 1.5 miles (2.4km), passing beneath the A346 at Burbage Wharf to reach Cadley Lock.
6 of 7

Turn right over bridge No. 105 and follow the metalled track to a T-junction. Turn right and keep to the road, passing two dismantled railway bridges, back to the car park at Hat Gate.
7 of 7
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Woodland tracks, tow path, bridle paths, country lanes, several stiles
  Landscape - Forest, farmland, canal
  Dog friendliness - Parts of Savernake Forest have signs requesting dogs be kept on lead; off lead along tow path
  Parking - Hat Gate 8 picnic area off A346 south of Marlborough
  Toilets en route - None on route
Walks in Wiltshire Dog-friendly walks in Wiltshire
About the walk
On a chalk plateau above Marlborough on the northeast edge of Salisbury Plain, Savernake consists of 2,750 acres (1,114ha) of mixed woodland managed by the Forestry Commission. In the Middle Ages, it was a wilderness of bracken and heathland and had been a royal hunting ground from long before the...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
Wiltshire
Wiltshire’s charm lies in the beauty of its countryside, with expansive chalk landscapes of the Marlborough and Pewsey downs and miles of uninterrupted views deep into Dorset, Somerset and the Cotswolds. Stroll through quaint timbered and thatched villages in the southern Woodford and Avon valleys and explore the historic streets of the stone villages of Lacock, Castle Combe and Sherston.
Explore Wiltshire

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
The Stables at Manor Farm
★★★★
awardawardawardaward
"Comfortable accommodation on a working farm in Wiltshire..."
  • Total units: 2
Inn
Crown and Anchor
★★★★
awardaward
"Character and comfort in a peaceful village location...."
  • Rooms 7
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
  • Open parking
Inn
Three Swans
★★★★
award
"Historic hotel right in the centre of the busy market town...."
  • Rooms 25
  • Free TV
  • Wifi
Nearby places to stay
The Stables at Manor Farm
The two converted farm buildings at Manor Farm are light and bright, but still have a cosiness about them. They are in East Grafton, a short walk away and with access to open countrysid...
★★★★    Rating
Crown and Anchor
The Crown and Anchor is a delightful traditional country inn set in the peaceful village of Ham, within easy reach of both Hungerford and Marlborough. Complete with oak panelling and fl...
★★★★    Rating
Three Swans
Centrally located in the bustling market town of Hungerford, this charming former inn dates back some 700 years. Visitors will still see original arch under which the horse-drawn carria...
★★★★    Rating
Red Lion at East Chisenbury
Red Lion at East Chisenbury offers an interesting blend of sumptuous accommodation and excellent food, yet retains the informality and laidback atmosphere of a traditional pub. Each of ...
★★★★★    Rating
Chiseldon House Hotel
Conveniently located for access to the M4, Chiseldon House is in a quiet location and has a relaxed ambience. Bedrooms include a number of larger rooms but all are comfortably furnished...
★★★    Rating
Enford House Cottage
Enford House Cottage is part of Grade II listed 18th-century vicarage, found to the northeast of Salisbury Plain. There’s a lovely thatched walled garden and the cottage is a stroll awa...
★★★★    Rating
Enford House Cottage
Enford House Cottage is part of Grade II listed 18th-century vicarage, found to the northeast of Salisbury Plain. There’s a lovely thatched walled garden and the cottage is a stroll awa...
★★★★    Rating
The Pheasant Inn
The Pheasant Inn is located in a quiet spot with vast uninterrupted countryside views yet is easily accessible from the M4. The famous Newbury Racecourse is only a short drive away. All...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
Crown and Anchor
   AA Rosette Award
Three Swans
Red Lion at East Chisenbury
Red Lion at East Chisenbury
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
Crown and Anchor
   AA Rosette Award
Three Swans
Red Lion at East Chisenbury
Red Lion at East Chisenbury
   AA Rosette Award
Chiseldon House Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
Queens Arms
The Hawk Inn
The Duke Hotel
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby