Discover some of the history of the picturesque market town of Marlborough on this gentle walk along the margins of the River Kennet and through ‘Treacle Bolly’ – with Wiltshire History Man aka Nick Baxter.

Nick will tell you the fascinating tales linked to Treacle Bolly – an ancient footpath which was bordered by fields, once the site of a great medieval castle. The castle motte, in the grounds of Marlborough College and known locally as ‘The Mound’, overlooks the margins of the Kennet.

Granham Hill White Horse comes into view before the path reaches the road leading to St George’s Church at Preshute. If the church is open, you will be able to see a huge black font made from Tournai marble dating back to the 13th century. It is highly likely it was moved here from the Chapel of St Nicholas in Marlborough Castle.

The walk continues across the River Kennet, skirting former water meadows, following the pavement past Marlborough College to reach St Peter’s Church where Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was ordained in 1498. Despite heavy restoration in the 19th century, the church retains much of its 15th-century fabric. After visiting St Peter’s, Nick will lead you back to the George Lane car park via the High Street.

The walk will be at a gentle pace involving generally flat terrain. There are possible muddy stretches, and stone and gravel paths. Approximately half of the walk is on pavements and metalled surfaces.

Walk leader/organisation: Nick Baxter, Wiltshire History Man

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Walk information

  • Booking: Adult £7.50; child £4.00 – Booking essential – 16 places
  • Distance & approximate duration: 1.75 miles (2.8 km) – 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Fairly easy (some gentle inclines, possible steps/stiles).
  • Accessibility: Family friendly. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult (see useful information). Not suitable for wheelchairs or prams/pushchairs.
  • Dogs: Dogs on leads welcome.
  • Refreshments: Bring snacks and drinks as needed. There are no places to purchase refreshments on the route (see below).
  • Toilets: There are toilets at the meeting point (20p charge payable by card or cash).
  • Meeting point: Tourist Information Point, George Lane car park, Marlborough, SN8 1BE. What3Words: faster.different.alcove. OS grid reference: SU 189 689.
  • Public transport: Marlborough town centre is serviced by a number of bus routes, see Connecting Wiltshire. It is a short walk to the starting point from the bus stops on the High Street.
  • Parking: Paid public parking at George Lane car park, SN8 1BE.

For general booking information, health and safety advice, terms and conditions please see our useful information page.

Further information

There are refreshments and toilets in the centre of Marlborough. There are also toilets at George Lane car park, where the walk meets.

Find tourist information, events and community links at Marlborough Town Council.  

For more information about the walk leader, see Wiltshire History Man

This walk is brought to you by our partners:

     

Wiltshire History Man © Jacky Akam