This is a popular circular walk, with some hills. You will start at the iconic Wilton Windmill in a fabulous hill-top location with great views. Wilton Windmill is now more than 200 years old, and the only working windmill in Wessex, still producing wholemeal, stone-ground flour.
The walk takes us along the Roman road to the Kennet & Avon Canal and a view of Crofton Beam Engines, built in 1809 to supply water to the highest point of the Kennet & Avon Canal. Just one of the two engines survives, but this is now the oldest working beam engine in the world still in its original location.
We then pass Wilton Water, which is the reservoir for the Kennet & Avon Canal, before returning to the Windmill via the pretty village of Wilton, where there is a country pub, The Swan Inn – great for optional refreshments after the walk.
Walk leader/organisation: Susie Brew, Pewsey Vale Tourism Partnership
- Booking: Free – Booking essential – 15 places
- Distance & approximate duration: 2.3 miles (3.7 km) – 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Fairly easy (some gentle inclines, steps/stiles).
- Accessibility: Suitable for older children (12+). Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult (see useful information). Steps/stiles on the route. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
- Dogs: Dogs on leads welcome
- Refreshments: Bring snacks and drinks as needed. After the walk, there is the option to stop at the Swan Inn, Wilton (see below).
- Toilets: There is a toilet at Wilton Windmill.
- Meeting point: Wilton Hill, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 3SW. What3Words: cheer.snippets.fussed. OS grid reference: SU 275 616.
- Public transport: Trains available to Bedwyn, see Great Western Railways. Wilton Windmill is about 2.5 miles from Great Bedwyn.
- Parking: Free parking at Wilton Windmill, SN8 3SW.
For general booking information, health and safety advice, terms and conditions please see our useful information page.
Further Information
There is an excellent pub – The Swan Inn – in Wilton village. We recommend you book a table if you plan to have lunch there after the walk: 01672 870274. The pub is a few minutes’ walk back to Wilton Windmill.
Wilton Windmill is open for guided tours on Sunday afternoons in summer (Easter-September), see Wilton Windmill.
This walk is organised by the Pewsey Vale Tourism Partnership – a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation. For more walks and information on the area, see Visit Pewsey Vale.
This walk is brought to you by our partner:
