The North Wessex Downs 2024 Walking Festival has taken place, but why not take a look at some of our self-guided walks
The annual North Wessex Downs Walking Festival is a celebration of the stunning landscapes, glorious scenery and top-class walking country that this National Landscape has to offer.
It provides opportunities to seek out wildlife, history or culture, picnic with the family or simply soak up the views from the top of the downs. And this year there were even more farm walks on offer where you could hear directly from the farmers or land managers about their work.
We would like to take this opportunity to express how grateful we are to all our partners who organise and lead walks, without whom this festival simply would not be possible.
All walks that took place this year are listed below.
A copy of our printed programme leaflet can be downloaded here.
Cocklebury Farm family walk
Bring your little ones to this family focused, educational farm walk in a beautiful location west of Pewsey. About 1.5 miles in total, taking around 2 hours at an ambling pace. Plenty of stops along the way to explain how the farm works and how wildlife is encouraged and protected.
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Pewsey and its surrounding hamlets
This lovely walk full of historic and natural interest, never strays far from the centre of the village of Pewsey. Walking at a gentle pace, we skirt the edges of the village to explore the hamlets that lie in the valley.
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The natural history of Ranscombe Bottom and the River Marden
A leisurely walk from the village of Calstone Wellington along the valley of the River Marden to its source in Ranscombe Bottom, taking in Cherhill Downs (famous for its white horse) and Calstone Combes. The combes are brimming with wildflowers, butterflies, moths and farmland birds.
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‘The Big Drop’ farm walk
To mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, this circular walk on a farm just outside Boxford uncovers the role it played in March 1944 for ‘The Big Drop’ rehearsal. We discover what happened that day and the significance of the landings, as well as exploring the farmland and farming practices today.
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Barbury Castle and Burderop circular: a ramble through history and literature
A leisurely walk exploring the ancient tracks, flower-studded downlands and scenic panoramas around Barbury Castle and Burderop Downs. This walk explores the landscape immortalised in the acclaimed nature writing of Richard Jefferies, and makes connections to people and places of the past through art and objects.
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Farm walk: Stanford Dingley and Rushall Manor
Spend the afternoon with local farmers Jeremy and Steve on their farms in the beautiful Pang Valley. Learn all about farming – crops, animals, machinery – as well as how the farmers are looking after the wildlife in the area. A gentle walk with lots of interest – and even stop for a cake break!
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Ridgeway ramblings
Join us for some ‘Ridgeway Ramblings’ and immerse yourself in the rolling downland of the Oxfordshire-Berkshire border. On this undulating 8-mile walk, we discover ancient trackways flowing like green rivers through the landscape, stunning panoramic views, wildflowers, butterflies and a beautiful stained-glass window designed by John Piper.
Sorry! We made a mistake on our printed leaflet. Please note that this walk is NOT suitable for children and please note the correct ticket price. T
Treacle Bolly and the margins of the River Kennet
Discover some of the history and stories of Marlborough on this gentle walk along the margins of the River Kennet and through ‘Treacle Bolly’. Explore churches, learn about former water meadows, historic Marlborough College and its Mound; all brought alive by Wiltshire History Man aka Nick Baxter.
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Nature and landscape recovery at Ewhurst Park
This circular walk will showcase the various biodiversity projects being put into action on the Estate, as well as taking in wonderful landscape and views. Discover how the projects aim to encourage nature’s recovery through habitat creation and the reintroduction of native species.
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Exploring the Watership Down Trail
Explore part of the recently established Watership Down Trail. See some of the beautiful Hampshire countryside where Richard Adams’ much-loved novel, Watership Down, was set. There is an optional detour for fabulous views from the ridge at Ladle Hill.
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