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.
The Historic Ridgeway
A walk around a selection of sites along The Ridgeway, illustrating the evolution of the landscape and land use through time, and the archaeological footprint of people from the early prehistoric period to the Cold War.
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Hippenscombe and Fosbury Hillfort
An invigorating walk up to Fosbury Iron Age Hillfort above Hippenscombe Estate to enjoy the far-reaching views over the North Wessex Downs and learn about the settlement. We will see chalk grassland restoration as we walk, returning through private farmland, stopping to look at soils, and discuss farming practices and diversification.
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Morgan’s Hill nature walk
Join the North West Wiltshire Ramblers for a lovely walk through Morgan’s Hill Nature Reserve – a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its orchids, butterflies and chalk grassland. We will spend time exploring the wildlife and taking in the incredible views of Cherhill Down and the plains of North Wiltshire.
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Bucklebury Common – history and natural history
A gentle walk through the woodland and heathland of Bucklebury Common. Led by Alex Cruickshank, a local ecologist who is working with The Bucklebury Estate to manage and restore the common.
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The Road Less Travelled: exploring lesser-known sites in the Avebury landscape
Explore the wider landscape of Avebury World Heritage Site with staff from Wiltshire Council Archaeology Service who will discuss some lesser-known sites and monuments, including the Beckhampton Long Mound, the Adam and Eve stones and Knoll Down.
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Chalk grassland restoration in the Goring Gap
The Goring Gap is where the Thames River cuts through the ridge of chalk. Taking in the views across the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs National Landscapes, we’ll visit a farm restoring prime chalk grassland. Along the way, we’ll learn about the natural heritage of this chalk landscape and enjoy the flowers and butterflies it supports.
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Peace in Peasemore – a walk for women
A leisurely walk for women only. Women of any faith or no faith are most welcome! It will be a walk to feel uplifted by being in the great outdoors and by walking with others. We especially welcome those who feel socially isolated. Please do join us!
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Savernake Forest family walk
Join Community Ranger Sian for a short walk and fun facts about the trees in Savernake Forest. The walk itself will be 1.5 miles and the trail will be flat and pram-friendly, with plenty of stops for little legs to catch up, and some great nature-based activities.
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Forestry and veteran trees of Savernake Forest
Join Forestry England to explore the wonderful woodlands of Savernake! This guided walk takes you behind the scenes to learn about how the forest’s unique landscapes and habitats are being looked after, and introduces you to Savernake’s important role in producing sustainable timber.
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Facca’s Valley: the woods, hills and valleys of the Faccombe Estate
Explore the ancient tracks and woodland paths through the hills and valleys of the Faccombe Estate. This is a peaceful walk with plenty of wildlife and beautiful vistas. Along the way, you will also learn the story of the Estate and the people that helped to shape it.
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