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Top 10 Walks in Swindon

Swindon might be a bustling town, but there's surprisingly a lot of open space to enjoy a walk through the countryside, along a canal or with a beautiful view of Wiltshire. There's a lot of choice in Swindon, but we've helped make it easier by putting together the Top 10 walks our town has to offer!

Whether you're aiming to improve your fitness or just looking for a different place to walk the dog, here's our list of 10 walks in Swindon we believe are worth doing!

There is a new map and trail guide that seeks to inspire individuals to embark on a brief stroll through Swindon's Railway Village.

This guide features a one-mile trail that highlights various captivating heritage sites and the historical significance of the space spanning from Swindon's railway station to GWR Park. It has been meticulously crafted through the collaboration of Wiltshire and Swindon Sport and Swindon Borough Council, with generous support from the GWR Customer and Community Improvement Fund.

The printed map will be accessible for collection at local libraries and specific GP practices. Additionally, you can download a PDF version of the map from the Swindon Travel Choices website, located here.

Embarking on a lengthy stroll and in search of a charming pitstop along the way? Swindon boasts numerous picturesque pubs that serve as ideal havens for a refreshing beverage, ensuring you stay energised throughout your journey. Check out our Country Pubs in Swindon.

1. Barbury Castle

About: Barbury Castle Country Park is just a short drive out of Swindon, 3 miles south of Wroughton. Situated at the same level as Hackpen Hill, Barbury Castle is one of the highest points in the Swindon area.

Enjoy a stroll whilst being surrounded by beautiful countryside views of Wroughton, Swindon and towards Marlborough. For the car park, use postcode SN4 0QH on SatNav. Parking is free and there are toilets. Note: Beware of uneven surfaces.

Walk Distance: 1.25 miles to 8.5 miles depending on the taken route.

2. Lydiard Park

About: Lydiard Park is one of Swindon's favourites, and anyone could see why. With 200+ acres of beautiful rolling countryside, a stunning Georgian House and Lake, Lydiard is a much loved spot for tourists and visitors alike.

Enjoy a walk around the famous Lake, through the walled garden, and around as many fields as you like! Use postcode of SN5 3PA. Parking is £2 for 2 hours, £4 all day. Toilets and cafe are situated a 3 minute walk from the car park.

Walk Distance: 1.5 mile walk.

3. The Ridgeway

About: The Ridgeway Path is the old road that runs from Cornwall to London. Now it's a public footpath offering fantastic views all over the rolling Wiltshire hills. By parking at Hackpen Hill, you have the opportunity to walk either north towards Barbury Castle (around a two mile walk there) or south towards Avebury.

The track is flat and has a good path. Unfortunately, there are no toilet facilities. Parking is free, use postcode SN4 9NR on SatNav for car park.

4. Jubilee Lake

About: Situated just outside of Swindon in Royal Wootton Bassett, Jubilee Lake is a short but sweet walk for those who fancy a quick stroll.

The small lake is perfect for those who are just taking the dog for a swim or have kids who want to feed the ducks! The lake is a short walk from the free car park through beautiful woodland.

There are small paths and alleyways leading into other areas of the town, and the park itself is just a 15 minute walk from Royal Wootton Bassett High Street.

Walk Distance: 1-3 miles

5. White Horse Hill

About: White Horse Hill is a 30 minute drive out of Swindon, but it's definitely worth it. With views across 3 different counties, the famous Uffington White Horse and Uffington Castle, it's a walk that everyone will love.

It is owned by National Trust so there is a car park charge of £3 unless you are a member. Unfortunately there are no toilets.

Ice Cream vans will be there on sunny days! For car park, use postcode of SN7 7QJ for SatNav. Note: uneven surfaces.

Walk Distance: 3- 6 miles

6. Shaw Forest

About: The Shaw Forest is a hidden gem based in West Swindon. The park is fantastic for walks just off of Mead Way (by TH White). From meadows to woodland areas to big wide open fields, the Shaw Forest is perfect for dogs and children.

There are many different paths all around the park, so you can choose the distance walk you want to do. For the car park, use postcode of SN5 7EX on a SatNav.

Note: Unfortunately there are no toilets on site. All the walkways have flat, gravelled paths.

Walk Distance: 3 - 6 miles

7. Town Gardens

About: If you know Old Town, you will for sure know how much of a beauty and credit the Town Gardens is to Swindon. Although situated in the heart of Swindon, you'd never guess!

The park is incredibly tranquil, with beautiful formal gardens, a stunning bandstand, rose garden, birds (next to fountain) and woodland walks perfect for the dog.

April is a great time to visit - the blossom trees at in the south of the park make a beautiful photo! The paths are all flat and concrete. Toilets situated in the rose garden, parking on Quarry Road SN1 4EN, next to the play park and tennis courts.

Walk Distance: Under 1 mile

8. The Lawns

About: The Lawns, like the Town Gardens, is a hidden gem in the town centre. With two stunning lakes and fields upon fields of lawn to run free on, it makes a wonderful walk.

There is so much history to read about too - you'll see where the original Goddard House stood (did you ever wonder where the 'Goddard Arms' pub name came from?) and walk through their gardens.

The Lawns is a stone's throw from High Street, Old Town. Postcode: SN3 1EH

Walk Distance: 2 miles

9. Coate Water

About: I don't think we could have made this list without including the wonderful Coate Water! It's a Swindon favourite with it's large fishing lake, crazy golf, cafe, and of course the beautiful lakeside walk.

Perfect for feeding the ducks, geese and swans! The circular walk of the lake is just 1.7 miles, however, there are many other paths you can take to go further. Car Parking: £1 for 2 hours, £2 for 1 - 24 hours. Follow the postcode SN3 6AA.

Walk Distance: 2-3 miles

10. Swindon Canal Path and Old Railway Line

About: As one of Swindon's hidden gems, not many people are aware of a canal that runs through the centre of town. Beginning at the bottom of Kingshill and running down to Waitrose, a path sits alongside the canal all the way.

Note: The canal path will end by Waitrose, so you'd have to go either back the same way or through the town. There are no toilets and parking is difficult, but there are several layby's off of Peglars Way and side streets nearby.

The old railway line runs above this (from Blagrove to Old Town) and gives you fantastic views all over Old Town and towards Wroughton. Use postcode SN1 7NU.

Walk Distance: 2-3 miles