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Wilts & Berks Canal Walk
About the walk: In the heart of central Swindon lies a beautiful canalside walk in which locals either don’t know about or forget that it is there. It’s a lovely, peaceful walking spot all year round, with barges floating up and down the canal during the summer months. It starts off at the bottom of Kings Hill by the Esso garage and you can walk all the way along the canal, under the Old Railway Line (you could take a walk up there too into Old Town if you’d like!), past the Wichelstowe nature reserve and finishing up at Hall and Woodhouse Wichelstowe.
About the pub: The H&W is a really popular pub for those seeking a relaxing meal, a traditional Sunday Roast or a drink in their stunning garden that overlooks the canal. Dogs are welcome in the bar area of the pub. You can find out more about the Hall & Woodhouse Wichelstowe here.
Walking terrain: Flat, graveled paths
Parking: Parking available at H&W
Location: Peglars Way, Swindon SN1 7DA
Mouldon Hill Country Park Walk
About the walk: Mouldon Hill Country Park is a hidden gem, located in North Swindon and just off of Thamesdown Drive. It makes a fantastic countryside walk, with a large lake (great for feeding ducks, swans and geese), plenty of fields for dogs and children to run about in and different walks depending on how far you’d like to walk! Just around the corner from Mouldon Hill lies the Tawny Owl pub (just a five minute walk under the subway from Mouldon Hill Car Park).
About the pub: The Tawny Owl is a classic pub grub spot with a lovely beer garden, serving great pub classic dishes and drinks. This popular local is very reasonably priced whether you’re dining or drinking (or both!), and makes the perfect place to relax after a long walk around Mouldon Hill!
Walking terrain: A mostly flat, tarmacked path around the lake but grassy paths in the fields that can be muddy.
Parking: Free ample parking at both Mouldon Hill and the Tawny Owl
Location: Mouldon Hill, Swindon SN25 1WH (or use SN25 1WR for the pub)
Coate Water Country Park Walk
About the walk: Coate Water is a large country park located in East Swindon, containing a large reservoir and iconic old diving board. It is a circular walk that takes you around the entirety of the lake (approx 2 miles), walking through woodlands and open spaces – so ideal for dog walking and taking the kids. There is also a miniature railway and crazy golf course on site. Just a two-minute walk from Coate Water is the popular Sun Inn, a family friendly pub.
About the pub: The Sun Inn is a family favourite here in Swindon, boasting a large playground for the little ones to enjoy, extensive pub menu filled with classics and a menu for the kids too. Their pub garden is super popular in the summer months and makes a lovely pit-stop to refuel after a long walk around Coate Water!
Walking terrain: Mostly flat, can be muddy in some places.
Parking: Ample parking at Coate Water - £1 for 2 hours, £2 all day, or parking at The Sun Inn.
Location: Marlborough Rd, Coate, Swindon SN3 6AA
Stanton Country Park Walk
About the walk: Stanton Park lies on the very edge of Swindon, just a couple of miles North East of Stratton. The park features woodlands, meadows, ponds and a range of different paths creating a whole range of walks - some shorter ones keeping to the park itself and some longer ones which extend to nearby Stratton Woods and Stanton village. The park also features lots of incredible sculptures that all ages will love!
Just a stone’s throw from Stanton Park is Stanton House Hotel, a stunning hotel with a lovely bar and beer garden overlooking the countryside.
About the pub: Stanton House Hotel is not a pub as such, but it’s a lovely location to stop by for some drinks, especially in the warmer months when you can sit out in the garden that overlooks the gorgeous park and its surroundings. Whether you fancy a quick coffee, pint of your favourite beer or a light refreshment, Stanton House is the perfect place to re-fuel. Find out more about Stanton House Hotel here.
Walking terrain: Mostly flat. Paths are mainly grassy trails so they can be muddy after rain.
Parking: Free ample parking at Stanton Park.
Location: The Avenue, Stanton Fitzwarren, Swindon SN6 7SF
Avebury Stone Circle Walk
About the walk: If you’re looking for a walk slightly further afield, then Avebury is an excellent spot. This historic site has thousands of years of fascinating history to discover and offers some of the best countryside walks here in Wiltshire. Take a walk through the largest stone circle in the world, the tiny village, through the Manor gardens and explore Avebury’s extensive past.
About the pub: Within Avebury lies the only pub in the world situated in a stone circle – The Red Lion. This pub also boasts an extensive history and is a real favourite here in Wiltshire for drinking and dining. They have a small beer garden out the front which gets busy during the summer and the cosy interior entices visitors during the colder months too.
Walking terrain: Mainly flat with grassy and gravelled paths.
Parking: Limited parking at The Red Lion, a large National Trust car park is located off Beckhampton Road (two minute walk from village and stones). National Trust members park free, non-members £7 per day, £4 after 3pm.
Location: Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF
Uffington White Horse Walk
About the walk: Uffington White Horse is situated just outside of Wiltshire in Oxfordshire, just a twenty minute drive out of Swindon. It offers spectacular, panoramic views across six counties and sits on the historic Ridgeway path (what used to be the main road to London). The chalk White Horse, Iron Fort Castle and Dragon’s Hill has bags of history behind it, dating back to the bronze age, and there’s so much to learn and see whilst walking around there. There are a range of walks at the White Horse to choose from so it’s great for everyone!
About the pub: Just a couple of miles from Uffington White Horse lies, coincidentally, the White Horse Pub at Woolstone. This thatched country inn is a true delight – gorgeous old-style interior, beautiful beer garden and they allow dogs both in and out the pub. Bonus! Whether you need a quick drink to wet your whistle or you’re taking the whole family for a bite to eat after your strenuous walk, The White Horse at Woolstone makes a great option.
Walking terrain: Steep and uneven walking up to the White Horse and Castle (around a 10 min walk). Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs, although if it’s just the view you’re after then there is a fantastic viewing point by the disabled bays in the car park.
Parking: National Trust car park at the White Horse – free for members or £2 for two hours or £4 all day. There is plenty of parking at the White Horse Pub at Woolstone.
Location: For the National Trust Car Park at White Horse Hill, use Uffington, Oxfordshire, SN7 7UK and for the White Horse Pub at Woolstone use Marsh Way, Woolstone, Faringdon SN7 7QL.