This is a beautiful walk of nearly 6 miles that takes in not just the historic village of Lacock but also the surrounding countryside. It is a fantastic way to experience the whole area and beyond plus to take in some less trodden paths of Wiltshire.
Straight from the start of the walk you are immersed in history before heading out into the glorious fields and meadows with gorgeous buildings dotted along the way.
Walk Route Info
Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
Total Ascent: 198 m (649 ft)
Difficulty: Easy
Parking
The car park for this walk is easy to find. It is the National Trust Car Park for a visit to Lacock itself. Postcode SN15 2LG.
Follow the brown signs for Lacock then use the main car park. Cost is £5 for non National Trust members.
Start The Walk, Lacock
This walk starts with a bang that is for sure. From the car park, initially you are with all the tourists that have come to see Lacock and its magnificent history as I have already written about. You will see the Lacock Abbey almost straight away.
Take your time, marvel at this unique place as you walk the quaint streets. Maybe even get pre walk refreshments or a cuppa.
Or even take the opportunity to do some art like Zoe did.
Walk Through The Countryside
Once you have passed through Lacock you are almost immediately transported into the countryside. It was a glorious day to be walking this walk. The green of the fields and the blue skies made for lovely views and surroundings.
Before too long you will be at the crossing of the River Avon by Raybridge. There is a gorgeous thatched roof house here with a red postbox outside.
After the bridge it is a left and back into the fields. A familar pattern that forms throughout the walk is how it passes through variety and back again quickly. One minute fields and meadow, next minute a small wood then back into a new looking meadow.
Wilts & Berks Canal
You will come to a section of the remains of the Wilts & Berks Canal. You will see how nature has taken over a canal that has been abandoned.
The canal was built in 1810 to make a route from the Kennet & Avon Canal to Melksham. 52 miles. It was abandoned in 1914 and this nature began to take back over.
As you walk along we saw many birds and damselflies darting around where an old man made water structure has become a nature haven by itself over time. Many miles of the canal are actually now being restored bit by bit thanks to the wonderful work of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.
Back Into The Wiltshire Meadows
After crossing over a canal bridge the variety continues. Back into the meadows and big views start to form.
We were walking in the sunshine and the breeze was blowing the wild flowers and grasses, creating a gorgeous ambience. Zoe couldn’t resist getting out her sketchbook and drawing one of her favourite subjects, meadows.
The walk was so quiet, we hardly saw another soul. A peaceful scene.
Whilst we wandered on through the grasses, field by field we took in the views and the dogs, especially Malc was having fun.
From here the walk starts to gradually gain some height. Not a strenuous uphill by all means.
You reach a track and then head right, up the slope before looking back to grab a huge Wiltshire view over the landscapes beyond.
The day was getting warmer and even the sheep that we met were finding some shade beneath the trees.
To Bowden Hill
The walk starts to now feel miles from anywhere, which is great. You can tell it is a peaceful walk where there are sections with overgrown brambles and nettles, but not too bad, just near the stiles etc.
After going through a farmstead and by the grounds of Bowden Park you come to Bowden Hill. A little village above Lacock.
Bowden Park was built in 1849 by the to be Prime Minister’s (William Gladstone’s) brother John Gladstone. He made his mark on the area in many ways including the building of St Anne’s Church, which you shall pass, to commemorate the birth of a son into the family.
Back To Lacock
From Bowden Hill you start the long descent back to Lacock. You will see the Rising Sun Pub across the road to your left and follow the winding road down. Admiring the pretty thatched Wiltshire houses.
This is where you come to the least favourable part of the walk for me. The road to Lacock from the bottom of the slope has no footpaths and a lot of traffic coming and going. It is very important to keep your dogs and children close and be careful of traffic.
You will know you are almost back when you cross the River Avon once more and see Lacock Abbey ahead and right of you.
Time for a well deserved cuppa.
Conclusion
Having been to Lacock many times it was about time I took a walk of the surrounding area. It is more than just a village. This walk showcases all that is great about the countryside and history beyond the village itself.
I would recommend using the GPX I have given you above, or a map, as there are sections and turns that can easily be missed. Be careful too on that last road section.
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