There is nothing better than heading to the countryside and going for a beautiful Autumn walk. It’s one of my favorite things to do. It stimulates me and with the new sights, smells and sounds I tend to be exhausted after my country dog walks.
So if your thinking of something fun to do over the weekend, why not head on over to picturesque and quaint Wiltshire village of Horningsham and take one of these beautiful walks with your pooch. After walkies, you and your pooch can wander on over to the pet friendly Bath Arms for a lazy pub lunch! The Bath Arms is recognised as one of the best dog friendly hosts in Wiltshire. Maybe a weekend getaway is in order!
1.To Bidcombe Down, via Brixton Deverill
This route is 6.5 miles long and includes an abundance of countryside, passing by many farms – the perfect route to cover leisurely in a morning or afternoon. Throughout the route there’s a consistent slight terrain up and down but nothing too exaggerated, allowing walkers to enjoy the journey of beautiful horizons and grassy mounds.
Along the way there’s the grounds of the Rye Hill Farm, who are most famous for their production of high quality Oil Seed Rape, Wheat and Spring Barley, in addition to their six bedroom period farm house and additional cottages.
2.The Woods around Cley Hill
This route is 8 miles, covering a lot of ground but luckily not lots of up and down hiking. This route is particularly pleasant because it yields many shops, places for tea and pubs along the way, allowing many opportunities to alleviate those tired legs, in addition to Norridge Woods, Chapmanslade, and Black Dog Woods.
http://www.ramblers.co.uk/walksfinder/walkInfo.php?id=212738
3.Brixton Deverill to Bidcome Hill
This walk starts just a stone’s throw from The Bath Arms and is 6.5 miles long. Surrounded by the countryside, known as The Deverills, it throws up a variety of sights – one minute you’re on open download and the next you find yourself dropping through a wood and into a picturesque village or valley. The first half of this walk is on down land and provides a pleasant, steady walk, with the return journey providing a relatively easy glide back. There’s no pubs to stop unfortunately, so it should be noted that organisation and snacks will be essential – however, there’s plenty of grass and other pleasant areas to take a picnic break (sunnier days would therefore be more suitable).
4.Manor Farm (Devizes)
The permissive path provides a circular walk that could be used in conjunction with other walks, or possibly as a lighter afternoon activity. Throughout there’s excellent views of the Marlborough downs to the north of the side, alongside many convenient links to public footpaths just south to the village of Wedhampton.
http://cwr.naturalengland.org.uk/Default.aspx?Module=CountryWalkDetails&Site=3163
5.Flowerswood Farm near Trowbridge
This is a pleasant very short walk that’s full of natural beauty. Take a walk through the re-created flower rich meadows and pastures, enjoying the newly planted woodlands, with many footpaths to West Ashton, a local village. The areas are very well maintained and it would be very well suited to lovers of the wildlife, in addition to boasting views across the valley to the south and the west. The route is circular, which means it can easily be adapted to any walker’s requirements – be that shorter or longer.
http://cwr.naturalengland.org.uk/Default.aspx?Module=CountryWalkDetails&Site=3880
