Wootton Rivers and Martinsell Hill

Richard Clayton

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This is one of a series I have written along the Kennet and Avon Canal. It fits in geographically between 510 Pewsey and 224 Great Bedwyn. This circular walk is at times very close to the railway line but not to a station! See Access Information.

The first part of the walk is a gentle stroll west from the village of Wootton Rivers alongside the canal. In the spring and summer, you may see a lot of boating activity. In the winter, the canal is often closed for maintenance. There was thick ice in February 2010!

Walking along the canal towpath, you get a good view of your next objective, the Giant's Grave and Martinsell Hill up on the chalk ridge to the north. Your route leaves the canal at Pains Bridge, where you start the approach to the hill.

Leaving the hill-fort, there is open countryside with extensive views south as you drop back into Wootton Rivers. This is a lovely village, with attractive large houses, quaint thatched cottages, the pub and the church all adding to the appeal. Much of it was designated a Conservation Area in 1975.

England - South England - Wiltshire - Canal Walk

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Church, Flowers, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Industrial Archaeology, Pub, Public Transport, Wildlife, Woodland
9/28/2015 - victoria fox

Completed this walk in glorious sunshine on 26/09/2015, really easy to follow with fantastic views. We stopped at the Royal Oak for a drink dogs are allowed in the bar area but we sat out in the court yard in the sunshine.

9/10/2012 - Roger Stevenson

Dog friendly, excellent guide, varied scenery, history, geology, views,interesting village and pub - this one has it all. Cannot recommend highly enough.

6/20/2011 - Bertie The Dog

Loved this walk. ( 18/06/11 } It was so easy to follow, had lots of interesting extra info in the walking guide, and had a real variety of scenery to enjoy, in a beautiful part of the country. Brilliant.