Walk around Calne
This circular walk explores the beautiful Wiltshire countryside surrounding the town of Calne. There's much to enjoy with rivers, lakes, woodland trails and a visit to the splendid Bowood House.
The walk starts on the western edge of the town and follows Wenhill Lane south west to to Pinhills Farm before entering the expansive Bowood Park. The 18th century Georgian country House is surrounded by beautiful grounds with public footpaths running through the western side of the park. You'll pass Bowood Lake and the landscape gardens designed by Lancelot "Capability" Brown as you make your way across the estate.
The trail then heads north through the park towards Derry Hill and Studley where you pick up some quiet country lanes. They'll take you up to Hazeland Farm where you cross the River Marden on Hazeland Bridge.
You then turn south through Ratford with more river views before turning east and returning to Calne. This section passes the route of the old Calne branch of the now closed Wilts and Berks Canal.
Calne Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Calne Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Calne OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Calne Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
At the northern tip of this route you'll visit Dumb Post Hill where you'll past the excellent Dumb Post Inn. The charming, 18th Century Pub is in a fine country location with good views over the Bowood Estate. They do great food and also have a nice outdoor seating area for warmer days. You can find the inn at a postcode of SN119JZ for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The woods, parkland and countryside on the route make for an excellent dog walk. The Dump Post Inn mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your walking in the area try the Chippenham to Calne Railway Path. The shared cycling and walking path includes lovely riverside sections along the River Avon and the River Marden.
The North Wiltshire Rivers Route is a long distance trail which runs from Melksham to Avebury and passes through Calne on the way. It's another good option for exploring the lovely Wiltshire countryside.
To the west of the town is the splendid Lacock Abbey and Village. It's a fascinating area with nice walks along the River Avon and the woodland in the abbey grounds.
Head east from the town and you will soon come to the village of Cherhill. Here you can start the circular walk to the Cherhill White Horse. There's fine views from the Cherhill Downs and a splendid 18th century pub to visit in the pretty village afterwards.
For more walking ideas in the area see the North Wessex Downs Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The Head’, Calne. This sculpture was created in response to a millennium competition initiated by the then Mayor of Calne in 2000. The winner was Rick Kirby with this work. The rear of the piece, with its open, incomplete lattice points to the challenges of the future.
Historical Calne. A fine group of venerable houses located near the centre of Calne.
Doric Temple and Lake, Bowood House. The grounds of the house were landscaped by Capability Brown.
Bowood House is the stately family home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne. The b uilding designed by Robert Adam in the 18th Century.
The little village of Ratford near Calne
Former canal wharf. At the end of the Calne branch of the now closed Wilts and Berks Canal.