Cricklade Circular Walk

5.3 miles (8.5 km)

Enjoy an easy stroll around the pretty Wiltshire town of Cricklade, on this circular walk in the Thames Valley. The river is in its infancy in this area, only a short distance from the source, near Kemble. It's a lovely area with lots of nice footpaths along rivers, canals and the lakes of the nearby Cotswold Water Park. The walk is just over 5 miles in length, with only a short climb around Hailstone Hill.
The route starts in the town centre and takes you along the river to Cerney Wick. This opening section follows part of the Thames Path before heading along the disused North Wilts Canal and Thames and Severn Canal. You'll also pass the pretty Elmlea Meadows consisting of three meadows which have been managed for hay followed by grazing. The area supports rich flora including the nationally rare�fritillary.
At Cerney Wick you turn left and follow a path along the fringe of the Cotswold Water Park. The expansive park consists of 150 lakes with miles of waterside cycling and walking trails to try. This route turns south east following a dismantled railway line past Hailstone Hill before returning to the town. Here you can enjoy a stroll along the attractive streets with 17th and 18th century architecture. The church of St Sampson's is Grade I listed and dates from the 12th century.
If you would like to extend your walk you can follow the Thames Path west towards Ashton Keynes and then right through the water park to the source of the Thames near Kemble. Following the path east will take you to Castle Eaton and Lechlade.

Cricklade Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Cricklade Circular Walk Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Cricklade Circular Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Cricklade Circular Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Cricklade

Thames Path - Starting at the Source of the Thames at Thames Head in Gloucestershire, follow the iconic river through beautiful countryside and historic towns to the city of London.
Cotswold Water Park - This fabulous attraction has numerous waterside cycling and walking paths taking you around the park's 150 lakes
Lechlade River Circular Walk - This lovely circular walk takes you along the River Thames and through the countryside surrounding this pretty town in Gloucestershire
South Cerney - This Cotswolds based village is splendidly positioned next to a series of lakes and the River Churn

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Just to the north west is the pretty little village of South Cerney. The attractive village is twice winner of the Bledisloe Cup for best kept village. There's nice footpaths along the River Churn and the historic Old George Inn which is set in a 17th century coaching inn.