Walk around Melksham - Canal and River
This Wiltshire town has some lovely waterside walking trails along the tranquil River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal to the south. It's also surrounded by some lovely Wiltshire countryside with plenty of waymarked footpaths to try. Melksham is conveniently located just east of Bath and not far from Bradford-on-Avon.
This circular walk around the town takes you along the river to the Kennet and Avon Canal to the south of the town. The route run for just over 8 miles and includes some nice waterside and countryside sections.
The walk starts in the town by the river and follows footpaths south west to the Pack Horse Bridge at Monkton Farm. The route continues south east past Whaddon before picking up the canal towpath near Semington. You can take a little detour south of the canal to visit the pretty village if you have time.
Follow the towpath east towards Seend Cleeve before heading north east to Redstocks. Here you turn north west to return to Melksham through the countryside. The last section through the town follows the pretty Clackers Brook back to the river.
Please scroll down for the full list of walks near and around Melksham. The detailed maps below also show a range of footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths in the area.
Melksham Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Melksham Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Melksham OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Melksham Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Melksham
- Kennet and Avon Canal Walk - A splendid waterside walk from the Thames at Reading, through Thatcham, Newbury, Hungerford, Great Bedwyn, Pewsey, Devizes, Bradford on Avon to Bath
- North Wiltshire Rivers Route - This is a an excellent, largely off road, cycling and walking path that runs along National Cycle Route 4 from Melksham to Avebury
- Avoncliff - A circular walk from Avoncliff, visiting the impressive Avoncliff Aqueduct, the Kennet and Avon Canal and the River Avon.
You can start the walk from the car park on the south side of the river in Avoncliff - Dundas Aqueduct - This waterside walk visits the impressive Dundas Aqueduct in Somerset
- Corsham Court - Follow footpaths across Corsham Park on this walk near Chippenham
- Lacock Abbey and Village - Explore the picturesque streets and historic buildings of Lacock Village before a visit to the beautiful Lacock Abbey set within its own delightful woodland grounds.
- Chippenham to Calne Railway Path - This is a nice easy cycle or walk along the disused railway path from Chippenham to Calne
- Chippenham to Lacock Walk - A walk from Chippenham, through the countryside to the lovely Lacock Abbey and Village
- Bath Canal Walk - This is a popular walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal from Bath to Bradford on Avon
- Bath Skyline Walk - Enjoy wonderful views of the city of Bath on this popular circular walk
- Bowood House - This Georgian country house is located on the edge of the North Wessex Downs, near the Wiltshire town of Calne
- Bradford on Avon Canal and River Walk - The West Wiltshire town of Bradford on Avon is a great place for walkers, officially recognised as a Walkers are Welcome town
- Holt Wiltshire - This worthy Wiltshire village is located close to Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge Park and Melksham in an attractive part of the county
Pubs/Cafes
The Water Meadow in East Melksham is a nice place for a pit stop. They do good food at reasonable prices and have an outdoor seating area for warmer days. You can find the pub at Verbena Court with a postcode of SN12 7GG for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Melksham has a train station on the Great Western Railway. Two weekday southbound services run through to Southampton Central and two northbound services continue to Cheltenham.
Just to the west there's the worthy village of Holt to explore. Here you'll find two fine National Trust properties with beautiful gardens and plenty of history.
The North Wiltshire Rivers Route actually starts from the town. This long distance cycling and walking trail runs all the way to Avebury through some lovely countryside.
Photos
River Avon, Melksham. The river approaching the town, seen from a riverside path near Kings Park Primary School. The trees on the opposite bank hide the Cooper Tire and Rubber plant.
A view looking to the southwest along the River Avon, downstream of the weir.
Melksham weir. A view looking to the northeast along the placid waters of the River Avon, upstream of the weir. The structure on the left is a flood control gate.
On the Kennet and Avon Canal between Seend and Semington.
Somerset Arms, Semington. About 300 yards south of the Kennet & Avon Canal this pub does a very nice Sunday lunch. It's a good option if you'd like to stop for some refreshments on the walk.
Near Semington. The Kennet and Avon in open countryside near Semington with repairs in progress on Newtown Farm Swing Bridge