Wiltshire - Down your way
The dignified buildings of Marlborough's broad high street and the handsome Georgian brick houses tell of its former importance as a commercial centre for the area and make a very pleasant base for an outstanding variety of country walks. These contrast the rolling open grassland of the Downs with the sheltered villages of the valleys. You'll also take in the landscaped forest of the Savernake with the natural abundance of the West Woods. A memorable 4 day break is available. Local Attractions - White Horse, Wansdyke earthwork, Sarcen Stones, Devils Den burial chamber, Roman road, Race horse gallops. Walk info - 4 - 10 miles a day, easy to moderate. Fabulous in spring for the bluebells and the early morning gallops on the Down. This tour includes bed & breakfast accommodation, a tour pack (including colour coded route directions and a map), luggage transfers and emergency telephone assistance.
2 days, 1 night
Walk 1 - The walk takes you under the bridge of Marlborough College which was founded in 1843 as a school. The walk continues to Wansdyke, which means 'Woden's Ditch', after the Saxon god, a mysterious defensive earthwork that runs for over 60 miles from Bristol to Marlborough. You then walk on to the Marlborough White Horse. This famous chalk figure, one of eight of various shapes and ages that are dotted around the Wiltshire Downs, was cut by a young William Canning with the help of his friends.
Walk 2 - The walk takes you on to Ogbourne Maizey and the manor house.This is an unusual and delightful example of a major building that incorporates local flint for a large part of its structure. Continue on to Mildenhall. This pretty little village, pronounced Minal by the locals, stands close to the site of Roman Cunetio, an important town that grew around a junction on the road from Bath to Wanborough (Durocoravium). Nothing is now visible of the Roman remains but what you can see here is the wonderful church of St. John the Baptist. If you have worked up a thirst you may also want to visit the delightful Horseshoe Inn along the main road to the left.
B&B Price: £86.00 (price per person, based on two people sharing)
Hotel Price: £110.00 (price per person, based on two people sharing)
3 days 2 nights
This is the same as above, but will include an additional walk on your third day.
Walk 3 - Tour around some of the 4,500 acres of these historic landscaped woods which are a haven for wildlife with 25 species of butterflies, roe and fallow deer and various woodland flowers and birds. Once you are in the woods it's tempting to just follow your nose along the multitude of tracks and paths; great fun, especially if you have the time and a compass to find your way out!
B&B Price: £149.00 (price per person, based on two people sharing)
Hotel Price: £195.00 (price per person, based on two people sharing)
4 days, 3 nights
This is the same as above, but will include an additional walk on your fourth day.
Walk 4 - The stones at Avebury are an impressive sight on this walk. The Avebury ring is the oldest stone ring that is known to be in existence anywhere in the world and is even older than Stonehenge! The walk continues on to Fyfield Down, a National Nature Reserve and one of the most important geological sites in Britain. The walk ends as it started passing the expansive sports fields of Marlborough College.
B&B Price: £212.00 (price per person, based on two people sharing)
Hotel Price: £280.00 (price per person, based on two people sharing)
