The best walks and hikes around Devizes

There are over 50 hiking routes around Devizes, offering a wide range of experiences. These include easy strolls along the canal and more moderate ascents into the chalk downlands.

Hiking around Devizes features diverse terrain, including historic canal towpaths, rolling chalk downlands, and varied woodland trails. You'll find accessible waterside paths, open fields, and some steeper sections on the hills. The area is known for its prominent chalk hills like Roundway Hill and Morgan's Hill.

Yes, Devizes offers many easy hiking options. Over 30 of the routes are classified as easy. A great choice for families is the Belvedere and Newlands Wood – Le Marchant Barracks loop from Devizes, which is relatively flat and takes you through pleasant woodland. The canal towpaths, such as those around the Caen Hill Locks, also provide very accessible and gentle walks.

While most routes are easy to moderate, some trails offer more sustained ascents into the chalk downlands. For example, routes that include Roundway Hill or Morgan's Hill will provide more elevation gain and a greater challenge than the canal paths. There are 19 moderate routes available for those seeking a bit more effort.

Many of the trails around Devizes are suitable for dogs, especially those along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpaths and through open countryside. When hiking through fields with livestock or nature reserves, please keep dogs on a lead and always follow the Countryside Code.

Yes, many of the best hiking experiences around Devizes are circular routes. Examples include the Wessex Ridgeway: Oliver's Castle Loop, which takes you past an Iron Age hillfort, and the Beacon Hill Summit – Devizes Millennium White Horse loop from Roundway, offering panoramic views.

You can explore a variety of natural features and landmarks. The historic Kennet and Avon Canal, with its impressive Caen Hill Locks, is a central attraction. You'll also encounter prominent chalk hills like Roundway Hill and Morgan's Hill, offering extensive views. The Cherhill White Horse is another notable chalk figure visible from some trails.

Yes, the area is rich in history. Many routes pass by sites of Iron Age hillforts, such as the one on Roundway Down, often referred to as Oliver's Castle. The West Kennet Long Barrow and Avebury Stone Circle are also significant historical sites within reach of Devizes, offering a glimpse into ancient history.

Devizes offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring brings wildflowers to the downlands, while summer provides long daylight hours for extended walks. Autumn showcases beautiful foliage in the woodlands. Even in winter, the canal towpaths and well-maintained trails are often accessible, though some higher, exposed areas might be windier.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Devizes, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the peaceful canal paths to the panoramic views from the chalk downlands. The historical landmarks and the variety of routes suitable for different abilities are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, Devizes is a market town with various parking options. Many trailheads, especially those starting from the town center or popular attractions like the Caen Hill Locks, have designated parking areas. It's advisable to check local parking information for specific starting points.

Devizes is served by local bus routes, which can provide access to various parts of the town and surrounding villages. This can be useful for reaching trailheads or planning linear walks. The Kennet and Avon Canal towpath, for instance, is easily accessible from the town center.