The best walks and hikes around Great Somerford
4.2
(114)
917
hikers
60
hikes
Hiking around Great Somerford explores the rolling countryside of the Dauntsey Vale in Wiltshire. The region features quiet country lanes, picturesque riverside paths along the River Avon, and sections of woodland. Most routes offer gentle inclines across relatively flat terrain, providing accessible walks through the landscape.
Best hiking trails around Great Somerford
- The most popular hiking route is The Somerford Arms loop from Little Somerford, a 9.1 miles (14.7 km) trail that takes 3 hours 50 minutes to complete. This moderate route follows a mix of footpaths and quiet lanes through the surrounding farmland.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Malmesbury Abbey – River Avon Garden View loop from Malmesbury, an easy 3.2 miles (5.1 km) path. This short walk offers good views of the historic Malmesbury Abbey and the River Avon.
- Local hikers also love the Gorilla Mural, Brokenborough – Hotel Grange loop from Malmesbury, a 7.1 miles (11.5 km) trail leading through open fields and woodland, often completed in about 3 hours.
- Hiking around Great Somerford is defined by riverside walks, quiet country lanes, and gentle rolling hills. The network of footpaths around Great Somerford provides options for both short, easy walks and longer, more moderate hikes.
- The routes in Great Somerford are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 90 reviews. More than 800 hikers have used komoot to explore Great Somerford's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
4.0
(4)
21
hikers
9.40km
02:27
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
28
hikers
5.14km
01:22
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(6)
24
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(5)
30
hikers
15.3km
04:01
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
9
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Just a gorgeous view of the Malmesbury Abbey, you can imagine it, centuries ago, being a place so visible in the landscape with much fewer buildings!
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This is a bit of a hidden gem. It's quite easy to miss it, yet it has a large indoor seating area as well as outside tables and chairs. Open 7 days a week. Big choice of snacks, cakes, and coffees. Recommended.
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The pub offers quality pub food classics and snacks as well as drinks and snacks. Food served Mon to Fri 12:00 - 14:00 and 18:00 - 20:30. Sat 12:00 - 14:30 and 17:00 - 20:30 and Sun 12:00 - 19:30.
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I believe this lane was once part of the main Bristol to Oxford road. The Saxon M4 🙂
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"Malmesbury (/ˈmɑː(l)mzbəri/) is a town and civil parish in Wiltshire, England. As a market town it became prominent in the Middle Ages as a centre for learning focused on and around Malmesbury Abbey, the bulk of which forms a rare survival of the dissolution of the monasteries. Once the site of an Iron Age fort, in the early medieval period it became the site of a monastery famed for its learning and one of Alfred the Great's fortified burhs for defence against the Vikings. Æthelstan, the first king of all England, was buried in Malmesbury Abbey when he died in 939." Cit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malmesbury
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A fantastic gravel track between Shipton Moyne and the Fosse way
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Lovely quiet lanes with a good surface.
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Lovely market town, lots of nice small shops and cafe's
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many walking trails to choose from around Great Somerford?
Yes, there are over 50 hiking routes to explore in the area. The trails range from short, easy loops perfect for a quick outing to more moderate, longer hikes for a full day of walking.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this region?
The trails around Great Somerford are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the peaceful countryside, the quiet country lanes, and the scenic paths along the River Avon.
Are there any good circular walks starting from the village?
The area is well-suited for circular hikes. A popular local option is a 4-mile loop that starts in Great Somerford and is known for being relatively easy, avoiding stiles and cattle. For a longer, more challenging circular route, consider the Hiking loop from Malmesbury, which explores the surrounding fields and paths.
Can I take my dog on the walks around Great Somerford?
Many trails in the area are suitable for walking with a dog, but it's best to keep them on a lead, especially when crossing farmland where livestock may be present. Somerford Common is a good option for a countryside walk with your dog, offering plenty of space to explore.
Are there any family-friendly walks in the area?
Yes, the region's gentle terrain makes it great for families. For a short and accessible walk with excellent views, the View of Malmesbury Abbey loop from Malmesbury is a fantastic choice. It's only about 2 miles long and offers a great reward with its scenery.
Where can I find walks that include a pub stop?
Several routes are perfect for a pub walk. The Somerford Arms loop from Little Somerford is a popular choice that is planned around a stop at the local pub, combining a good hike with refreshments.
What are the walking trails like at Somerford Common?
Somerford Common offers a tranquil woodland walking experience. The trails are ideal for peaceful walks and are particularly important for wildlife. It's a great spot for nature lovers and those looking to see a variety of butterfly species in the right season.
Are there any trails that follow the River Avon?
Yes, the River Avon is a key feature of many local hikes. You can find several paths that follow its banks, offering scenic waterside views and diverse flora and fauna. The walk between Malmesbury and Great Somerford, in particular, provides lovely riverside sections.
Where is the best place to park for a walk near Great Somerford?
For walks starting in Great Somerford, you can usually find on-street parking within the village, but please park considerately. For routes beginning in nearby Malmesbury, there are several public car parks available which serve as convenient starting points for many trails.
Are there any woodland walks in the area?
Absolutely. If you're looking for a route that takes you through woods, the Angrove Wood loop from Malmesbury is an excellent option. This trail combines open fields with a pleasant stretch through local woodland.
What kind of scenery can I expect on a hike here?
Hiking around Great Somerford takes you through the quintessential English countryside of the Dauntsey Vale. Expect to see rolling hills, quiet country lanes, serene riverside paths, and historic landmarks like the Malmesbury Abbey in the distance.
Can I get to the walking trails using public transport?
While having a car offers the most flexibility, some trailheads can be reached via public transport. Bus services connect Great Somerford to larger towns like Malmesbury and Chippenham, from which you can access a variety of walking routes. It's best to check local bus schedules in advance.
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