Savernake Forest loop from Marlborough — North Wessex Downs

Embark on a moderate hike through the historic Savernake Forest, a Special Site of Scientific Interest within the North Wessex Downs. This 7.9-mile (12.6 km) loop, with a gentle 441 feet (134 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 3 hours and 21 minutes to complete. You will wander through ancient broad-leaved woodlands, past coniferous plantations, and along the magnificent Grand Avenue, a nearly four-mile tree-lined path of mature beeches, encountering iconic trees like the Big Belly Oak along the way. The terrain is generally easy and flat, though some sections may be wet underfoot.

While the paths are generally clear, the forest lacks extensive signposting, so carrying an Ordnance Survey Explorer map (map 157) is highly recommended for navigation to avoid feeling lost in its maze-like layout. The forest offers a mix of surfaced and non-surfaced paths, with some gravel sections, making it suitable for most hikers. You can expect a diverse experience with varied habitats and open grazing areas throughout your journey.

Savernake Forest boasts a rich history spanning over a thousand years, first documented in a Saxon charter from 934 AD, and once served as a royal hunting ground. Uniquely, it remains the only ancient forest in Britain that has never been bought or sold, staying in private hands for over a millennium. It is renowned for its exceptional concentration of ancient trees, including many oaks dating back over a thousand years, and its design was influenced by the famous landscape architect "Capability" Brown.