Wild walks in WILTSHIRE

Whether roaming across rare wildlife havens or rambling among ancient, sacred stone sculptures, you’re spoilt for choice

- ANNABEL KEMP

Breezy grasslands, ancient tangled woodlands and rolling chalk valleys make up the patchwork landscape of Wiltshire. This is a county that is best explored on foot, where nearly half the land is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and World Heritage Sites crop up near pretty villages and towns. Here are our favourite walks.

Canal-side stroll

Dragonflies and butterflies whirl lazily over the thriving Kennet & Avon Canal. At 87 miles long, this man-made waterway meanders all the way from London to the Bristol Channel, passing through the heart of Wiltshire.

Wandering along the canal path, you’ll encounter quaint market towns, and traditional pubs and cosy cafes for lunch. There are plenty of landmarks to look out for along the towpath. The Caen Hill Locks are a two-mile-long flight of 29 locks, where a resident kingfisher can often be seen, while the Crofton Pumping Station boasts the world’s oldest working steam beam engine and has its own tea rooms.

Great for TRANQUIL TRAVELLERS

Just 30km away from Stongehenge is the lesser-known but equally impressive Avebury Henge. Escape the crowds and wander among the world’s largest stone circle, which originally consisted of 100 enormous stones.

Giant White Ponies