Marlborough Walking and Cycling Guide
Follow trails amongst the stone circles and white horses in Marlbrough
The Wiltshire town of Marlborough is within the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, a treasure trove to explore on foot or two wheels. With forests, rolling downs, gentle rivers and hills you can surround yourself with the most glorious scenery.
If you like to while away the miles on your bike, the Wiltshire Cycleway circles the county for 160 miles letting you pick up sections here and there. The peaceful countryside makes cycling a breeze as you wind through the towns and villages in the Marlbrough area. Off-road routes are also easy to find along the canal tow paths.
Suggested Marlborough Walks
See the history of the town as you pass old merchant’s houses and beautiful architecture in Marlbrough.
When you first arrive in Marlborough, a circular stroll around the town is a great way to get your bearings and to see some of the main attractions. This 2 mile walk takes you along the High Street towards St Peter’s Church, turning left just after to the River Kennet. After the bridge, turn right along a road which becomes a riverside path. Taking a left you will pass near the chalk white horse, one of many in this area. From here you continue on until turning right and heading back towards to the river to return to the High Street. If you want to see more of the Wiltshire white horses, the White Horse Trail has details on where to park and some facts about each location.
Just outside Marlborough is Savernake Forest, an ancient woodland where you will find the Big Belly Oak and many other ancient trees. Follow the Savernake Tree Trail to find all of the top spots and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the forest. There are no signposts to follow the trail and it is recommended that you take an ordnance survey map with you.
Surrounded by incredible downlands, the walking opportunities are incredibly. Just outside Marlborough there is a great selection of North Wessex Downs trails to follow, in particular the Avebury circular which starts at the stone circle. This National Trust site is the largest prehistoric stone circle and a museum on-site delves into its history. The walking route is 6 miles (10 km) and is mostly on flat paths. Passing Sidbury Hill, the largest artificial mound in Europe whose origins are unknown, and West Kennet Long Barrow you will uncover views of this ancient county.
Marlborough Cycling Routes
Surrounded by open countryside, there are routes to suit all abilities in Marlborough and the surrounding Wiltshire area of Marlbrough.
An easy to follow route which is on the National Cycle Network, leads you from Marlborough to Swindon along an old railway path. The route takes you through oak woods where you can see floors of bluebells in Spring. Taking an hour in each direction, stop off for lunch when you get to Swindon before returning.
The Ridgeway is an 87 mile (140km) trail starting at Avebury and continuing to Ivinghoe Beacon. Following a line of chalk hills it is known as Britain’s oldest road. Popular with walkers, cyclists, and everything in between, it is a great choice. Following the trail between Avebury and Goring is ideal for cyclists with a wide path and it is easily reached along connected National Cycle Network routes.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, pack your mountain bikes and head to Aston Hill Bike Park, Swinley Forest or Wendover Woods to test your skills around Marlbrough!
Marlborough Cycle Hire
Fix The Bike operate around Marlborough and offer cycle hire, repairs and servicing. Hire a bike for the full day and spend your time roaming at leisure, stopping off at country pubs along the way.
