The best walks and hikes around Swindon
4.5
(1896)
15,488
hikers
296
hikes
Hikes around Swindon explore a landscape of gentle chalk hills, ancient trackways, and expansive country parks. The region is part of the North Wessex Downs, characterized by rolling terrain and modest hills like Liddington Hill, which provide wide views of the surrounding countryside. Waterways such as the River Thames and lakes within Coate Water and Lydiard Park offer level paths, contrasting with the trails found in the area's woodlands and open meadows.
Best hiking trails around Swindon
- The most popular…
Last updated: June 23, 2026
4.5
(12)
89
hikers
15.7km
04:13
190m
190m
Embark on a moderate hike through the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, covering 9.8 miles (15.7 km) with an elevation gain of 612 feet (187 metres). This route typically takes…
4.7
(11)
72
hikers
8.38km
02:15
100m
100m
Embark on a moderate 5.2-mile (8.4 km) hike through the North Wessex Downs, offering wide, open views of rolling chalk downland. This loop, which takes about 2 hours and 15…
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3.0
(2)
12
hikers
23.7km
06:24
310m
310m
Embark on the White Horses & Ancient Castles loop, a difficult hiking adventure spanning 14.7 miles (23.7 km) with an elevation gain of 1027 feet (313 metres). You can expect…
4.8
(5)
117
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(8)
131
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(9)
30
hikers
23.4km
06:20
310m
310m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.1
(14)
65
hikers
9.30km
02:32
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(16)
63
hikers
8.49km
02:20
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
30
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
36
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
An interesting village with a historical background and many sights: 1. Avebury Stone Circle The largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. Unlike Stonehenge, you can walk freely among the stones. The circle even encloses the village of Avebury. 2. Avebury Henge The massive earthwork and ditch surrounding the stone circle. From some vantage points, you get a good impression of the enormous dimensions of the site. 3. Silbury Hill Europe's largest man-made prehistoric mound. The hill lies about 2 km south of Avebury and is a fascinating Neolithic puzzle. 4. West Kennet Long Barrow A Neolithic chamber tomb over 5,000 years old, the burial chambers of which can be entered. Particularly atmospheric in the early morning or evening. 5. The Sanctuary The remains of another Stone Age ritual site at the end of the old processional way. 6. West Kennet Avenue An impressive avenue of standing stones that once linked Avebury with The Sanctuary. 7. Avebury Manor A 16th-century manor house with beautiful gardens. It is now looked after by the National Trust. 8. Alexander Keiller Museum A small but very interesting museum about the history and archaeology of Avebury and the surrounding monuments. 9. Windmill Hill One of the oldest known Neolithic sites in Britain with beautiful views over the Wiltshire landscape.
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The Hackpen White Horse is a large white chalk figure on the slopes of Hackpen Hill in Wiltshire. It was probably created in 1838 and is one of the well-known "White Horses" of Southern England. The historic long-distance path The Ridgeway runs directly above. From here, there is a wide view over the rolling chalk hills of the Marlborough Downs. The White Horse, the open landscape, and the ancient Ridgeway make the place a popular destination for hikers and photographers. A car park and short footpaths allow easy access to the viewpoint.
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The view of Hackpen Hill and The Ridgeway shows a typical English chalk hill landscape: gentle, open ridges, wide fields, and historic paths. The Ridgeway is considered one of Great Britain's oldest long-distance paths and runs near Hackpen Hill through the Wiltshire countryside. Especially in clear weather, the heights offer extensive views over the Marlborough Downs.
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Best approached from the east by mountain bike so that you get a nice downhill to the ridgeway trail after the fort!
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Hike a bike for me on my gravel bike to get up here from the west but worth it, the views are stunning and the archeology very interesting
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Ridgeway bridleway is very overgrown in summer and difficult to ride. Better take byway.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails around Swindon?
Yes, there are over 300 hiking routes to explore around Swindon. The trails range from easy, short walks in local parks to more challenging long-distance paths across the North Wessex Downs, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.
What are some good circular walks near Swindon?
Many trails around Swindon are loops, making logistics easy. For a moderately challenging circular route with historical interest, consider the Liddington Castle Hillfort – Bridleway Junction loop from Chiseldon. This 5.8-mile (9.3 km) walk takes you up to an Iron Age hillfort with rewarding views.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in the area?
Absolutely. For a simple and accessible walk that's great for families, the Mini-Golf Course loop from Lakeside is a popular choice. It's a flat, 4.6-mile (7.4 km) route that's perfect for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
Can I bring my dog on the trails around Swindon?
Yes, Swindon is very dog-friendly. Many parks like Shaw Forest Park and Stanton Country Park are popular with dog walkers. For a trail with varied scenery, the Bridleway Junction loop from Chiseldon offers a 5-mile (8 km) walk through open fields and woodland paths where dogs can often be off-lead, but always be mindful of local signage and livestock.
What kind of terrain should I expect on hikes near Swindon?
The landscape is quite varied. You'll find gentle, rolling chalk hills and ancient trackways in the North Wessex Downs, particularly on routes along The Ridgeway. Closer to town, country parks like Coate Water and Lydiard Park offer flatter, often paved paths around lakes and through woodlands.
Are there any challenging long-distance hikes available?
Yes, for experienced hikers looking for a challenge, the White Horses & Ancient Castles loop is a demanding 14.7-mile (23.7 km) trek. This difficult route takes you across the downs, offering a full day of hiking with significant elevation gain and fantastic views.
What do other hikers think of the routes around Swindon?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning views from the chalk escarpments, the rich history of The Ridgeway, and the well-maintained paths in the local country parks.
Where can I find a good short walk?
If you're looking for a quick and easy outing, the Mini-Golf Course loop from Coate Water Country Park is a great option. It's a gentle 2.7-mile (4.3 km) walk that takes less than an hour, perfect for a brief escape into nature.
Are there any hikes with good viewpoints?
Definitely. For some of the best panoramic views, head to Barbury Castle Country Park. On a clear day, the viewpoints here stretch across the landscape as far as the Cotswolds. The The Ridgeway at Barbury Castle – Hackpen White Horse loop is a moderate 4.8-mile (7.7 km) walk that incorporates these fantastic vistas.
How difficult are the trails that follow The Ridgeway?
The difficulty varies depending on the section. You can find both moderate and difficult routes. For a more strenuous experience on this ancient path, consider The Ridgeway at Barbury Castle – The Ridgeway National Trail loop. It's a challenging 14.6-mile (23.5 km) hike that covers a significant portion of the trail, requiring good fitness.
Which is better for walking, Lydiard Park or Coate Water Country Park?
Both are excellent but offer different experiences. Lydiard Park is a large historic estate with a mix of woodland, pasture, and lakeside paths, giving it a grand, landscaped feel. Coate Water Country Park is centered around a large lake with level, surfaced paths, making it ideal for easy, accessible walks and birdwatching.
Are there any good places to park for hikes?
Most of the main starting points for hikes have dedicated parking. Popular spots like Barbury Castle Country Park, Stanton Country Park, and Coate Water Country Park all have car parks available for visitors, making it easy to access the trailheads.
Most popular routes around Swindon
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