Roaming the Paths

Explore West of Pewsey
2023-06-24 09:30 - 12:30 UTC | Pewsey Railway Station (PEW), North Street, Pewsey, Wiltshire, SN9 5ER, United Kingdom
A morning walk in Pewsey Vale with items of interest
An entirely guide-led, Walking – Talking Guided Tour.
A high-quality morning out. A fully guided morning walk with talk, followed by luncheon (Optional) in the beautiful vale of Pewsey.
Morning – Exploration of the local countryside subjects include farming, Wildlife, the importance of transport and the canal, villages, geology, history, the local area and a miscellany of facts led by Roaming the Paths.
Start
Starts at 9.30, meet at Pewsey railway station. Timed to meet the first train from London Paddington (pending industrial action). There will be a briefing on the day and an equipment check (please remember to bring suitable attire for the weather, snacks and a drink. Especially remember the drink).
Morning Tour
Distance – 6 Miles. Terrain – gentle gradients, some steps, Style to cross, Railway crossing and some uneven surfaces.
N.B. This route is fully reversible, so might be done in a different order.
Old and new villages
Setting off Westwards, Along the Kennet and Avon Canal, and into the Vale of Pewsey. Chance to see what plants you might have seen in the morning, and how they are growing in various different locations.
We will explore the fascinating history of Wilcot, and how villages were destroyed, and fancy canal bridges built, just to improve a view. Ancient systems of agriculture and the Lord (or Lady) of the manor were the local law. After revisiting the canal again to see the splendour of Ladies Bridge and have a chance for a rest, and maybe a photo opportunity.
History – Wiltshire and Wessex
From here we start the journey back via Swanborough Tump. and hear of the Viking invasion, King Alfred the Great and the formation of what would become England. The final leg a stroll through quiet hamlets and back lanes.
The environment
At intervals along the walk will the environment and ecosystems will be mentioned. The countryside is varied, as are the farms and farming techniques employed. Because of this we will only touch on these subjects. For more in-depth tours relating to the environment, ecology or farming, see the Meet the…… tours.
Lunch
We return to Pewsey and finish with a well-deserved sit-down, with a cuppa and a cake – or perhaps a cream tea. Lunch not included with this tour.
Conclusion
Those arriving by train will be guided towards the station to greet a suitable train towards the Capital. A later trains are an option, and some may choose to linger.

Getting to know your Spring Weeds
2023-04-26 18:30 - 20:00 | The Seven Stars Inn – Bottlesford, Gores Lane, Bottlesford, Wiltshire, SN9 6LW, United Kingdom
Reserve your place now for another exploration and discovery session by Michael Atkinson-Willes from Wiltshire Wandering
Investigate and explore the fantastic plants springing forth in bounteous abundance, in this evening botanical bonanza.
Michael will guide you about a meadow bursting forth with life.
Michael will cover edibility, past and present uses, historical references and folk law.
All are welcome, so please bring a friend or two.
There is a £25.00 CASH charge for this event, payable on arrival or £26.00 if booked online (£25.00 plus £1.00 booking fee*).
The previous events have been popular, so see below to buy a ticket or RSVP now to reserve a prime place at this unique, informative, educational and entertaining event.
The venue
The Seven Stars opens at 5PM so plenty of time for some refreshments before the event.
Please note – If you want to dine, please contact the venue, the Seven Stars Bottlesford directly to reserve a table.
What to wear
Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather and event. The tour is not a great distance, nor is the terrain challenging. However, it is the countryside, so sensible footwear is advisable. If the weather is wet coats, etc. advisable.

*Booking fee to cover online payment charges, or £25.00 cash on the day

A botanical exploration, lunch, and afternoon walk
2023-04-15 09:30 - 18:00 | Pewsey Railway Station (PEW), North Street, Pewsey, Wiltshire, SN9 5ER, United Kingdom
A botanical exploration, lunch, and afternoon walk
An entirely guide-led, Walking – Talking Guided Tour.
A high-quality day out. A fully guided morning talk, followed by luncheon and afternoon walk in the beautiful vale of Pewsey.
Morning – Exploration of the multitude of plants bursting into life. The tour is similar to Wandering by Water by Walking Wiltshire and is led by Walking Wiltshire.
Afternoon – Exploration of the local countryside subjects include the importance of transport and the canal, villages, geology, history, the local area and a miscellany of facts led by Roaming the Paths.
Start
Starts at 9.35, muster and meet at Pewsey railway station. Timed to meet the first train from London Paddington (pending industrial action). There will be a briefing on the day, and an equipment check (please remember to bring suitable attire for the weather, snacks and a drink).
Morning Tour
Distance – 2.3 Miles. Terrain – gentle gradients, some steps, boardwalks, and possible mud.
From there Mike from Walking Wiltshire will take you on a guided tour looking at the wonder of plants. Setting off immediately into the countryside and onward to Jones’s Mill Nature Reserve, the journey of discovery starts. The morning is spent exploring the plants and their uses. Medicinal, culinary and otherwise. Their history, folk law and legends. Their environment, and numerous other aspects of the plants seen on the day.
A thoroughly enjoyable opportunity to discover the power of some of our most common, and often unseen, companions.
Lunch
Time to relax and enjoy a lunch.
On this tour this will be Freshly made soup and sandwiches with plenty of hot drinks.
All reasonable dietary requirements will be catered for.
Introduction to the afternoon’s proceedings By Alan from Roaming the Paths. Starting with a brief after-dinner talk we will explore the geology of the Vale of Pewsey, and look at how transport has had such an effect on the area.
Afternoon Tour
Distance – 6 Miles. Terrain – gentle gradients, some steps, Style to cross, Railway crossing and some uneven surfaces.
Old and new villages
Setting off Westwards, Along the Kennet and Avon Canal, and into the Vale of Pewsey. Chance to see what plants you might have seen in the morning, and how they are growing in various different locations.
We will explore the fascinating history of Wilcot, and how villages were destroyed, and fancy canal bridges built, just to improve a view. Ancient systems of agriculture and the Lord (or Lady) of the manor were the local law. After revisiting the canal again to see the splendour of Ladies Bridge and have a chance for a rest, and maybe a photo opportunity.
History – Wiltshire and Wessex
From here we start the journey back via Swanborough Tump. and hear of the Viking invasion, King Alfred the Great and the formation of what would become England. The final leg a stroll through quiet hamlets and back lanes.
The environment
At intervals along the walk will the environment and ecosystems will be mentioned. The countryside is varied, as are the farms and farming techniques employed. Because of this we will only touch on these subjects. For more in-depth tours relating to the environment, ecology or farming, see the Meet the…… tours.
Tea
We return to Pewsey and finish with a well-deserved sit-down, with a cuppa and a cake – or perhaps a cream tea. Stronger options are available behind the bar with an opportunity to sample many local ales, some produced onsite.
Conclusion
Those arriving by train will be guided towards the station to greet the penultimate train of the day towards the Capital. A later train is an option, and some may choose to linger.

Getting to know your Weeds 3
2023-04-11 19:00 - 20:30 | The Crown Inn, 60 Wilcot Road, Pewsey, Wiltshire, SN9 5EL, United Kingdom
Getting to know your Weeds 3
Another Slideshow by Michael Atkinson-Willes from Wiltshire Wandering
Michael will talk about ten of the plants that were found in the Scotchell Nature reserve in Pewsey, in October 2022.
Michael will cover edibility, past and present uses, historical references and folk law.
All are welcome, so please bring a friend or two.
RSVP to reserve a prime seat.

A Walk in the Woods - Savernake
2022-06-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Savernake Forest, Wiltshire, SN8 4NE, United Kingdom
This walk through one of the most beautiful ancient woodlands in Britain is approximately 2.5 miles long and lasts for about 3 hours.
A walk in the woods
Please reserve a place as I like to limit numbers to about 20. The walk route is described on the website walkingwiltshire.com
A walk whilst talking about the trees, undergrowth and fungi that we see; their names, past medicinal uses, their history and folklore.
£5.00 per person on the day.

Wandering by Water
2022-05-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Hallgate House Car Park, Broomcroft Road, Pewsey, Wiltshire, sn9 5ex, United Kingdom
Starting from Northgate Car Park this walk covers about 2 miles and lasts for some 3 hours.
walk by water
Please reserve a place as I like to limit numbers to about 20. The walk route is described on the website walkingwiltshire.com
I shall be talking about some 30 species of plants covering their historical medicinal uses, folklore and literary references.
£5.00 per person on the day.
