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.