Day 1: Malmesbury to Cricklade
Route Overview
The walk begins at Malmesbury Abbey, where King Athelstan is buried. The current building dates from the 12th century and is the third abbey to stand on this site. The first abbey was founded by St Aldhelm in the 7th century.
The first half of the route is mainly on quiet country roads, following the North Wessex Way (the historic route between Oxford and Bristol) through Milbourne and Garsdon. The route then follows bridleways through Ravensroost Wood and onwards towards Cricklade, finishing at St Sampson’s Church in the centre of the town.
Distance
15 Miles
Duration
6 – 6½ hours, not including breaks (depending on the ground conditions, as the bridleways can be very muddy at certain times of the year)
Level of difficulty
Easy, but long
Route Download
Maps
Ordnance Survey Explorer 168, 169
Parking
Long stay parking in Malmesbury at Station Road Car Park (SN16 9QY), several free car parks in Cricklade (crickladetowncouncil.gov.uk/services/car-park/)
Public transport
see https://www.connectingwiltshire.co.uk/
Anticipated start date/time
18 Aug, 2025 09:30 AM
