Home › Travel Blog › Walks in Chippenham: Monkton Park, the River Avon and Beyond
You do not have to travel far from Chippenham to find good walking. The River Avon runs right through the town, green spaces stretch along its banks, and the surrounding countryside is crossed by footpaths, old causeways and quiet lanes. Whether you want a gentle stroll before breakfast, a family-friendly loop or a longer half-day walk, this guide to walks in Chippenham has something for you. All of the routes below can be started from, or easily reached from, The Pines Guest Accommodation.
1. Monkton Park and the River Avon
Distance: 1 to 3 miles, as you like · Terrain: flat, mostly surfaced paths
Monkton Park is Chippenham's largest green space and the obvious place to start. It lies close to the town centre, with the River Avon sweeping along its southern side. Surfaced paths follow the riverbank and loop around open lawns, mature trees and play areas, so you can make the walk as short or as long as you like. The park is also an important corridor for wildlife through the town, and early mornings often bring sightings of waterbirds on the river.
On Saturday mornings, Monkton Park hosts a free, timed 5k parkrun, which is a friendly way to start the weekend if you enjoy running or walking at a brisk pace. Register online first and bring your barcode. The Olympiad leisure centre sits at the edge of the park if you want to add a swim.
Tip: the lowest riverside paths can flood after heavy rain. If the river is high, stick to the higher paths through the park.
2. Town centre and riverside loop
Distance: about 2 miles · Terrain: pavements and park paths
For a walk that mixes history and greenery, combine the town centre with the river. Start in the Market Place, where you can see the medieval Yelde Hall and visit Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre, then head down to the river and follow the paths through Monkton Park before returning via the High Street. It is an easy walk, suitable for most abilities, and there are plenty of cafés along the way. Read our guide to things to do in Chippenham for more about the sights on this route.
3. John Coles Park
Distance: short stroll · Terrain: flat park paths
John Coles Park is a traditional town park with mature trees, colourful flower beds and a Victorian bandstand. It is ideal for a short, relaxed walk, particularly with young children, who will enjoy the play areas and the splash pad in summer. Combine it with Monkton Park for a longer outing across two of the town's favourite green spaces.
4. Maud Heath's Causeway
Distance: about 4 to 5 miles one way · Terrain: raised path, lanes and field edges
For something with a real story, follow Maud Heath's Causeway. This raised footpath was paid for by a bequest from Maud Heath in the fifteenth century, so that people from the villages north of Chippenham could reach the town's market without wading through the flooded meadows of the Avon valley. Parts of the causeway still run on raised banks and stone arches across the low ground, and there are old inscribed stones and a statue of Maud Heath herself at Wick Hill.
Walking the full length is a satisfying half-day outing. Many people walk one way and return by taxi. Take an Ordnance Survey map, as some sections follow minor roads and field paths.
5. Lacock village and the Avon
Distance: 1 to 3 miles around the village · Terrain: village streets and riverside meadows
Lacock, about 3 to 4 miles south of Chippenham, is perfect for a gentle walk. After exploring the medieval village streets and the grounds of Lacock Abbey, you can follow a short riverside path along the Avon. The National Trust publishes walking routes around the village. Our Lacock village guide explains how to get there and what to see.
6. The By Brook valley at Castle Combe
Distance: 2 to 6 miles · Terrain: woodland paths, some steep sections
North-west of Chippenham, the wooded valley of the By Brook around Castle Combe offers some of the prettiest walking in the area. Circular routes follow the stream through woodland and meadows, past old mill sites and small stone bridges, before returning to the village. These paths are more rugged than the town routes, so good footwear is essential, especially after rain.
7. Bowood's parkland
Distance: varies · Terrain: grass and gravel paths
If you are visiting Bowood House and Gardens, allow time to explore the landscaped parkland around the lake. The grounds are part of the paid attraction and open seasonally, so check opening dates before you go. It is a lovely option for families who want to mix a walk with a visit to the house and the adventure playground.
Practical tips for walking around Chippenham
- Footwear: town routes are fine in trainers, but countryside paths can be muddy for much of the year, so walking boots are best.
- Maps: an Ordnance Survey Explorer map or a reliable walking app is invaluable for longer routes.
- Flooding: the Avon valley floods in wet weather. Check conditions and avoid low riverside paths when the river is high.
- Dogs: keep dogs on leads near livestock and follow any local signs, especially on farmland.
- Leave no trace: take litter home and close gates behind you.
Rest and refuel
After a day outdoors, it is good to have somewhere comfortable to return to. The Pines is a short walk from the town centre and the river. Every room includes breakfast, and our restaurant serves Greek and English home cooking every evening, with a bar and beer garden for a well-earned drink. Parking is free, so you can leave the car and set off on foot.
Conclusion
From the riverside paths of Monkton Park to the historic Maud Heath's Causeway and the wooded valleys near Castle Combe, walks in Chippenham offer variety for every ability. Start with an easy loop through town, then venture further afield as time allows. When you are planning your walking break, browse our rooms and check availability, and see our list of nearby attractions for more ideas.
Stay at The Pines in Chippenham
The Pines Guest Accommodation is a Victorian guest house close to Chippenham town centre and station, with single, double, twin and family rooms, breakfast included, free parking and Wi-Fi, a bar and a Greek and English restaurant. View our rooms or check availability.