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Best river hikes in Wiltshire
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Best river hikes in Wiltshire

Go with the flow on these riverside adventures! From gentle streams to powerful rapids, these hikes offer constant companionship with the sound of rushing water.

Here are some great hikes to explore in Wiltshire.

Most popular hikes


Reviews for river hikes in Wiltshire

Hillary Kuhn CPA avatar

Great Wessex Way

ExplorerStreamfinder85 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star


Priteche Fogaça avatar

Leland Trail

Priteche Fogaça · reviewed over 5 years ago

star star star star star


Lanelle Predovic avatar

Avon River Walk from Pewsey to Salisbury

TrailmarkerTrailstalker66 · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star


David Salter avatar

Sarum Way

TravellingDAS · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star


mark jones  avatar

The Ridgeway National Trail

MarkJ · reviewed 3 months ago

star star star star star

3.5 ⭐️ I finished the trail over three days and Wildcamped. The start of the trail is just outside the village of Avebury which is the home to Neolithic Stones which i definitely recommend to visit first. And you can get the 49 Bus from swindon. There are not many re supply points on trail I think I only stopped at two shops one in Goring at halfway point and in wendover towards the end. There were a few water taps to fill bottles. I completed the trail in March after a lot of rain the paths were very muddy so I think if the weather was warmer and later on in the year the trail would be nicer experience. The end of the trail is near Tring station which is very handy to get back Home.


Frequently asked questions for hikes in Wiltshire

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape. 

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.


Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).


Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).


Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).


Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).


What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.