Festival Walks

This walk offers a unique opportunity to see the Hartham Park estate, not normally open to the public. We approach along the 1760’s old Brickers Barn Turnpike Road to enjoy a tour of Hartham Park’s external grounds and stické tennis court. Departing the estate, we pass through Church Farm fields and the Weavern’s ancient woodland before ascending to Rudloe Manor and returning to the Campus. (Note: Dogs are not permitted in Hartham Park grounds.)
Access to external grounds by kind permission of Hartham Park www.harthampark.com and Church Farm B&B www.churchfarmbandb.com

• Distance: 6 miles
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: 4 hrs duration
• Start: 13:15 Springfield Community Campus
• Price: £5 including donation to the charity Asthma UK

A venture into the Wiltshire countryside to Monkton Farleigh. After a fairly steep climb towards Henley, the reward is a stunning view over the By Brook Valley to Colerne. We then pass close to the historic manor houses of South Wraxhall and Monkton Farleigh – approaching the latter along its magnificent mile long elm avenue. The descent from Kingsdown allows a view of Brunel’s famous Middle Hill Box railway tunnel before our return to the car park.
Sponsored by Airbus www.airbus.com

• Distance: 7 miles
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: 4 hrs duration
• Start: 13:30 pm from Selwyn Hall Car Park (Free), Valens Terrace, Box, SN13 8NT. GR ST824686
• Price: £4

This circular walk will be of particular interest to those who enjoy learning about local history and industrial archaeology from a local enthusiast, with an added bonus of attractive countryside and some good views from the Ridge.

High quality limestone from around Corsham was used for the building of Bath in the early 18th century. To move the stone from the many small quarries around Corsham narrow gauge railways (known as tramways) were built leading to the railway station.

The walk explores the remains of the Corsham quarry tramways and former quarry sites, and includes several stiles. Quarry Tramways is usually the most popular walk of the Festival, so you will need to be quick off the mark on April 3rd to book your place.

• Distance: 5 miles
• Grading: Easy
• Time: 3.5 hrs duration
• Start: 14:30 pm from Leafield Logistics & Tech Services car park, Monks Lane, Corsham, SN13 9PH. GR ST878686
• Price: £5

A circular walk following a section of the proposed Cloverleaf Trail. There are several steep inclines en route to Brown’s Folly Nature Reserve, an SSSI managed by Avon Wildlife Trust. The disused stone quarries here are home to several bat species including the rare Greater Horseshoe bat and wild flowers carpet the old spoil heaps. We return via Monkton Farleigh and South Wraxall through beautiful countryside with spectacular views.

This walk is suitable for those who have previously walked at least 15 miles. Please bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink.
Sponsored by Airbus www.airbus.com

• Distance: 19 miles
• Grading: Challenging
• Time: 9 hrs duration
• Start: 08:30 am from Springfield Community Campus
• Price: £4
• Age 16+

This 1-hour session will help you understand just how beneficial Nordic walking can be. Get a taste of how light you will feel on your feet, how the whole body is mobilised and why you need to take the time to learn the technique. Nordic poles will be provided for your use.
Sponsored by Chafing Thighs.

• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Grading: Easy
• Time: 1 hr
• Start: 09:00 am from Lacock Road car park, Corsham, SN13 9QG (by Corsham Town Football Club).
• FREE but please book in advance
• Age 16+

Walk with a wild flower enthusiast to identify wild plants on Box Hill Common and Chapel Plaister Common, areas of increasingly rare unimproved limestone grassland. This habitat is home to many plant and insect species and we expect to find several native orchids, yellow rattle and common broomrape, among many others. Discover the significance of these plants to our ancestors, their botanical features and curious names.

There is a high awkward stile, and possibly mud. Optional lunch at The Quarryman’s Arms – not included in walk fee. www.quarrymans-arms.co.uk
Bring a hand lens and wild flower book if possible.

• Distance: 4 miles
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: 3 hrs duration
• Start: 09:30 am from The Quarryman’s Arms Pub, Box Hill, SN13 8HN. On street parking nearby. Please ONLY USE pub car park if you are staying for lunch.
• Price: £5 includes a donation to the charity Plantlife

This walk is from Corsham to Colerne and return, passing through the beautiful Weavern Valley, past Euridge and Widdenham. A hilly cross-country walk with excellent views and numerous stiles. The routes uses rights of way across farmland, through old woodlands and along quiet country lanes. A walking pole is recommended. Please bring a packed lunch.
Sponsored by BCH Camping & Leisure Ltd – www.bchcamping.co.uk

• Distance: 8.5 miles
• Grading: Challenging
• Time: 5 hrs duration
• Start: 10:00 am from Biddestone Green, SN14 7DG. On street parking.
• Price: £4
• Age 16+

A circular walk to the National Trust village of Lacock for lunch and a short tour. The walk is through open countryside and includes a number of stiles. Lacock retains a bygone atmosphere with ancient cottages and medieval tithe barn.
Please bring a packed lunch

• Distance: 10 miles
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: 5 hrs duration
• Start: 10:00 am from Springfield Community Campus
• £5 includes donation to Lacock History Group

A short walk from the Campus to Corsham Court’s beautiful parkland and lake where we will walk in silence without hurrying – paying attention to our environment and the experience of walking quietly in a group. No meditation experience is required. We will finish at Church House where there will be time for a cup of tea and questions about Mindfulness.
Sponsored by People Business Psychology – www.peoplebusinesspsychology.com

• Distance: 2.25 miles
• Grading: Easy
• Time: 1.5 hrs plus optional 45 mins for tea and discussion
• Start: 10:30 am from Springfield Community Campus, finish at Church House, Church Street, SN13 0BY
• FREE but please book in advance. Optional donation to Mindfulness Generationwww.mindfulnessgeneration.co.uk
• Age 12+

This circular walk heads south from Corsham to the village of Neston, then through rolling fields to Gastard and Thingley. We pass through open pasture, country roads and past mine workings, whilst enjoying views to Westbury and the Gt. Cheverell escarpment. The walk includes about 20 stiles, some of which are rather high.
Please bring a packed lunch.

• Distance: 8.5 miles
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: 4.5 hrs duration
• Start: 11:00 am from Springfield Community Campus
• £4

Linear walk to Box with wonderful views. At Box Hill we descend into the valley. We are joined by a railway enthusiast for an informative talk about the famous Box Tunnels and GWR. Please make own arrangements from Box back to Corsham.
There is a frequent bus service between Corsham and Box on the X31 bus.
Please bring a packed lunch.

• Distance: 6.5 miles
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: 4.5 hrs duration
• Start: 11:30 am from Springfield Community Campus. Finish in Box or return by X31 bus to Corsham.
• Price: £5 includes donation to Box Methodist Church Organ Appeal Fund

A lovely afternoon walk on mainly flat terrain including lanes, footpaths and fields with excellent views of a number of Corsham’s important houses. The route heads into the surrounding open countryside, so cobwebs will be blown away before returning to the Campus.

• Distance: 5.6 miles
• Grading: Easy
• Time: 3 hrs duration
• Start: 13:30 pm from Springfield Community Campus.
• Price: £4

Enjoy an action packed fitness walk that will show you how walking can improve your fitness levels, boost your mood and help you gain results fast. Your qualified walking instructor will turn motivating drills and exercises into a fast paced and fun walk.
Sponsored by Chafing Thighs.

• Distance: 4.5 miles
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: 1.5 hrs duration
• Start: 14:30 pm from Springfield Community Campus.
• Price: £5 includes donation to the UK walking charity Living Streets
• Age 16+

A self-guided treasure hunt encouraging young people to discover the High Street and Corsham Park in a novel and enjoyable way. For children and their families, hunting via flat pavements from the Campus to the High Street. Answers to treasure hunt on return to the Campus where participants will be awarded a certificate and small gift.

• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Grading: Easy
• Time: 1 hr duration
• Start: 14:30-15:30 pm from Springfield Community Campus.
• FREE but please book in advance
• For 5-12 year olds accompanied by an adult

A self-guided walk around Corsham town centre and Corsham Park for teams of 2 – 4 people to solve the puzzle of the Peacock Walk. An opportunity for all the family to learn about Corsham and its open spaces. A map and questions are provided to each team and you can walk at your own pace – although you must finish by 16:30 pm.

Answer sheets will be sent out after the weekend. Prizes for the highest scoring team kindly donated by Auttomatic Comics and Toys of Corsham.

• Distance: 2 miles
• Grading: Easy
• Time: 2 hrs duration
• Hourly starts between 09:00 am – 14:00 pm from Springfield Community Campus.
• FREE but please book in advance

• From 19:00 pm – 23:00 pm
• Springfield Community Campus, Corsham.
• Price: £12

An ideal opportunity to socialise over the festival weekend – the fun quiz is open to both walkers and non-walkers.  Bring your own team (max 6 people) or join a team on the night to compete for The Golden Boots plus prizes generously donated by local businesses. There will also be a raffle in support of Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

This promises to be great festival evening and strong demand for tickets is expected.

Includes a delicious buffet supper by award-winning Elior Catering www.elior.co.uk. Special dietary needs can be catered for – please inform The Pound Arts Centre when booking.  A paying licensed bar is available.

This demanding 20 mile long circular walk to Little Solsbury passes through diverse and beautiful countryside with impressive hilltop views. The varied terrain includes meadow, woodland, fields, river and canal paths. We climb Bannerdown as well as Little Solsbury and the total ascent is about 600 m. The song by local musician, Peter Gabriel celebrates this wonderful spot.

Suitable for those who have previously walked hilly routes of at least fifteen miles.
Please bring a packed lunch.

Sponsored by Airbus www.airbus.com

• Distance: 20 miles
• Grading: Challenging
• Time: 9.5 hrs
• Start: 08:30 am from Springfield Community Campus
• Price: £4
• Age 16+

A challenging circular walk to Castle Combe, once voted the prettiest village in England and notable as the location for several well-known films. The route includes the pretty villages of Slaughterford, Ford and Long Dean and part of the Macmillan Way National Trail. Please bring a packed lunch.
Sponsored by The Carl Todd Clinic – www.thecarltoddclinic.com

• Distance: 15 miles
• Grading: Challenging
• Time: 7.5 hrs duration
• Start: 09:00 am from Springfield Community Campus
• Price: £4
• Age: 16+

This 1-hour session will help you understand just how beneficial Nordic walking can be. Get a taste of how light you will feel on your feet, how the whole body is mobilised and why you need to take the time to learn the technique. Nordic poles will be provided for your use.
Sponsored by Chafing Thighs.

• Distance: 2.5 miles
• Grading: Easy
• Time: 1 hr duration
• Start: 09:00 am from Lacock Road car park, Corsham, SN13 9QG (by Corsham Town Football Club).
• FREE but please book in advance
• Age 16+

This walk is from Corsham to Colerne and return, passing through the beautiful Weavern Valley, past Euridge and Widdenham. A hilly cross-country walk with excellent views and numerous stiles. The routes uses rights of way across farmland, through old woodlands and along quiet country lanes. A walking pole is recommended.Please bring a packed lunch.
Sponsored by BCH Camping & Leisure Ltd – www.bchcamping.co.uk

• Distance: 11 miles
• Grading: Challenging
• Time: 6 hrs duration
• Start: 09:30 am from Springfield Community Campus
• Price £4
• Age: 16+

Accompanied by a Cotswold Voluntary Warden, this circular walk provides an interesting day, including a unique opportunity to visit a nature reserve not normally open to the public. We venture along the wooded valley of the Burton Brook to the hamlets of Nettleton and West Kington. Our return route includes the Broadmead Brook, a clapper style bridge and Nettleton Mill, then back to the dreaming Cotswold village of Castle Combe, often described as the prettiest village in England. Please bring a packed lunch.

• Distance: 8 miles
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: 5.5 hrs duration
• Start: 10:00 am from Castle Combe Upper Car Park (Free) GR ST 846777
• Price: £5 includes donation to Cotswold Voluntary Wardens

This hilly, circular walk from Marshfield to Charmy Down’s disused airfield, takes us through the beautiful unspoilt countryside of St Catherine’s Valley.

The airfield closed in 1946, though the remains of its control tower, buildings and runway can still be seen. Historic St Catherine’s Court, was more recently owned by the actress Jane Seymour and used as a recording studio by bands such as The Cure and Radiohead.
Please bring a packed lunch.
Sponsored by Airbus www.airbus.com

• Distance: 11 miles
• Grading: Challenging
• Time: 5 hrs duration
• Start: 10:30 am from Market Place, Marshfield, GR ST 781737
• Price: £4
• 16+ years

Join members of Transition Community Corsham (Transcoco), the local environmental group, to explore practical sustainability in Corsham. Including community orchards, wildflower gardens and solar power installations. Along the way discover the hidden biodiversity of hedgerows – with Peter Harper, a leading environmentalist from Bath University before returning to Springfield Community Campus.

Transcoco aims to develop local solutions to local sustainability issues, helping to address climate change and other global environmental challenges. We aim to make the Corsham area a more positive and rewarding place and help create a more sustainable future for everyone. www.transcoco.org.uk

• Distance: 4 miles
• Grading: Easy
• Time: 2 hours duration
• Start: 11:00 from Springfield Community Campus
• FREE but please book in advance. Optional donations to Transcoco

A delightful circular walk through Corsham’s history including the Almshouses, the Town Hall and St Bartholomew’s 12th Century Church. St Bart’s has its own well supported local walking group offering monthly walks of about 10 miles. www.corshamandlacockchurches.org.uk

The route includes beautiful Corsham Park and lake designed by Capability Brown then continues to the sleepy hamlets of Westrop and Easton and open countryside.

• Distance: 4.5 miles
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: 2.5 hours duration
• Start: 13:00 from Springfield Community Campus
• £4

This popular heritage tour of our historic town centre will introduce you to its history. An expert guides us from St Bartholomew’s Church, along the High Street to the Almshouses and the grounds of Corsham Court. The architecture of Corsham’s gem of a town centre will reveal many stories from its past.
Note: A fully accessible wheelchair-friendly walk which is suitable for all – carers are free. Sponsored by David Ingram Residential – www.david-ingram.co.uk

• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Grading: Easy
• Time: 1.25 hrs duration
• Start: 13:30 pm from Springfield Community Campus
• Price: £4

Enjoy an action packed fitness walk that will show you how walking can improve your fitness levels, boost your mood and help you gain results fast. Your qualified walking instructor will turn motivating drills and exercises into a fast paced and fun walk.
Sponsored by Chafing Thighs.

• Distance: 4.5 miles
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: 1.5 hrs
• Start: 14:00 pm from Springfield Community Campus.
• Price: £5 includes donation to the UK walking charity Living Streets
• Age 16+

This interesting and scenic circular walk takes us over Neston Ridge, revealing panoramic views towards Westbury White Horse and beyond. There are several high stiles to negotiate. Our route crosses the site of a Roman Road and passes remains of the quarrying and stone mining industries. A curious stone walkway provides a crossing over a brook. On street parking is available near Neston Primary School. There is an opportunity at The Neston Country Inn for post walk refreshments.

• Distance: 5 miles
• Grading: Moderate
• Time: 2.5 hrs duration
• Start: 14:30 pm from Church Rise, outside Neston Primary School, Church Rise, Neston, SN13 9SX.
• Price: £4

A self-guided walk around the town centre and Corsham Park for teams of 2 – 4 people to solve the puzzle of The Peacock Walk. An opportunity for all the family to learn about Corsham and its open spaces. A map and questions are provided to each team and you can walk at your own pace – although you must finish by 16:30 pm.
Answer sheets will be sent out after the weekend. Prizes for the highest scoring team kindly donated by Auttomatic Comics and Toys of Corsham.

• Distance: 2 miles
• Grading: Easy
• Time: 2 hrs duration
• Hourly starts between 09:00 am – 14:00 pm from Springfield Community Campus. Also on Saturday SAT10
• FREE but please book in advance