At last, the route to Lacock

One of our most frequently asked questions is about the walk to Lacock and the route to follow once the end of the canal is reached after Pewsham Locks. Several Belles have kindly led the Walkie Talkies on this walk over the past few months, so now it's time to commit the walk to the website for future reference. The top photo shows the first of these walks at the first stile that's reached shortly after the canal bridge and information board.

But before we get there, let's have a look at the potential starting points from Pewsham. Most of our walks have started from the Community Centre, though there is an alternative starting point from the Westmead Open Space car park, and of course those who live at Pewsham may start from home. Those starting from town or further afield can join the Westmead Car Park route via the Avon Walkway. Let's assume we're starting from the Community Centre...

Cross over the Lodge Road roundabout and take the Blackthorn Mews exit. Shortly afterwards turn right into Rooks Nest Close and then a quick first left into Forest Lane. Keep on straight when the lane leads into a footpath and then carefully cross over the usually busy Pewsham Way. After crossing over take the footpath on the left away from town and go through the gate to keep on the path. Then turn a sharp right to keep following it, go through another gate, then turn right and go through a further gate. Follow the path to the right and shortly afterwards the footpath starts to follow the line of the Wilts & Berks Canal. You will see Pewsham Locks, (currently under reconstruction) and the portion of the canal which is filled with water.

Follow the canal looking out for swans and other wildlife. When you reach the bridge, keep to the footpath and don't go over the bridge, which also signposted as a path. Shortly after the bridge and down a small hill there's an information board about the canal and the first stile (shown in the top photo). Follow the path and shortly afterwards cross over a second stile into a large field.

At the end of the field on the left is a double wooden stile to cross and then a path at the side of an arable field (not necessarily with sweetcorn!). At the end of the field follow it around to the left to a double squeeze stile.

It's actually easier to limbo under the metal bars which join the two stiles together than squeezing through them. The path now goes to the side of a fenced property (called 'Camilla's House' locally as the Duchess of Cornwall lived there prior to marrying Prince Charles). At the end of the path is a metal bar stile which goes onto a road. Cross the road and go through the squeeze stile opposite into a large field. Cross the field diagonally towards the tree in the middle of the field (the route is usually seen clearly) and then over a wobbly stile at the end onto another road.

Turn right and go over the weak bridge and then left at the end in front of the thatched cottage. Follow the road and look for an opening onto a footpath on the left hand side between two houses (as shown in the right hand photo above). If you follow the road to the right and pass the cottage shown in the middle photo (called Apple Store Cottage), you have gone too far. The footpath you need is also signposted as a cycle path further up the path. At the end of the footpath there's a gate into a field with a paved footpath across it. Go through the gate at the end of the field and turn left - follow the footpath onto the side of a stream. Keep on the path past the ford and over the bridge until you shortly reach the village of Lacock by St Cyriac's church.

Now it's time for some well deserved refreshments at The Stables tearoom!

There are further walk options whilst in Lacock - in the grounds of Lacock Abbey (fee payable if you're not a National Trust member); or use the free Lacock walk routes available from the National Trust website; or just simply stroll through this pretty village.

In Summary

Start point: At Pewsham Community Centre

Distance: 7 miles approx (there and back)

Difficulty: Easy - mainly flat with some stiles

Walk time: Around 2 and a half hours, allowing some time for photo stops and exploration along the way. Cafe time is extra.

Cafe: Stables Tearooms opposite The Red Lion pub. There are several other tearooms nearby, plus The George Inn and the Lacock Bakery.

Public toilets are available in the small car park by the Stables Tearooms and Red Lion pub.

Map: See above for the start of the walk. Full map to follow.

Alternative variations: There is the option to take the X34 Frome bus service back to central Chippenham instead of walking back. This runs approximately half hourly from The George Inn Monday to Saturday, and takes around 20 minutes. Note there is no Sunday service.

Parking (if needed): At Pewsham Community Centre or Westmead Open Space - both car parks are free. If starting from town (which makes a longer walk) then use one of the central car parks in Chippenham - Emery Gate, Borough Parade or Bath Road. NB These are still free on Sundays at the time of writing; check the link for up to date details and prices.