This walk takes in a huge part of Chippenham and quite a few of the town's open spaces. As a result it can start at several points depending on where you live: Pewsham, Monkton Park and the centre of town to name but three. For the purposes of this write-up we'll start outside Pewsham Community Centre.
This is a longer version of Diane's walk into town from Pewsham, which follows the Avon Walkway into town instead, then through Monkton Park and Baydon's Meadow to pick up the railway path towards Calne, then turning off there to pick up the path past Harden's Farm and Abbeyfield School. The map below shows a wiggly route back into Pewsham which uses several of the snickets on there as short cuts. An alternative is to stay a little longer on London Road and head back to Pewsham via Cricketts Lane.
In Summary
Start point: At Pewsham Community Centre
Distance: About 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy - mainly flat estate and cycle paths and roads, a quiet country lane, the old railway path (watch out for mud and cyclists!) and paved pathways in Monkton Park
Walk time: Around 2 to 3 hours (allowing for canoe and river life spotting, cafe time and a slower time in the heat!)
Cafe: Those available along the High Street in town or The Tenth Hole Tea Room in Monkton Park (right by the pitch and putt and crazy golf courses) about half way round. There is also the possibly of a pub stop at the Pack Horse towards the end or at the Old Lane at the end of the walk . Cafe Spero at the Elim Pentecostal Church in Wood Lane is another option on the days it's open.
Map: See above
Parking (if needed): At the car park outside Pewsham Community Centre in Lodge Road (free). If starting in town 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.
Alternative variations: Members living on Pewsham or in Monkton Park may prefer to start their walk from home or group walkers may prefer to meet more centrally in town, and change their route and refreshment stops accordingly.
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