Railways

Relaxed Guided Walks around the woods, downs and ancient sites of Wiltshire

The Marlborough Branch and M&SWJ Railways

‘Sustrans’ Cycle Path on MSWJ

The Marlborough Branch Line from the terminus at Marlborough High Level Station to Savernake Low Level Station still exists ‘on-the-ground’, but lies on private property with no footpaths along its course. The Line itself is also heavily overgrown and not easily traversed.

There is a similar problem with the M&SWJ Line from Marlborough Low Level Station to Savernake High Level.

However, there are enough Rights of Way along their routes to enable a reasonable Walk of both railways, covering some of The Wansdyke along the route.

R1 - Circular Tour of both Lines

This Walk starts in Marlborough due to the lack of suitable parking at any point along either Line south of the town. The walk takes us to the area of the High and Low Level Marlborough Stations. From here we walk south, with good views of the old Stations from Postern Hill, and follow the route of the M&SWJ Line, crossing The Wansdyke along the way. We then follow Mud Lane Lane to meet the Branch Line, which we follow back to Marlborough, with a slight detour to the old Tunnel entrance.

Distance:

10 miles

Walk Time:

3 Hrs

Total Time:

4 Hrs

No of Climbs

Terrain:

Climb of 140 ft

Difficulty:

Moderate 3

Price Band:

Features:

F N

Spring

Days:

Any Day

R2 - Circular Tour of both Lines including Savernake

As R1, but extended to include the Kennet & Avon Canal and the Savernake Stations.

Distance:

12 miles

Walk Time:

4 Hrs

Total Time:

5 Hrs

No of Climbs

Terrain:

Climb of 140 ft

Difficulty:

Moderate 3.5

Price Band:

Features:

F N

Spring

Days:

Any Day

R3 - Chiseldon to Marlborough along the M&SW Line

An easy walk following the Chiseldon and Marlborough Cycle Path, taking in a few geocaches along the way. This walk can be extended to include Postern Hill and the Tunnel

Distance:

8 miles

Walk Time:

3 Hrs

Total Time:

4 Hrs

No of Climbs

Terrain:

Flat

Difficulty:

Easy 1

Price Band:

C or D

Features:

F N G

Spring

Days:

Any Day

Dates and Times: See our Dates Pages for more details
Prices and Discounts: Click here for our current Prices Page

Key to Features
available during walks

Ancient Site

Bluebells (mid April - end May

Monuments

Suitable for Newcomers

Fruit & Nuts
(Autumn)

New - Geocache on this Walk

Scenic Views