Pewsey, the K & A canal and the Wiltshire downs. (part 1)
11 people attending
9 places left
This is the first of two circular routes from Pewsey in the North Wessex area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The second walk will be scheduled for next spring, giving a contrast of landscape.
Pewsey at the centre of the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire, is about 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Marlborough and 80 miles (130 km) west of London, and can be reached for a day trip from many places between Bristol and London, and using the A34 and A4, North from Oxford or South from Southampton. The Kennet and Avon Canal reached Pewsey in 1810. Of more lasting effect for the village was the arrival of the Great Western Railway in 1862 which allowed fast travel to London and to the West Country.
On this route we will explore the higher ground to the North of the town at Oare and Martinsell hill before dropping back to follow the Kennet and Avon Canal back to the start. A quick drink may be possible in the pretty canalside village of Wooton Rivers, full of thatched houses.
Today's event will be led by Will
Photo credit - Devils Grave : By Andrew Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12325092
What to bring
Water: bring at least a litre
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Food & drink
A packed lunch is essential for this walk. If you arrive early you will find some shops nearby.