The best walks and hikes around Rowde

Yes, the area around the Kennet and Avon Canal is perfect for families. The towpaths are generally flat and provide an engaging walk for all ages. The Caen Hill Locks loop from Devizes is a relatively short and easy route that offers the fascinating sight of the lock flight. For a peaceful stroll through woodland, the paths in Diamond Jubilee Wood are also an excellent choice.

Most of the footpaths around Rowde are suitable for dogs. For a peaceful, shaded walk, local dog owners often head to Leipzig Plantation. Another highly-regarded spot is The Nature Trail near Devizes, which is known for being a quiet and safe area for walking with dogs.

The region has many circular routes, which means you can easily start and finish in the same place. For a longer, more challenging circular hike that takes in some of the area's best scenery, consider the Caen Hill Locks – Caen Hill Locks loop from Wilts, Somerset and Weymouth Railway (Devizes Branch). It's a moderate 6.9-mile (11.2 km) loop that explores the canal and surrounding countryside.

Walks on Roundway Down offer some of the most dramatic scenery in the area, with steep climbs rewarded by panoramic views. The landscape is a mix of chalk grassland and historic sites, including an Iron Age hillfort known as Oliver's Castle. The trails can be wild and windswept, providing a more challenging hiking experience compared to the gentle canal paths.

Free parking can often be found for walks starting away from the main town center. For example, there is free parking available near Leipzig Plantation, which provides access to trails on Roundway Down. For walks along the canal, the official Caen Hill Locks car park may have a fee, but on-street parking can sometimes be found in nearby residential areas, though availability varies.

There are over 290 hiking routes to explore around Rowde, ranging from easy strolls to more demanding hill walks. This includes 132 easy trails perfect for a relaxed day out and 154 moderate routes for those seeking more of a challenge.

The hiking routes around Rowde are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique combination of industrial heritage along the Kennet and Avon Canal and the stunning, far-reaching views from the chalk downlands like Roundway Down.

For a quieter experience, explore the smaller woodlands and nature trails. Belvedere Woods is considered a hidden gem by locals, offering a peaceful escape with beautiful flora. Similarly, the Horsebrook Nature Trail in nearby Calne provides a tranquil green space away from the more popular routes.

Yes, many trails are accessible from Devizes, which is the main hub for public transport in the area. Buses connect Devizes to Rowde and other surrounding villages. From the Devizes town center, you can easily walk to the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath or start on trails leading up to Roundway Down.

Walks along the canal are defined by the impressive Caen Hill Locks, a continuous flight of 16 locks that is a marvel of 18th-century engineering. The towpath provides a flat, easy-to-follow route where you can watch canal boats navigate the steep incline. The path is often lined with wildlife and connects to adjacent woodlands like Diamond Jubilee Wood.

Absolutely. For some of the best views in Wiltshire, hike to the top of Morgan's Hill. It's a popular spot that offers stunning, expansive vistas across the surrounding landscape. The trails on Roundway Down, particularly around Oliver's Castle, also provide breathtaking panoramic views.