The best walks and hikes around Coate Water
4.5
(316)
3,833
hikers
278
hikes
Hikes around Coate Water are centered on the large reservoir and country park in Swindon. The landscape consists of level, surfaced paths around the water, alongside trails through surrounding woodlands and wildflower meadows. The area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with routes offering opportunities to see wetlands and a variety of birdlife.
Best hiking trails around Coate Water
- The most popular hiking route is Mini-Golf Course loop from Coate Water Country Park, a 2.7 mile…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
12
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
4.15km
01:04
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(16)
293
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
35
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
What I like about this beautiful walk is how the varying the sights and the general walk is, always a nice lil surprise every now and then when you do the round
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This is an amazing local business- high quality produce in the farm shop and a very good cafe too!
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A walk around the lake is always pleasant. Can be quite muddy at the top end in the winter/ when wet.
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Great way to get out of Swindon town onto the fab cycle route to Marlborough and beyond. Bit steep, but not at all scary.
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Coate Water country park has a nature reserve, woodland and lake - great for wildlife watching and post-ride picnics.
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A small path connecting through to Piper's Way. It's steep in places, and can get very muddy (especially at the North End by the bridge over the M4).
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This friendly farm shop and cafe is very conveniently located at the Chiseldon end of the Chiseldon & Marlborough Railway Path. The staff is friendly and the food reasonably priced - I missed the cafe because of my inability to properly read signs 😓 In times of Covid they separated the Cafe from the Shop and the entrance to the Cafe is at the side (it is clearly signed, but I somehow missed it). Regardless, the Scotch egg with smoked bacon in the sausage wrapping was a revelation, and the resupply of fresh water a godsend on a particularly warm day. Thoroughly recommended!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the main circular walk around the lake?
The most popular walk is a gentle, surfaced 1.75-mile (2.8 km) circular trail around the main lake. It's mostly flat and typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete at a leisurely pace, making it very accessible.
Are dogs allowed on the trails at Coate Water?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Coate Water Country Park. However, they should be kept on a lead in designated areas and under control at all times to protect the park's wildlife, especially around the lake which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Are there any family-friendly walks?
Coate Water is very family-friendly. The main path around the lake is surfaced and level, making it ideal for pushchairs. The park also has a children's play area, a splash park (seasonal), and a miniature railway to enjoy after your walk.
Where can I park for hikes around Coate Water?
There is a large pay-and-display car park available at Coate Water Country Park, located off Marlborough Road (A4259). It provides direct access to the main lake and the network of walking trails.
What facilities are available at the park?
Coate Water offers a range of facilities for visitors, including a café for refreshments, public toilets with accessible options, a children's play area, and a ranger centre with information about the park. For up-to-date opening times, it's best to check the official Swindon Borough Council website.
Are the trails suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Many of the trails, especially those around the reservoir, are flat and well-surfaced, making them perfect for beginners and casual walkers. For a very straightforward option, consider the Mini-Golf Course loop from Coate Water Country Park, which is an easy 2.7-mile (4.3 km) route.
How hilly are the hikes around Coate Water?
The hikes immediately around the reservoir are almost entirely flat. Some longer routes that venture away from the park, like the Mini-Golf Course loop from Badbury Park, involve gentle inclines but the area is not known for steep or strenuous climbs.
What kind of wildlife might I see?
Coate Water is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a haven for wildlife. You can expect to see a wide variety of birds, including a large heronry, swans, grebes, and ducks. The wetlands are also important for dragonflies and damselflies. There are several bird hides available for keen observers.
Are there any pubs or cafes near the trails?
Yes, there is a café located within Coate Water Country Park itself, perfect for a post-walk coffee. For a pub lunch, The Sun Pub loop from Lawn is a pleasant walk that incorporates a stop at a popular local pub.
Can I get to Coate Water using public transport?
Yes, Coate Water is well-served by Swindon's bus network. Several bus routes stop on Marlborough Road and Queen's Drive, both of which are a short walk from the park entrance.
Is there a trail from Coate Water to Chiseldon?
Yes, there are paths that connect Coate Water to Chiseldon. These routes take you out of the park and through the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, partly following the path of an old railway line. It's a great option for a longer, more varied hike.
What do other hikers enjoy about Coate Water?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained, accessible paths around the lake, the beautiful scenery, and the abundant opportunities for birdwatching. The mix of easy lakeside strolls and longer woodland trails is also a frequently mentioned highlight.
Most popular routes around Coate Water
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