The best walks and hikes around Savernake Forest

Savernake Forest offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 50 routes available. These trails cater to different preferences, from short, easy strolls to longer, more moderate circuits through the ancient woodland.

The terrain in Savernake Forest features a network of both surfaced and unsurfaced tracks that wind through open glades and dense stands of ancient trees. You'll find minimal elevation changes across the area, making most routes generally accessible. The paths are often a mix of broad avenues and smaller, shaded woodland trails.

Yes, Savernake Forest is very welcoming for beginners and those looking for easy walks. A significant portion of the trails, over 40 routes, are classified as easy. These paths typically have minimal elevation gain and follow well-defined tracks, making them ideal for a relaxed outdoor experience.

Savernake Forest is renowned for its ancient trees, particularly oaks and beeches, many of which are over 1,000 years old. You can encounter famous individual trees like the Big Belly Oak and the Old Paunchy Oak. Additionally, the Ailesbury Column, a 90-foot stone landmark, is also located within the forest.

Yes, many of the trails in Savernake Forest are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Old Paunchy Oak – Savernake Forest loop from Savernake is an easy 4.9 km circular hike, and the Troll Oak – Old Paunchy Oak loop from Marlborough offers a 5.7 km circular path through ancient woodland.

Absolutely. The minimal elevation changes and well-maintained tracks make Savernake Forest an excellent choice for family outings. Many routes are short and easy, perfect for children. The ancient trees and diverse wildlife also provide engaging points of interest for younger hikers.

Yes, Savernake Forest is a popular destination for dog walkers. Dogs are generally welcome on the trails, but it's always recommended to keep them under control, especially given the presence of wildlife and other visitors. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to help maintain the forest's natural beauty.

Savernake Forest offers a unique experience throughout the year. Spring brings new growth and wildflowers, while autumn showcases stunning foliage with vibrant reds and golds. Summer provides pleasant shade under the ancient canopy, and even winter walks can be magical, especially after a light frost. The forest's accessible terrain makes it enjoyable in most weather conditions.

Parking is available within Savernake Forest itself, with several designated car parks providing convenient access to the trail network. Some visitors also choose to start their walks from nearby villages like Great Bedwyn, which may offer additional parking options and allow for extended hikes into the picturesque surroundings.

While there are no facilities directly within the forest, the nearby town of Marlborough and surrounding villages offer a selection of pubs and cafes where you can refresh and refuel after your hike. These establishments provide a range of options for food and drink.

The hiking routes in Savernake Forest are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 70 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the serene atmosphere, the impressive ancient trees, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable and accessible outdoor experience.

While most routes are easy to moderate, there are options for longer walks. For instance, the Savernake Forest – Old Paunchy Oak loop from Marlborough is a moderate 9.8 km trail that takes about 2 hours 36 minutes to complete, offering a more extended exploration of the ancient woodland.