Bedwyn Footpaths Group
5. Little Bedwyn, Monk's Lane and Chisbury
Distance: approx. 9.6 km (6 miles)
Map: OS Explorer 157
Walking conditions: Five stiles and some steep steps over the canal and railway line in Little Bedwyn, which can be avoided by taking the road instead.
From the centre of Great Bedwyn, this walk goes through Little Bedwyn up to Harrow Farm, crossing farmland with wide open views and returning via Chisbury
Directions
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From the village square (Grid Ref SU 278 645), head north-east along Farm Lane. Just after a road on the right (the Knapp), take the signed footpath on the right between garden fences. The footpath passes through a car park, turns left beside a hedgerow and then alongside the back gardens of houses.
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Go through kissing gate and cross the railway line with great care. Cross the field diagonally left; go through the next kissing gate to footbridges over river and canal. At towpath, turn right then left through a gateway opposite the lock. Turn left again onto a bridleway signed to Little Bedwyn and walk with a wire fence on the right, following it as it turns right for 45m (50 yds), then turn left at a hedge. Continue on through a field gate to a metalled road in Little Bedwyn.
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Turn left at the T-junction, cross the road as it bends to the right, and go straight ahead to the pedestrian bridge over the canal and railway line.* (To avoid the steep steps, return to the road, go round to the right to the canal and road bridge, turn right and rejoin the route at * - see inset.) At the road turn right and continue ahead. Pass Church Street on the right (the church is well worth a visit) and go uphill to a crossroads. Continue ahead and, at a sharp left hand bend, take the signed bridleway to the right.
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Walk along this pleasant wooded track as it heads out alongside fields for about 1.6km (a mile). Turn right at the road and continue to the junction with the A4.
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This is a fast road. Cross with care to use the path on the other side (left) for a few metres then cross back over to find the signed bridleway. Keep woods to the right. At the end of Noke Wood, take the path that follows the line of telegraph poles. At a fence, turn left for a few metres, then right at a corner. Turn left at a junction of paths. At the far corner of the first field go through a gap in the hedge into the next field. Go straight across the field and over the stile. Walk between the fences, go over another stile and keep left along the back gardens of houses. Follow the enclosed path to the road junction in Chisbury.
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Take the road signed Great Bedwyn and then, after about 60m (75 yds), take the signed path on the right. (Chisbury Chapel is signed opposite – see information overleaf.) Go over the stile and head for the gate opposite. Go through the metal farm gate and cross the next field diagonally towards the corner of the wood. Cross the stile and walk with the wood on the right for 275m (300 yds). Go over a signed stile into the woods and follow the winding path. When it emerges into a field, turn right. Ignore the diagonal cross field path.
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Continue with woodland on your right to the road. Turn left, passing the Three Tuns, back to the start.
Make sure that you are suitably equipped for walking and note that these maps are intended as a guide only. Please respect the countryside, wildlife and livestock, and ensure that dogs are kept under close control and don't leave the path. Be aware that ticks are prevalent in the area.