A delightful and scenic trail crossing quintessential British villages along the river
One of my favourite hike to do in spring is the one starting in Box a little typical British village near Bath surrounded by peaceful country side, blossoming fields where grazing farm animals will be your only trail companions.
The walk highlights are the stone circle of Box, the great pubs at Box and Colerne villages, endless green hills covered with wildflowers, the charming cottages of Box and Colerne, the beauty of English countryside. Need more to convince you?
Here is the general Bath Chronicles map showing you the trail. Click here to see the details directions starting from Box.
Facts About the Hike
Distance: 5 miles/ 8 km
Elevation Gain: 150 meters ascent/150 meters descent
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Map: Follow the link to have the detailed directions step by step. The hiking trails are well marked and easy to follow.
When to go: This hike is best during the spring and summer months, when the wildflowers are in bloom.
Bring: Hiking shoes, water, snacks or lunch, a waterproof light jacket (remember you are in UK!), and of course, your camera.
Getting to the start of the hike
You will start your hike clockwise from Box Village main Car Park. To get here from Bath you can either cycle until Box village, take the car directly to the car park or take the bus until Box.
By Car or by Bike: Follow the A4 into Box and, opposite the Box Pharmacy, turn into Valens Terrace. Park in the large car-park alongside Box Recreation Ground.
By Bus: From the city centre bus station take the bus X31 and stop at the “Pharmacy” bust stop in Box and walk towards the recreation ground carpark.
On the Trail
The trail get you started at the park with the Box Ring Circus; many stone circles similar to this one are scattered in England, such as Stonehenge. The origins are not clear and for this reason the are source of folk tales, legends and various theories. It is believed they are prehistoric religious monuments built by Druids or Celts for sacrificial rituals. Once you pass them, you will come across woodland paths, crossing the By Brook river and making your way to countryside paths up and down the hills.
You will walk the majority of the times on well signalled paths in the woodland surrounded by spectacular flowered fields.
Many fields and dotted with groups of cows drinking from the river and running up and down the hills.
For those of you who love animals and in particular horses like me, you will love seeing roaming horses grazing freely in the fields and they are also very friendly and willing to d a quick cuddle!
One of the reasons I love this walk is the cottages coming straight out of a Rosamund Pilcher film: picturesque houses, perfect gardens, blossoming scented flowers: it really looks like being into a fairy-tale place.
After a steep path, you will finally approach Colerne, also called the “village on the hill” for its grand panoramic views over the valleys. The upper picture has been taken on the wedding day of Harry and Megan while all the locals where watching the live event on tv from home or at the pub. It was a special occasion to be in such a small village where people are particularly attached to their Monarchy and clearly show it with displaying everywhere the UK flag.
A great idea is to stop at “The Six Bells Inn”, famous for its economic homemade hearty local food. The perfect solution to give you an extra energy boost to make you reach the end of your hike. The atmosphere is cosy and traditional and I simply love this pub! Have a quick look at the little church and pretty houses before getting back on track!
Once you passed Widdenham Farm and you are back in Box, you can choose to take the bus and go back to Bath or you came by bike you can follow the way back passing from Bathford and following the Kenneth and Avon Canal until the Sidney gardens or even the train station making last your countryside escape an hour or so longer!
Hiking Inspiration in Wiltshire
If you liked this walk, then check out the AA guide with the best 50 walks n Wiltshire to help you exploring this green and peaceful area of England with clear and easy instructions!
50 Walks in Wiltshire (AA 50 Walks series)
An alternative is this guide with the best 100 walks of Wiltshire, a great gift idea for a hiking passionate or for yourself! Wiltshire will have no secret paths for you!
100 Walks in Wiltshire
