Savernake

The walk

If you intend closely to follow the walk set out on the above map – then you really need the GPX file – so that you can see your route and where you are on it at any point.  Alternatively, you could use the marked map here as a general guide and find your own way through the many footpaths.  The forest is a bit of a maze and there are no signposts! Also be warned there are no benches or other places to take a rest (and the church is impossible to find if you wanted to take a look at that). The starting point is next to the only toilets in the forest area.  Parking is free.

This may not sound very inviting although that might explain why there are very few people walking in this forest (we saw about 5 on a July weekday afternoon.  However, its most rewarding.  Partly because it is relatively deserted of other people and so the experience can be pleasantly eerie. The present walk has been designed to give a range of experience of the forest environment.  None of it is demanding.  Perhaps the point between 8 and 9 on the map is a little harder under foot but there are no serious slopes or stiles or obstacles to deal with.

The Forest

It has a history – from pre-Norman times, although since that time it has been in private hands. Henry VIII is said to have met Jane Seymour in this forest. And there are plenty of stories of strange apparitions being sighted at dusk flitting in and out of the trees. Large parts were set down by Capability Brown – in particular the Grand Avenue which this walk includes – at least up until the 8-way central divide.

There is a reasonable aerial view of the landscape on this video – although the music is a bit irritating.  Do take water and a map – its not difficult to get lost even though the paths are pretty cleared, including quite a lot of gravel.