Top 10 Summer Walks along the Great West Way

This season, discover scenic paths, picturesque views, historic landmarks, and stunning wildlife as you embark on your own Great West Way journey with our top 10 summer walks…

National Trust along the Great West Way

Spreading between Bristol and London, the Great West Way is home to a variety of historical National Trust properties. Showcasing a stunning display of summer colour and magnificent views of surrounding countryside, be sure to plan your visit this season.

Tyntesfield National Trust, Bristol

Cocooned in the Somerset countryside and a short drive from Bristol city, Tyntesfield National Trust provides beautiful garden walks and the chance to discover history with its near-complete Victorian Gothic country house and estate. For young explorers, Tyntesfield has four play areas including a woodland adventure and sculpture trail, and special activities taking place throughout the school holidays.

Prior Park National Trust, Bath

Head to Prior Park National Trust this season and wonder the beautiful grounds of this intimate 18th-century landscape garden. Located just outside of Bath, Prior Park offers stunning views across the city and plenty of picturesque pathways to explore on a sunny day. Be sure to spot the iconic Palladian Bridge, one of only four of its design in the world!

During school holidays, the Park is host to a range of family activities. The Tea Shed is also open for refreshments each weekend and on selected days during the school holidays.

Walks and Talks Guided Tours, Stourhead National Trust, Wiltshire

Discover the story of Stourhead and its picturesque landscape garden on one of their daily guided tours. Accompany one of the knowledgeable volunteers on the original route taken by the Hoare family and their guests and learn the history of this fascinating place.

Bath Skyline

See the fascinating Bath World Heritage City from above this summer with a walk along the 6-mile skyline path. Easily accessible from the city centre, this captivating nature trail transports you into a world of tranquillity, with bird tweet as they flutter around the pretty wildflower meadows.

Cliff Top Walk, Cheddar Gorge

Stretch your legs and get close to nature with a 3-mile cliff top walk at Cheddar Gorge. Within easy reach of the Great West Way route, discover some of the finest views of Somerset with a chance to see for miles across the Mendip Hills on a clear day! Experience a diverse and captivating habitat across your travels as you spot a variety of flowers and wildlife.

The Ridgeway

Stretching across 87-miles of Britain’s oldest road, the Ridgeway National Trail offers spectacular walks from within Avebury World Heritage Site, to Ivinghoe Beacon. Pass through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Wessex Downs, and Chilterns as you follow a route that has been walked by travellers since prehistoric times! Along the way you’ll glimpse remnants of the Iron, Bronze, and Stone Ages, passing stone circles, white horses, and ancient woodlands.

Wiltshire’s White Horse Trail

Wiltshire’s iconic White Horses span across the county and is a must-see when travelling along the Great West Way this summer. With this 90-mile trail, you can explore all 8 of these intriguing chalk horses as they sit atop some of the most stunning ancient landscapes. From Westbury White Horse, the oldest at Bratton Camp, to Cherhill sitting next to the Lansdowne Monument outside Calne, not only will you get a chance to tick off this bucket list experience, but the trail will take you through the heart of the Great West Way route, exploring places such as Devizes, Pewsey and Marlborough.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath

Stretching across 80-miles of the Great West Way route from Reading to Bristol is the iconic Kennet and Avon Canal. With scenic views and accessible paths throughout, this tranquil water way is perfect for summers walk. The Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath offers extraordinarily pretty sites along the way including Wiltshire’s pretty villages, the Cotswolds and Bath before linking up with the River Avon at the heart of Bristol.

Thames Path

Follow the River along the Thames Path from its source in the Cotswolds to London this summer. With mostly flat terrain and plenty of sights to see along the way, this National Trail offers the perfect walk, through water meadows, riverside villages, and pretty nature reserves. Finish your adventure at England’s capital and you will spot some of the most famous London attractions including Kew Gardens, the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and more!

Head outdoors this summer and embark on your own Great West Way walking adventure.