Chiseldon Timberland Trail
Go to online mappingFrom - to: Swindon to Chiseldon
Type: Mostly traffic-free
Access: Swindon railway station
Surface: Compacted stone paths and tarmac roads
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Signed from Swindon station, a combination of designated cycle paths and a couple of short links on minor roads, take you to the popular Coate Water Park and the start of the trail proper. The route continues through the park, and then crosses the M4 on a concrete helter-skelter. You then follow the old Swindon to Marlborough railway line through a glorious oak wood, famous for its bluebells in late spring, towards Chiseldon.
The village of Chiseldon still has visible signs of its ancient roots. It is overlooked by the Iron Age earthwork that is all that remains of Liddington Castle, and it is linked to the Ridgeway, possibly Britain's earliest road. South of Chiseldon the railway path can be followed on to Marlborough, although it can be rough in places.
Download the route description sheet.
Local attractions:
- Steam Museum of the Great Railway, Swindon
- Swindon Museum and Art Gallery
- Coate Water Park
- Richard Jefferies Museum, Coate
Bike hire: