Set right in the centre of the dynamic market town of Chippenham the Best Western Plus Angel hotel was originally a seventeenth-century coaching inn. It was extensively refurbished in late 2007 to offer the best in surroundings and comfort with a unique blend of traditional and contemporary style. The perfect base for our walking break it has 50 ensuite bedrooms, each containing a 32” LCD TV with Freeview and Sky Sports 1, direct dial telephone, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, complimentary Wi-Fi and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. There is also complimentary Wi-Fi in all public areas, a contemporary Brasserie, 2 Bars and for a spot of luxury a heated indoor swimming pool and gymnasium. There is also free and ample car parking which can never be underestimated. 

Actual routes will be finalised closer to the time but to allow you to choose a walk that suits you best, we will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides.  On both days there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles with up to 1,500ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 7-9 miles with less ascent.  However, the programme is flexible and can be altered to suit your needs. All walks are weather dependent and own transport or coaches may be taken to the walk starts. 

What to bring: To ensure that you are properly equipped, please take a moment to read through the ‘What to bring list’ and ensure that you have the necessary clothing and equipment. 

Covid/Infection Guidance: As a matter of respect to other members when attending events, we ask that you take the following guidance into account. People with symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and who have a high temperature or do not feel well, should try to stay at home and avoid contact with others. Those who are asked – or choose to test – and get a positive COVID-19 result should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days following the day of their positive result. Normal Walkwise Terms & Conditions apply.

Travel Insurance: It is also recommended that when travelling on holiday or attending Spice weekends away in the UK or overseas that you have adequate travel insurance in case of emergency, cancellation, etc. Travel insurance is an important aspect to booking a weekend or holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances. We also strongly recommend a personal travel insurance policy that includes COVID-19 cover. While we cannot recommend specific insurance policies as everyone’s requirements are personal to them, Spice have linked up with market leader Staysure Travel Insurance which you may like to take a look at.

MAPS: if you like to track your walk on a printed map, the relevant maps for this event are:

1:25 000: EX157 Ordnance Survey Explorer Map - Marlborough and Avebury

1:25 000: EX156 Ordnance Survey Explorer Map - Chippenham

You MUST have:

• Walking boots

• A Water bottle (minimum 1 litre)

• A Rucksack with a plastic liner

• Waterproofs: jacket and trousers

• A Warm hat

• Warm gloves (not leather)

• Thick walking socks

• Base layer: (thin thermal or warm T-shirt. Best not to be cotton as it gets cold when wet)

• Over layer: (warm sweater or fleece)

• Extra layer: warm top for when cold (eg. when stopped for lunch)

• Comfortable walking trousers (not jeans as they are too cold & heavy when wet)

• Personal Medication

• A face covering and hand sanitiser

• Smart casual clothes for the evening.

You may wish to bring:

• Trekking Poles

• Vacuum flask (if you like hot drinks on the hill)

• Medium size Tupperware container or plastic bag, to put picnic lunch in.

• Sit mat 

• Sun glasses

• Lip salve

• Camera

• Personal first aid kit

In good weather and/or summer, you may also wish to bring

• Short trousers

• T - Shirts

• Sun hat

• Sun tan lotion

In poor weather and/or winter, you may also wish to bring:

• Gaiters

• Balaclava

• Extra warm clothing

On Saturday we will head out onto the Malborough Downs where we will explore a section of the Wessex Ridgeway between Devizes and Avebury. Our routes will follow two fantastic long distance trails, the Wessex Ridgeway and the White Horse Trail. These trails incorporate some of the most interesting countryside in the area, lovely villages, stunning manor houses, the occasional White Horse, lots of earth works and tumuli, well preserved long barrows some of which you can walk into, the fantastic Sidbury Hill and the perplexing Sanctuary. Then we will conclude the day by wandering along the prehistoric Stone Lined Avenue before exploring amazing Avebury Ring which almost surrounds the village. No doubt you’d want to explore some of this for yourself so we’ll ensure there is a time at the end of the day for you to further explore for yourself, or get an afternoon tea or even a pint in cracking country inn. 

By Contrast on Sunday we may elect to return to the harmonious village of Lacock Abbey with its mixture of stone and half-timbered buildings spanning the centuries. Here is a village steeped in history famed for its beauty, and set in history by photography, film and legend. It has exquisite country tea shops, inviting inns and it is renowned as one of England’s most beautiful villages. Needless to say it is also surrounded by some stunning countryside with ancient woodlands, regal country estates, treasure houses, ornamental lakes, peaceful canals and rivers, all of which when combined make for some beautiful varied and interesting walking. With so much to be said for this area why would we think of going anywhere else? Well just to the north is another wonderful valley a delightfully quiet vale with tranquil countryside walks and the lovely villages of Slaughterford and Castle Combe. So once again we find ourselves spoilt for choice… Whichever walks we choose though you will be assured of a wonderful weekend of walking around this very special and interesting area.

By Car: From M4: take Junction 17. Follow the brown tourist signs for Bowood House from the motorway into the town centre. On seeing the railway arches, get into the right-hand lane and follow the road marked Calne/Bath/A4 under the right-hand arch. Follow the blue “P” parking sign for Borough Parade and Emery Gate, and the brown “Angel Hotel” signs. Turn left into Gladstone Road and go over the river bridge. The entrance to Borough Parade is on the left, the hotel entrance is the next left (you will see our signs and flag poles). If you are using a SatNav, enter postcode SN15 3BW which will direct you to the car park at the rear of the hotel. If you have a mobile telephone with you, why not call the hotel when you have parked in the hotel car park and we will advise you if you are staying in the main coaching inn or in the new courtyard wing. If you are in the courtyard wing, leave your luggage in the car and come into the hotel to register. Once you have registered, walk back to your car to pick up your luggage before going to your room. 

Car parking:  Our car park is located at the rear of the hotel off Gladstone Road. (If you are using Sat-Nav please use this postcode - SN15 3BW). Once you have parked your car please walk through the atrium and across the courtyard garden to reception. You will be required to register your vehicle(s) registration number on the touch screen at reception to obtain free parking. If you fail to do so a fine will be issued by the management company that operates our car park. 

Overall travel contacts http://www.travelline.org.uk 0871 200 22 33 

Train: The nearest train station Chippenham, about a 15-minute walks away. 

From London: Allow about 1 ½ hrs by train direct from Paddington 

From Birmingham:New Street Allow about 2 ½ hrs changing at Bristol 

From Manchester: Allow about 4 hrs changing at Reading 

http://nationalrail.com 08457 48 49 50 

http://www.thetrainline.com 0871 244 1545, 7 days per week, from 8am until 10pm 

Chippenham Station’s nearest Taxi numbers from Yellow Pages: updated 20 Dec 22 

1. SA Taxi Chippenham 07403 829 836 

2. ADI Taxis 07719 452 219 

3. V Cars 01249 656 565