Recreation

Outdoor Pursuits

The terrain of the North Wessex Downs provides many ideal locations and routes for a wide range of outdoor pursuits. The numerous footpaths, trails and bridle paths give easy access to the beautiful countryside for walking, cycling and horse riding. For example the Three Downs Link is a multi-user bridle path connecting the two national trails of the South Downs Way and The Ridgeway. En route you will enjoy mile after mile of open chalk downland, crossing Watership Down and heading North towards Marlborough and the hill forts of the Ridgeway before heading South again towards Hungerford.
 
Within easy reach of major conurbations, but remote in its feel, the North Wessex Downs is the ideal place to enjoy country pursuits while respecting the environment.  Kite flying is very popular on the Ridgeway, Wittenham Clumps and many other Downland locations. There are horse riding trails with minimal contact with roads and cycle paths, taking in many of the best views and ancient monuments.

If you like messing around in boats you can hire a canal boat or go canoeing along the Kennet and Avon canal , which runs through the middle of the North Wessex Downs. On your way down you can visit the historic Crofton Pumping Station.  Alternatively, you can enjoy a day’s fishing or simply walk the scenic towpath.

For those who like country sports there is game shooting and deer stalking at Hungerford Park, or why not visit the Lambourn Valley Open Day on Good Friday when over 30 horse trainers open their yards to the public.

Our Land

There is an additional website resource called 'Our Land' which promotes accommodation and activities in protected landscapes. 

• Visit the North Wessex Downs section of 'Our Land'.
• Visit the 'Our Land' blog pages of things to see and do.
• Visit the 'Our Land' blog pages of the best places to eat and drink.