Best walks near Fairwood Lakes: Walking routes around Westbury & Wiltshire

 

If you’re looking for the best walks near Fairwood Lakes Holiday Park in Westbury, you’re in the right place. From peaceful lakeside walks at Fairwood Lakes to woodland trails around Longleat, panoramic views from Cley Hill and the famous Westbury White Horse, there are plenty of ways to explore the Wiltshire countryside on foot.

Fairwood Lakes is a hidden gem in Dilton Marsh, near Westbury, making it a great base for discovering the surrounding countryside. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll, a dog-friendly walk, or a more challenging adventure, there’s a route nearby to suit.

Here are some of our favourite walks to consider during your stay.

 

Walk	Approx. distance	Difficulty	Best for	Distance from park
Fairwood Lakes	Various	Easy	Light strolls and walks with dogs
Heaven’s Gate	1.7 miles	Easy	Woodland walks, views, dogs	10 miles
Cley Hill	1.5 miles	Moderate	Hill walks, panoramic views, dogs	8 miles
Westbury White Horse	3.5 miles	Moderate	Countryside views, history, longer walks	5 miles
Bradford on Avon to Avoncliff	3.2 miles	Easy	Riverside and canal walks near local amenities	10 miles

 

Start with the lakeside walks at Fairwood Lakes

Sometimes, you don’t need to go far to enjoy a good walk.

There are a number of lakeside walks at Fairwood Lakes, so you can step outside your lodge and enjoy the countryside without getting in the car. The routes around the lakes give you the chance to take in the water, woodland and local wildlife at your own pace.

The walks are ideal for an easy morning wander, a gentle walk after breakfast or a quiet evening loop before heading back to your lodge.

Plus Fairwood Lakes is dog-friendly, so your four-legged companion can enjoy the countryside too. Just remember to keep them on a lead in public areas, including around the lakes!

Whether you’re heading out for a morning walk, stopping to watch the other guests fishing or simply enjoying some unhurried time outdoors, there’s plenty to enjoy without ever needing to leave the park.

 

Where can you walk near Longleat?

For woodland views and a little more adventure, head towards Longleat.

Fairwood Lakes is around 10 minutes from Longleat Safari Park & House, putting the wider Longleat Estate within easy reach during your stay.

One local favourite is Heaven’s Gate, reached through the Longleat Estate. The short circular walk is around 1.7 miles and leads through woodland to Prospect Hill, where you can enjoy far-reaching views across the Longleat Estate and towards Somerset.

The route is a good option if you want something easier than a full-day hike, but there’s also the option to extend your walk towards Shearwater Lake if you want to spend longer exploring the area.

If you’re a keen walker, the wider Longleat Estate has an extensive network of woodland and countryside paths. Longleat has also been developing signage across its estate woodlands to improve access and help visitors explore other areas including Cannimore, Shearwater and Southleigh.

 

Climb Cley Hill for panoramic Wiltshire views

If you don’t mind a bit of an uphill walk, Cley Hill is well worth adding to your list.

Located near Warminster and on the edge of the Longleat Estate, Cley Hill is a distinctive Wiltshire landmark with extensive views across West Wiltshire and Somerset. The hill is also known for its wildlife, chalk grassland and archaeological interest.

The terrain is more challenging than the gentle walks around Fairwood Lakes, with uneven and sometimes muddy paths, so sturdy footwear is a good idea, particularly after wet weather.

It’s a rewarding option if you want a walk with a real sense of being out in the countryside, and the views from the top make the climb worthwhile.

Cley Hill was once part of the Longleat Estate, so it’s also an easy walk to combine with exploring the wider Longleat and Warminster area.

 

Can you walk to the Westbury White Horse?

For one of Wiltshire’s most recognisable landmarks, head to the Westbury White Horse.

The White Horse sits on Westbury Hill above the town of Westbury and is the oldest of Wiltshire’s surviving white horses. The surrounding landscape offers impressive views across the Wiltshire countryside and towards Salisbury Plain.

There are several routes around the White Horse, including a circular walk of around 3.5 miles. The walk does include an uphill section, but the views from the top make this a popular choice for anyone wanting to combine countryside with a little local history.

It’s also a great way to see a different side of the area around Westbury and Dilton Marsh, rather than simply passing through on your way to other attractions.

 

Take a waterside walk around Bradford on Avon

For something a little different, head towards Bradford on Avon, just 20 minutes from Fairwood Lakes, where you’ll find riverside and canalside walks.

One of the popular options is the Bradford on Avon to Avoncliff circular walk, which follows the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath. The route is around 3.2 miles and is mainly flat, making it a good choice if you’d prefer an easier walk without steep climbs. It also takes you to the impressive Avoncliff Aqueduct before returning along the canal.

Bradford on Avon itself is worth exploring before or after your walk, with independent shops, cafés, historic buildings and riverside views. It makes a lovely day out if you want to combine a countryside walk with a pub lunch or a wander around town.

 

Looking for a longer countryside walk?

If you’re after something more challenging, Wiltshire has plenty of longer routes to explore.

The wider area around Salisbury Plain, the Westbury White Horse and the Imber Range offers longer walks through open chalk downland, with far-reaching views and plenty of history along the way.

The Imber Range Perimeter Path stretches for around 30 miles around the edge of the Imber Range, although you certainly don’t need to tackle the whole route in one go!

For shorter sections, Visit Wiltshire lists several walks around the Westbury and Bratton area. If you’re planning to explore the Salisbury Plain area, always check current access information before setting off. Parts of the area are used for military training, and temporary restrictions can apply.

 

Which walk is right for you?

One of the best things about staying at Fairwood Lakes is the variety of walks within easy reach.

For an easy stroll: Start with the lakeside and woodland walks at Fairwood Lakes.

For woodland and views: Try Heaven’s Gate and the Longleat area.

For panoramic views: Head to Cley Hill or the Westbury White Horse.

For history and countryside: Combine the Westbury White Horse with Bratton Camp.

For a flatter waterside walk: Follow the Kennet & Avon Canal from Bradford on Avon towards Avoncliff.

And if you’re bringing your dog, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surrounding countryside together. Just remember that local rules vary, so check the requirements for each route before setting off.

 

What should you bring for walking in Wiltshire?

Even the easiest countryside walk can become muddy after rain, so sensible footwear is always worth packing.

For longer walks, take plenty of water, a waterproof layer and a fully charged phone. If you’re heading onto hills or open countryside, check the weather forecast before you leave and make sure you’re comfortable with the terrain and distance.

Autumn and winter can be particularly beautiful around Wiltshire, with the woodlands changing colour, crisp mornings and quieter countryside. Just expect wetter and muddier paths after periods of rain.

For guests staying at Fairwood Lakes, our team can also help point you towards local places to explore during your stay.

 

What are the best dog-friendly walks near Fairwood Lakes?

If you want to stretch your legs a little further, and give your dog plenty of space to explore, there are lots of countryside walks within easy reach of Fairwood Lakes. Head to Shearwater Lake for a peaceful woodland and lakeside walk, or explore the paths around Longleat Forest for a longer outing surrounded by nature. Just remember to check local signs and keep your dog on a lead when necessary, particularly around livestock and other wildlife.

 

Make Fairwood Lakes your base for a walking getaway

Whether you want to spend the morning wandering around the lakes, head into the Longleat countryside or spend a day exploring Westbury and the surrounding Wiltshire landscape, Fairwood Lakes is a great base for a walking holiday.

After a day on the trails, you can come back to the peace and quiet of the park, relax by the lake and enjoy your own comfortable lodge. With hot tub lodges, dog-friendly accommodation and plenty of countryside right on the doorstep, it’s easy to build a walking weekend around your stay.

Ready to explore Wiltshire on foot? Book your stay at Fairwood Lakes and start planning your next countryside escape.

 

FAQs

What are the best walks near Fairwood Lakes?

Some of the best walks near Fairwood Lakes include the lakeside and woodland walks at the park itself, Heaven’s Gate near Longleat, Cley Hill near Warminster, the Westbury White Horse and canal-side walks around Bradford on Avon.

Is Fairwood Lakes good for a walking holiday?

Yes. Fairwood Lakes is surrounded by countryside and has walks around its own lakes and woodland, while several well-known Wiltshire walking areas are within easy reach. It’s a convenient base for exploring the countryside around Westbury, Warminster, Longleat and Bradford on Avon.

Are there dog-friendly walks near Fairwood Lakes?

Yes. There are plenty of opportunities for countryside walks with your dog around the local area, including walks at Fairwood Lakes and nearby countryside routes. 

Is the Westbury White Horse walk difficult?

There are several routes around the Westbury White Horse, ranging from shorter walks to longer routes. A circular route around the White Horse is around 3.5 miles and includes an uphill section, so it is best suited to walkers who are comfortable with some uneven and hilly terrain.

Can you walk around Longleat without visiting the safari park?

Yes. Places such as Heaven’s Gate and Shearwater Lake offer opportunities to explore the Longleat area on foot without visiting the safari park itself.