We are the West Berkshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Helen S.
This is the second of the three coach walks planned for 2025, the medium walk will start from the town of Melksham and the short walk from the village of Lacock and both will follow the River Avon to Chippenham.
Chippenham is a market town which was established on a crossing of the River Avon, it was first settled in the sixth century by the Anglo Saxons. It was a ‘Royal’ Town, owned by the Kings of Wessex. Alfred the Great built a hunting lodge here to take advantage of the surrounding forests. It was in Chippenham on Twelfth Night 878 AD, that Alfred fought the Viking invaders eventually driving them from Wessex.
From the Medieval period, the town flourished, making its wealth from the wool trade. Being on the Great West Way, between Bristol and London, Chippenham was and still is an important market and transport hub. The arrival of the Great Western Railway in 1841, saw the town rapidly develop and become a centre for the railway industries as it is to this day.
There are a number of attractions to visit in Chippenham including The Yelde Hall which was built in the 15th century, the Yelde Hall or Guildhall, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Chippenham. It was the meeting place for the Council, as well as the towns public meeting room, courthouse and jail. There is also St Andrews Church, and the earliest church on the site of St Andrew’s is thought to have been Saxon. It would probably have been built of timber and was demolished completely in order to build a stone church. The present church is thought to date from around Norman times (about 1120) although very little now remains. The current building dates mostly from the 15th century and is built in the perpendicular style.
Chippenham museum is housed is an 18th century townhouse, the museum tells the fascinating story of this historic market town from its prehistoric origin to the present day and its connections to the river, road and rail and explore its surprising links to Alfred the Great and Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
The Brunel Arches is an impressive stone and brick viaduct was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, to carry the Great Western Railway through Chippenham.
The River Avon runs through the town and there are a number of parks and spaces to also enjoy.
Please dress appropriately for the day and bring refreshments and food with you.
Please park at Trinity School car part off Love Lane. The coach will leave promptly at 8:30am. We will be leaving Chippenham - Sadlers Mead car park promptly at 4:30pm at the end of the walk.
