We are the West Wiltshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
A walk in a familiar area between Lacock and Bromham. This area was the home of Dublin-born Thomas Moore (1779-1852) from 1818-1852. In the early 19thC he was a major celebrity as a writer, composer and early Irish nationalist. A series of volumes of 'Irish Melodies' were major sellers in the early 19thC ("The Last Rose of Summer" is still played as a 'folk' song - if you are lucky I might sing it to you!) and he moved in circles with Sheridan, Byron and the Prince Regent. He frequently walked to Bowood to entertain Lord Lansdowne and was said to have been the first 'celebrity' to have been photographed by Fox Talbot at Lacock. He and his family were buried at Bromham Church.
The walk runs from Lacock up Bowden Hill, through Sandy Lane and down to Bromham. It returns via Westbrook (where Moore's house can still be seen), Chittoe and then Lacock. This is primarily a walk though there will be a few short history sections.
There will be two stops - a short coffee stop around 11.30 am and a longer lunch stop around 1.00 pm.
Given the time of year expect muddy paths. Good footwear essential; a pole or poles recommended.
There are cafes in Lacock at the end (winter hours permitting).
(Update 20/01/26 – Please note that this is quite a hilly ‘up-and-down’ walk (similar to many we do on a Sunday). There are patches that are very muddy or slightly waterlogged but easily passable – good boots and poles recommended. At around 14.25 pm the main walk will wander north from St. Anne’s Church around the Bowden estate and come back to Lacock via Reybridge for around 16.00. There is an ‘escape route’ for those who have had enough; or in the event of bad weather - straight down the main road to the car park which should get you back by 15.00. Quicker but far less exciting!)
Please TEXT the walk leader to book a place.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT US USING THE EMAIL BUTTON ABOVE
National Trust Car Park, Lacock, Wiltshire. Parking charges apply. National Trust members can get free parking but make sure you show your National Trust card at the machine and display the 'no charge' ticket issued. (Update 20/01/26 – Parking machines at Lacock are covered over with instructions to pay or register membership cards at the Fox Talbot Museum. Not much use to us as it will not be open when we set off. The notice on the machines recommends using the Just Park app in both cases. We’ll work around it on the day.)
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