It seems like a long time since I posted a Wiltshire walk, so I’m happy to be sharing this one; a short circular canal side and village walk with a few surprises.
Although Great Bedwyn feels very rural, it’s actually well connected due to it’s location on the Reading-Paddington rail line. The station is a handy place to park and a good starting point for walkers.
A left turn out of the station and a short roadside walk brings you to …
The Kennet & Avon Canal
I love canal side walking. Canals might have been created for industry, but today are peaceful places. This stretch of the Kennet & Avon canal, no exception. Boats with intriguing names and plenty of character are moored on both sides.
If you wanted to try out canal boat life for yourself, it’s possible to hire a boat at Great Bedwyn. The hire boats are easy to spot in traditional green with floral motifs. The floral touches are a nod to the Roses and Castles movement; a colourful form of canal folk art used to decorate traditional narrowboats in the 19th century.
The privately owned boats are equally as handsome, more of a mixed bunch. Some traditional and whimsical, others more modern with sleek lines and solar panels.
Vintage or modern, each has character. There are nature inspired touches like stained glass or a woodland creature perched on the tiller. Or how about a quirky name and a cheerful illustration, like Sundance?
A short walk brings you to a still working lock and an old stone bridge. Spotted on the bridge, a heritage sign cautioning against, ‘ heavy motor cars’. It’s a little piece of the past, although I’m fairly certain there hasn’t been a ‘motorcar’ heavy or otherwise down here since Pussy was a kitten.
As long as you aren’t heavier than a very heavy motor car, you can cross this bridge into the village of Great Bedwyn. After the bridge you cross the railway tracks and walk across a small field to bring you to…
St Mary’s Church, Great Bedwyn
So much to love about this village church. Starting with the view as you approach from the canal path. You might not get a clear view of the church right away due to the huge Yew tree growing in the church yard. Isn’t it magnificent?
Equally magnificent, the church herself. I love a country church that looks like it could be in a cosy, vintage- inspired TV drama like Father Brown or Homefires. This one ticks the boxes; walled church yard, pretty open work topped tower, village location. Bonus points for pretty Spring flowers adding a pop of colour.
Inside the church, more flowers. Prettily arranged rather than growing wild. I always imagine church flowers to have been arranged by church flower ladies. Each one a stalwart of the community, firm friends but fierce rivals over all things floral.
Beyond the flowers, a beautiful historic monument in the form of…
The Tomb of John Seymour
A quick bit of background; Sir John was a soldier and courtier who served both Henry VII and Henry VIII. Despite the fact he came from a prominent family and held many notable positions in his lifetime, he’s really best known as the father of Jayne Seymour.
Whatever he got up to in life- and as a soldier, courtier and father of ten, it seems he got up to plenty- it’s the monument to his death that impressed me.
The base of the tomb is ornate with carving in stone and shields in colour. An effigy of old Sir John lies on top, in full armour with his sword at his side.
His head rests on his winged helmet, his feet on a little lion. I’m thinking the lion is symbolic given that you don’t find many in Wiltshire. This one would have to be some sort of miniature or teacup breed to fit under his feet. It’s a nice touch anyway.
The tomb is an impressive piece of English history. St Mary’s is a welcoming place, full of things of beauty and historic interest. Definitely worth adding to your itinerary if you are exploring this part of Wiltshire.
Great Bedwyn Post Office
Leaving the St Mary’s via the churchyard- have a wander as you go, there’s plenty of interesting graves and monuments- its an easy stroll through the village back to the station.
Along the way you’ll pass the village shop and post office. You won’t miss it, it’s covered in old stone tablets and adornments. They are a legacy of a stonemason who used to work in the village, now they bring unique character.
This loop is a short walk, but if you wanted to extend the route there is a path from the village that will take you on to the neighbouring village of Wilton. It’s another Wiltshire gem with its working windmill and cosy village pub.
If you wanted to make a night of it, Dark Lane Camping is within walking distance of both Wilton and Great Bedwyn. Highly recommended.
Helen x
Have you ever been on a narrowboat? I LOVE it!
I haven’t, and I must as every time I walk along the canals I think I’d like to! Not sure about the locks though, I’m sure it would be an experience.
I think I’d be more likely to enjoy walking alongside as opposed to hopping on a boat, but I think there’s a lot to like about exploring canal areas. I do agree St. Mary’s checks all the boxes as far as a church being featured on a show. A special place!
It’s a beautiful little church and one that’s seen a lot of history. I’m yet to try sailing on the canal but never miss the chance to wander alongside!
You have such an observant, curious eye. I love coming on your walks.
Thank you Margaret, I’m enjoying being out again in the longer, dryer days.
It looks a lovely place for a springtime walk Helen going through the pretty Wiltshire countryside and along the canal bank.
It’s lovely to be getting out again after such a wet winter, and the K & A is always a pleasant place to walk.
A quintessentially English walk, and so beautiful with all the flowers 🙂
The English countryside is gorgeous at this time of year.
A beautiful scenic walk indeed. I’ve been on a narrow boat once many years ago and we didn’t tie it up properly. Many annoyed barge folk later after we returned from the pub to find the boat blocking the canal. Ooops!
The tomb is amazing. Love the carvings.
This is a lovely walk. I like canal walks.
I love canal boats and running along these stretches of water. I have not visited Great Bedwyn so it was fun touring through your eyes. When I visited family in London, one of my favourite runs would start at the Paddington end of the canal and we would go up to close to the zoo (and then I would return by bus)