At a glance
Ashton Keynes Walk
- Distance
- 3.75 miles
- Estimated time
- 2 hours
- Route type
- Circular
- GPS app guided
- Yes
- Parking
- Paid parking at start 51.63864, -1.91470
- Characteristics
- Water, Countryside
Wiltshire Walks
This walk circles the lakes around Ashton Keynes in the Cotswold Water Park, following peaceful waterside paths through a landscape shaped by former gravel workings.
It’s a gentle, scenic route with a good chance of spotting waterbirds along the way.
Download the Wiltshire Walks App to follow this route with real-time GPS navigation.
At a glance
The walk
This circular route around Ashton Keynes explores some of the oldest lakes in the Cotswold Water Park, offering a peaceful mix of waterside paths and open views.
The landscape here is shaped by former gravel workings, now transformed into a patchwork of lakes, reedbeds and quiet green spaces.
It’s a gentle long walk with a calm, unhurried feel, where reflections on the water and wide skies set the tone.
Waterbirds can sometimes be spotted on the lakes, adding to the tranquil atmosphere of this relaxed countryside outing.
Based on 42 user ratings
A well-liked walk
Very dog friendly
Generally well maintained
Possible with care
Very limited access
No facilities
Take a packed lunch
Spot on
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Wiltshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
At the moment the top part of the route out is closed, however the lower fork can be taken for a pleasant out and back walk of about the same time.
Signs to say dogs to be on short leads all over which my working cocker spaniel protested about, so not a walk I would take her on again
Nice level walk, a lot of the time you are walking between hedge row so not a lot of views of the country side, but still enjoyable walk
All routes open when i walked. However parts closed on May 25th from 8 till 2 for a sport event.
This walk is lovely and flat and you can now get all the way round. When there is heavy rain or through the winter there are two areas that can flood which will prevent you from being able to get all the way round. Today was beautiful, lots of birds and butrerflies.
Indidnthos walk today and its great for a very easy strole of most abilites. There are 2 gates locked advising the foot oath is closed, but access can still be made when work is nit veing carried out. I would advise walkers to take the 1st right at the beginning of the lake and do the route anticlockwise. This was would mean you are on the right side of the " locked gates" signs.
A large proportion of the roite is currently shut and blocked off
Dogs have to be kept on a short lead for the second leg, but you can cut back to the first path halfway, so they can have a better roam around.
Ok walk, not much to see other than the lakes. One of the footpaths were closed, we managed to get around it however usually closed for flooding so could be a lot worse during wet periods. Paths were well maintained and no hills to climb, would recommend old shoes/wellies in winter months as some muddy patches/puddles.
Lovely walk around the lakes. Plenty of birdlife to enjoy. Bit damp when we walked it, so wellies or waterproof boots needed. Few spots for the dogs to get into the lakes.
No pub on this walk though it says there is one!
Absolutely loved this walk and have done it several times since - and wouldnt have come across it without the app. Paths are wide and easy, very flat (great running route if thats your thing). Dogs on lead due to blue green algae and quicksand, but all clearly marked.
Comments from walkers who have completed the Ashton Keynes walk.
Navigate the walks
The easiest way to follow this route is with the Wiltshire Walks app. Choose the walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you can see you're on the right path.
The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.

Explore the area
4-6.5 miles
1-6 miles
2.75-5.5 miles
1.25 miles
1.75 miles
0.75 miles
1-4.5 miles
1.5 miles
0.75 miles
1 miles
4.25 miles
1.25 miles
2.5 miles
2.5-5 miles
1.5 miles
Explore the county
See where the walks start, explore the area and tap a pin to find a route for your next adventure.
Search Wiltshire walks