Wiltshire Walks

Savernake Forest Walks & Route Maps

Savernake Forest walk, Wiltshire
Savernake Forest · Photo: Noisar

These walks explore Savernake Forest, one of England’s oldest and most atmospheric woodlands, known for its towering oaks, beeches and wide, open glades.

Expect easy forest tracks, plenty of shade and a real sense of space beneath the canopy.

The routes range from a short, relaxed woodland stroll to a longer outing that ventures deeper into the forest’s historic landscape.

It’s a peaceful set of walks that’s ideal for fresh air, quiet paths and soaking up the character of this ancient woodland.

Download the Wiltshire Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Savernake Forest walk 01

Short Route

Walk distance
1¾ miles
Time
1 hour
Route type
Circular

This short woodland route explores a peaceful corner of the historic Savernake Forest, one of England’s oldest forests.

Wide tracks and gentle paths weave between mature trees, creating an easygoing walk with plenty of shade and fresh air.

Ancient oaks and beeches give the forest its timeless character, and the open glades make pleasant spots to pause for a rest or a picnic.

It’s a simple, relaxing stroll with a real sense of history beneath the canopy.

Short Route 4.7 Ratings and reviews 9 ratings · 8 reviews

Based on 9 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.7

An outstanding walk

Dog friendly4.4 / 5
Path condition4.3 / 5
Buggy friendly3.1 / 5
Wheelchair friendly2.1 / 5
Toilet facilities3.0 / 5
Pub or café0.9 / 5
Route accuracy4.6 / 5
ClimbingGentle slopes
LivestockRarely any livestock
StilesNo stiles
Mud levelBoots recommended

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Wiltshire Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Nice walk, but very muddy. Dog was off lead almost the whole way.

Walker review

Struggled to find one path when I walked past it, and no bins. Other than that, beautiful....

Walker review

We went to savernake for a walk and then I remember this app. I checked nearby and was pleasantly surprised to find we were at the start of this route. We followed the app and even felt brave enough to extend it slightly. We had a lovely walk and it made a change not to feel apprehensive about finding our way back to the car. Note - There are signs for cattle half way along the route but we didnt see any.

Walker review

Lovely walk, only took 40 minutes to complete.Will try the longer walk next time.

Walker review

Very enjoyable walk

Walker review

Decided to do this as an evening walk. Got to the starting car park just before 7pm to find that the car park barrier closes at 7pm with a £20 fee to have it opened. Hence had to forgo the walk and go home.

Walker review

Excellent short walk with the dogs and children. Mostly on well maintained main paths with some options to explore. A few boggy areas but generally easy underfoot conditions.

Walker review

Nice walk although we went off route so check the app regularly as following the paved road is not always the route on the app.

Savernake Forest walk 02

Long Route

Walk distance
6 miles
Time
3 hours
Route type
Circular

This longer woodland route ventures deeper into the historic Savernake Forest, an ancient landscape of towering oaks, beeches and quiet glades.

It’s a rewarding long walk if you have the time to enjoy it, ideal for stretching your legs and soaking up the atmosphere of one of England’s most storied forests.

Long Route 4.4 Ratings and reviews 20 ratings · 8 reviews

Based on 20 user ratings

Community feedback

Overall rating4.4

A very popular walk

Dog friendly4.1 / 5
Path condition4.3 / 5
Buggy friendly3.3 / 5
Wheelchair friendly2.7 / 5
Toilet facilities2.3 / 5
Pub or café0.8 / 5
Route accuracy4.8 / 5
ClimbingSome climbing
LivestockRarely any livestock
StilesNo stiles
Mud levelMay be muddy after wet weather

Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Wiltshire Walks app.

First-hand experiences

User reviews

Walker review

Really enjoyable walk. Very quiet. Didnt pass a single other person on the walk. 90% footpaths with no mud however some areas were muddy and required wellies.

Walker review

Really enjoyed this walk. we did both the long and short route.

Walker review

Good clear paths all the way round. No mud at all, mostly gravel or grass paths. Lovely birdsong all around. A few gentle inclines but mainly flat. Great walk.

Walker review

Beautiful walk. There were signs about cattle and wildlife, but we didn't see any. Dogs loved it as much as me. The only thing I didn't line is the lack of bins, I didn’t see any....

Walker review

A lovely autumnal walk, it was muddy in places so boots/walking boots are needed after wet weather.

Walker review

Great Walk, a small amount of road walking otherwise perfect for dogs

Walker review

Crazy busy at the starting point and the parking was tricky, but once you got going te walk was nice and quiet. We did go at the weekend though!

Walker review

No stiles but a few new (and easy to open) gates at the entrance to a fenced off wooded area being naturally grazed by Hereford cattle. Lots of beautiful honeysuckle and foxgloves (end June). Stunning ancient trees.

Navigate the walks

Wiltshire Walks App

Follow the Savernake Forest walks with GPS guidance

It's like sat-nav, but for footpaths.

Choose a walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you always know 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.

Download the app

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
Wiltshire Walks app showing the walker's live position on a route map

Designed to be simple

  • Choose a walk and follow the pointer
  • See your live position on the route map
  • Works without a phone signal
  • Includes 300 Wiltshire walks
  • Free one-month trial
  • Available for iPhone and Android

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Expanded route map for Short Route, a 1.75 mile circular walk in Wiltshire