This walk begins on Station Road, where there is some street parking. The closest car park is the Heritage Centre car park on New Road (seen as a blue 'P' on the map).
Unfortunately, this route is not accessible for pushchairs or mobility scooters. The terrain is varied and can get very muddy on the way out. There are some stiles and a short section on the pedestrian path on the A4.
Benches are available within Castlefields park, Black Dog Halt, and a couple of places along the cycle path.
1) From Station Road, make your way over the bridges to the riverside path that leads to the replica narrow boat, the 'Jubilee Queen'. This wonderful feature was funded in 2011 by Hill Homes as part of the restoration of the former lock.
After crossing 'Jubilee Queen', continue walking onwards with the canal to your left.
During the archaeological dig for the Calne Castle was under way, a trench was dug at the Chaveywell site. The medieval outlet was found nearby and the origin of the spring was traced back to its origin in the grounds of St. Mary's school.
Before continuing, take a look at the pigs' head corbels. These corbels originally supported the roof in the old C & T Harris factory.
3) As you turn back towards the path, the restored Chaveywell bridge dominates the scene. This bridge, along with 800 yards of canal, up to the winding hole, was restored by the Wilts and Berks Canal Amenity Group and reopened by the Earl of Shelburne on 11 June 1989.
4) After crossing Chaveywell bridge, take an immediate right, through the metal gate. The route will take you between the canal and the river.
Keep a look out to your right, after a short distance the canal opens up. This is the winding hole, the outer extent of the restored canal, and the last opportunity for a canal boat to turn around before reaching the wharf at Calne. The boats either travelled forwards, reversing back out; or travelled in reverse, but being able to leave Calne cruising forward.
5) At the end of this section, you will reach a stile. Crossing over this will bring you to a wider area. At the time of writing (and for some time), there has been a fallen tree. Please can careful when passing.
6) At this point of the walk, you will be greeted with wider views of Calne and Calne Without. Such beautiful countryside, with many trees to create much visual interest over the seasons.
Continue heading west. During wet periods, this section can become very muddy and slippery, please bare that in mind when planning to undertake this route.
The original mill, which dated back to the 1600s as part of the property belonging to Studley Manor, had been used for fulling. It was rebuilt in the 1820s, and before succumbing to fire in 1962, was run as a corn mill.
During wet periods, you will be able to see the old mill pond that served the mill. In this area, there is also some old brick and stonework from the old mill.
8) Follow the path to the right, which broadly follows the line of the old Calne branch canal. While the path is well worn, you may find that you have this area to yourself. Keep an eye out for the little egret that frequents this area.
9) As you near the A4, the path will bend to your right. Follow the worn path, taking note of the mounds and changing vegetation near the A4. This area was another wharf, which was reached via a tunnel under Chilvester Hill, which was often called Tunnel Hill during Calne's canal era. Apparently, the tunnel still exists, but has been filled in.
10) Follow the hill upwards towards the A4 and the stile. After crossing the stile, there is a short section on the path alongside the A4 - please take care.
As you continue this part of the route, look down to the river. You will be able to see where the water from Bowood Lake meet the River Marden.
13) At the top of the incline, you'll be greeted by the two dogs of Black Dog Halt. The gate and railings were designed by artist, Laura Lian, after winning a 1988 competition to separate the cycle path from the residential houses, including the old station master's house.
14) After entering the halt through the gates, perhaps take a seat on the wall for a few minutes.
Black Dog Halt was developed for Lord Lansdowne as a private halt to serve Bowood House, in 1873. It finally became part of the public network in 1952, however the entire branch from Chippenham to Calne was closed in 1965.
15) When you're ready, head south east, away from the bridge.
You will walk past the old station master's house, dated 1874, with a version of the Lansdowne crest. The bungalow before this house was part of the stables when the halt was operational. It has since been converted into a lovely bungalow by Patrick Wiltshire, who called it Patrick's Folly.
16) This part of the route is quite long, so you may wish to take in the views at the only bench before we reach the access to Castlefields park.
17) The route takes you past the recent 'Station Meadows' development, which includes Bowood View. Continue along the cycle path, walking alongside the fields back towards Castlefields park. These fields are often filled with sheep, a nice feature along this route.
19) After going through the kissing gates, cross the first bridge, turning right before Chaveywell Bridge. Follow the river, taking the route past all of the outdoor exercise equipment.
As you return to 'Jubilee Queen', follow the path back to the start point.
Thank you for using this trail!
Map from the lovely folks at OpenStreetMap. © OpenStreetMap contributors
