This is the most accessible half mile route around Castlefields Park, up Patford Street, and back down The Wharf.
Important information:
This route is approximately .56 miles with mostly paved paths.
Street parking is available on Station Road, alternatively at the car park off New Road (see map). Please check ticket prices before leaving your vehicle.
There is no need to cross any roads from the start position, there are no steps or stiles. This is the most accessible route that I could find and have been advised that mobility scooters can travel up the incline to upper Castlefields and down the other end. This route is also fine for pushchairs.
1) From Station Road, join the path into Castlefields Park heading towards 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.
Take a left to follow the river.
2) You are now entering what used to be known as Wilcox Field in the 1800s. The land was owned by the Marquis of Lansdowne and used by Charles Pinnegar, innkeeper at the Lansdowne Arms (now Lansdowne Strand).
Take the left path to follow the river.
3) You will pass a bench next to a wier, a lovely spot to stop and take in the sights and sounds - perhaps you'll see the kingfisher that frequents the river here.
4) Continue onwards, past the exercise equipment, over Chaveywell bridge and take a right.
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.
5) After passing the Chaveywell Wharf, you will come across the Chaveywell spring.
The spring here was heralded for being the only spring in the area that was pure during the Typhoid Fever and Diphtheria epidemics during the 1880s and 1890s.
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.
6) Take a left up the path towards upper Castlefield, which, in a previous life, was part of the garden of Castle House.
7) Take the path out around the circles of trees. The inner circle of Scots Pines were planted to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897. The outer circle was planted in 2012 for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
This area was also the home of Calne's Castle shown as an outline made of cotoneaster hedging.
The castle, most likely here in the Middle Ages, was a crenelated semi-fortified tower house, which was a type of castle built for defence and habitation up until the 17th century.
8) Follow the path down towards 'Jubilee Queen'. If you'd like, you can end the walk here, perhaps taking in the recently renovated Castlefields Pocket Park.
Otherwise, follow the path out towards Patford Street, through the Castlefields gates.
9) Take the path on the right and head towards the Town Hall.
This is Calne's second Town Hall, and it stands at the location of the demolished Town Mill. The Town Hall, mostly paid for by subscribers, was completed in 1888, at a cost of £9375 4s 3d (approximately £769,229.62 in today's money).
There are various plaques on the walls of the Town Hall. Bonus points for anyone that notices the OS bench mark.
10) Continue around the Town Hall and head to the inner Wharf path, taking either the steps or the slope.
The Wharf serviced the Calne branch of the Wilts and Berks canal was opened in 1801, in use until 1906, when it could no longer complete with the Calne Branch railway. The Wilts and Berks canal was formally abandoned by Act of Parliament in 1914.
11) I always enjoy the view of the Carnegie Building, which is home to Calne Heritage Centre, and St. Mary's church. Just one of many views to look out for during this route.
Another nice one is looking back towards the town centre from the bridge at Marden House.
12) Calne is a place of so much history, as seen at the building we now know as Marden House. This building was likely used as accommodation for the wharfinger during the days of the canal.
In 1864, James Ogle Brinkworth who managed the Calne Wharf and was awarded a Royal Humane Society parchment for rescuing no less than seven children from drowning at said Wharf.
You will also notice the Blue Plaque for the London to Bath Coach road. New Road was created in 1801 to provide a more direct, and wider, route through Calne. The pump here would have been used to settle dust on the road.
From here, continue along New Road, following the bend at the roundabout to return to Station Road.
Thank you for using this route!
Map from the lovely folks at OpenStreetMap. © OpenStreetMap contributors
