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Local Walks Wilton Windmill is a great starting or stop off point when walking around the Wilton Area. Being close to Crofton Beam Engine and the Kennet & Avon Canal, visitors can take a gentle stroll around the countryside, and visit the local sites and sample the fare of some local hostelries. One of the best local walks is the Circular Walk to Crofton pumping Station via Wilton and Crofton Water. You can do it clockwise or anticlockwise:
Or you can take the combined walk which is 4 km / 2.5 miles. It is approx. 30 minutes each way -1 hour total. At the Windmill car park turn left and go down the road towards Wilton village. Continue straight down the hill at the Y-Junction until you see the footpath sign to Crofton Pumping Station. Via Roman Road This is part of the old Roman Road from Venta Belgarum (Winchester) to Cunetio (Mildenhall, near Marlborough). Continue up the Roman Road ignoring the wooden signpost pointing to Crofton Pumping Station. We will return this way later. From the top there are fine views over Wilton village and Wilton Water to the left. Just before the road starts to drop down Crofton Pumping Station can be seen below on the left and there are extensive views straight ahead and to the right of Savernake Forest and the valley down towards Great Bedwyn. This is an area of Upper Chalk with flints. Continue down the sunken road and then turn left onto the canal towpath just before Crofton level crossing. Five minutes along the wide Crofton Engine Pound brings you to the Pumping Station. This is the highest point of the canal between Reading and Bath. Via Wilton Water To return to the Windmill we leave the towpath at the head of Wilton Water and turn left to follow the path around it. Here we cross through the middle and lower chalk and onto Upper Greensand. There is evidence of many wild birds and animals in this area, so some care is required. On the hill to the left of Wilton Water, a new wood has been planted. This is of mixed deciduous trees and is due to mature around the year 2020. Continuing on we reach the edge of Wilton village. At this point you can either cut through the village past the Swan Inn and along the road, or turn left to go across the field to join the Roman Road at the point where we mentioned the signpost to Crofton is. From here we take a short walk up the Roman Road and then turn left onto the main road. Continue up the hill taking the right leg at the Y- junction. Wilton Windmill will now be in sight and the car park is on your left.
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The following are samples of the species of flowers which can be found on the Circular Walk.
The surrounding area is rich in wild life and you can expect to see some of the following birds on your walk.
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