Route 008: The River, the Canal, and the Railway - A Castlefields Walk

This route covers 2.75 miles of varied terrain that will take you on a 90 minute journey along the River Marden, the remains of the Calne branch canal, and the Sustrans cycle path, which was once the Calne Branch railway.

Important information:

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. 

2) After a short distance, you will reach an area known as Chaveywell. 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.

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.

7) As the route becomes even wider, you will pass the weir near the location of Mosses Mill. 

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.

11) Following the path towards the unique Black Dog bridge, designed by Mark Lovell, for the millennium. The main arch of this bridge utilises redwood glue laminated (glulam) beams and is a fantastic advertisement for the Sustrans cycle route that it serves. 

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. 

12) Just before the bridge, take a left up the incline to Black Dog Halt. From here, you will also be treated to views of the Lansdowne Monument, which is about 4.5 miles distant, as the crow flies.

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.

18) You will be able to take in lovely views of the River Marden along this stretch. If you choose to sit on this bench, keep an eye out for the kingfisher, who uses this stretch of the river. Sometimes, the little egret mentioned earlier perches in the trees on the opposite bank.

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

Councillor Work: Abberd Brook pavement resurfaced

On 18 December 2020 (Case ID 00010273), reported some areas of uneven tarmac surfaces on the pavements along the Abberd Brook on behalf of Calne River Warriors during one of their sessions.

These areas were resurfaced during March 2021 and I have since reported further areas that are in need of repair.

If you notice any areas in need of attention, please do report them via the MyWilts app or website:

https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/mywilts-online-reporting

(Technically pre-councillor work, but published during the run up to my first election in 2021).

Route 007 Abberd Brook

This is a 1.2 mile route taking in a lovely stretch of Abberd Brook, past a spring-fed pond and two play areas. The route will then take you through the underpass at Prince Charles Drive and the fantastic mosaics. Coming back along the other side of the brook, the route will take you past the Coleman's Farm Learning and Community Centre and along the Recreation Ground. Finally, you'll walk past the house that Joseph Priestley lived in during the time he discovered Oxygen at Bowood before finishing at the point where Abberd Brook meets the River Marden.

Important Information:

There is plenty of free parking in the car park at the start point of this route.

There are shops nearby, including Sainsburys. There are also public toilets available at The Pippin.

This route is fantastic for kids, as there are plenty of ducks close to the start point and often at the pond, so bring along some food for them, if you like. There are also two play areas along the route and another at The Recreation Ground, just off the route. 

The route can be made accessible by missing out the pond, which can be seen from the main footpath.

I have done this route with a pushchair with no problems, however depending on the pushchair, you may struggle at the concrete weir that allows access to the bank between the brook and the pond. Returning back around the pond to the bridge will allow you to continue the route.

Directions

1) This route begins where the Abberd Brook flows into the River Marden, at the free car park close to Sainsburys.

Take a moment to read the information board that was installed by the Friends of the Abberd Brook (which is now Friends of the Marden Valley). If you've brought food for the ducks, you'll often find a raft of ducks from her all the way to the pond.

2) As you walk along this route, you'll notice that the brook is very straight. In the 1960s, with the building of Coleman's Farm Estate, the brook was straightened greatly between Prince Charles Drive and the River Marden.

The pond, which you are approaching was also created at that time. It is fed by springs that had made the ground marshy and has since become an important area for wildlife.

3) Take a right, crossing over the bridge, to explore the pond in greater detail. There are two options, one is taking the lower route, using the wooden platform. The other is taking the upper path around the pond. Both routes meet at the grass near the bench on the other side of the pond. 

If you find that this part of the walk is not accessible to you, please continue along the brook at direction number 6.

4) Upon reaching the far side of the pond, you'll have the chance to rest on the bench. Perhaps you'll be watching the wildlife for a few peaceful moments, or perhaps watching your children feed the ducks. This pond is a fantastic nursery for ducklings between mid-March and July.

5) This concrete weir (for want of the better word), allows access to the bank between the brook and the pond. I've found that my children enjoy this part as it's the most adventurous point of the route. However, if this isn't accessible to you, please return around the pond the way you came, crossing the bridge back to the path along the brook. 

6) After crossing the bridge, turn right to continue along the brook. Soon you'll reach the two play areas, which are separated into age groups. Just a short distance from the play areas, keeping to the path along the brook, at the back of the houses, you'll reach the stepping stones, which are fun for all generations! After a quick play, return to the route and continue along the path.

7) The brook, which is home to much wildlife, provides many opportunities for interaction. Each bridge is a chance to play pooh sticks. Each drop in water level, a chance to stop, listen, and watch the mesmerising movement of the water on its journey to the Bristol Channel.

8) These mosaics, placed in 2011 and 2014, are an excellent example of a community project. Friends of the Abberd Brook, along with artists, Gill and David Reeves, and children from Priestley Primary School created these wonderful mosaics. Further along the route, you'll see even move colourful mosaics at the community centre.

9) The path along the brook goes as far as the bridge near Brook Way. Take a right to cross the bridge, but as you do, look along the length of the brook. Interestingly, no natural river will run straight for more than 10 times its width. Even the straightened brook is starting to meander within its narrow course.

Take a right as you leave the bridge, to come back to the underpass at Prince Charles Drive.

10) As you reach the underpass, follow the path to the left. At Prince Charles Drive, feel free to cross over wherever you find it safe to do so. 

To reach the accessible crossing, cross Falcon Road and continue up Prince Charles Drive a short distance.

11) Now on the other side of Prince Charles Drive, follow the route back towards the underpass. Cross Forman Street, to the path on the other side of the street, then take a left to walk westwards along it. 

After a short distance, you'll reach the Colemans Farm Learning and Community Centre, which in 2013 was brightened up with a mosaic. The mosaic comprising of birds and flowers was created as part of a community project spearheaded by ceramicists, David and Gill Reeves.

12) Continuing along the paths, take a left in between the housing, just before you reach Baily House. This short alleyway will lead you to Calne's Recreation Ground. 

After a few metres, take a right, to walk along the path. 

The Recreation Ground was given to Calne by Thomas Harris, of C&T Harris, on Friday 21 August 1891, as a way to celebrate his silver wedding anniversary. Having been in the unfortunate position to lose his first two wives, you can imagine that he never expected to celebrate 25 years of marriage. His wife, Elizabeth, gave a drinking fountain, however this has since been replaced.

13) Upon reaching a junction in the paths, feel free to take some time in the play area, or to walk around the Recreation Ground, before coming back to this point.

Follow the path in between the green fence and the hedge, in a westerly direction, towards The Glebe.

14) Keep to the left-side path, following The Glebe round to a gentle left. This leads you to the junction between Mill Street and Anchor Road. Cross to Mill Street, this time keeping to the path on the right-side of the road.

The house pictured, 3 Anchor Road, was originally the caretaker's cottage. This was part of Thomas Harris' gift to Calne when he presented the Recreation Ground to the town.

15) After a short distance, you will reach Calne Mill, which was a corn mill, closing in around 1966.

Take a right, following the path and bridge along the River Marden back towards the car park. Across the river you'll see the building that used to house the Co-op, which was closed in April 2020. 

You'll also see the plaque affixed to a stone proclaiming the area to be Doctor's Pond. The actual pond is said to have been in the area where the car park that served the Co-op. It is named for Joseph Priestley, who experimented a lot in the pond, which is how it got the name. Priestley is most well known for discovering Oxygen, which he first discovered in his laboratory at Bowood House.

16) When you reach the end of the bridge, you've reach the end of the walk. However, take a moment to turn back around and notice where the Abberd Brook meets with the River Marden. These waters will meet with the River Avon on the east of Chippenham in a few miles time. Eventually, they will flow as far as Avonmouth before joining the Bristol Channel.

Thank you for using this route!

Words and Photographs: Tim Havenith
Map from the lovely folks at OpenStreetMap. © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Place Names of Calne: Page Close

Page close is a collection of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom terraced houses off Prince Charles Drive built in the late 1960s to around 1970. They are named for Dr. George Page (1784-1858), 6-time mayor of Calne.

Not only was Page a 6-time mayor, but he was the first mayor of Calne, when in 1835 the guild steward system of borough government was abolished, he was also appointed as an alderman at this time[1].

He was re-elected 4 times without opposition[2] before returning as mayor in 1841and finally 1844. In 1840, after completing 4 terms as mayor of Calne, Page was presented with '"a service of plate", which consisted of a "teapot, coffee-pot, milk ewer, and basin". It was manufactured at a cost of 60 guineas, in London and presented to Page by Mr. Sergeant Merewether[3].

During his stay in Calne from 1814 to 1816, Coleridge rented a property in Church Street from George Page who may have also attempted to treat Coleridge for his laudanum addiction[4].

Page, who was clearly very dedicated to Calne and its' people, died on 17 April 1858 and is buried at Trinity Church, along with his wife, Ann, who passed on 11 December 1866.

References:
[1] Marsh, A., 1903. A HISTORY OF THE BOROUGH AND TOWN OF CALNE. 1st ed. London: HAZELL, WATSON AND VINEY, LTD.
[2] 1847. Calne. Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard, 16 November 1847. p.3.
[3] 1840. Calne. Dorset County Chronicle, 22 October 1840. p.3.
[4] Beale, N., 1998. Is that the Doctor?. 1st ed. Trowbridge: Cromwell Press.

Route 006 ARCHIVED - Around Witch Plantation (Cherhill Down)

Archived Route. Please use the updated version.

This route, which begins at Cook's Plantation off the A4 between Beckhampton and Cherhill, follows a 5.7 mile route with many inclines and declines around to Witch Plantation. The route begins on the Old Bath road before following Right of Way (RoW) paths around Cherhill Downs, back along the Roman Road to the A361. At this point, we'll take the safer route in the field owned by Beckhampton Stables (See important information) before re-joining the RoW paths back to Cook's Plantation.

Important Information

This route has many inclines and declines starting at around 168ft going up to 240ft, a cycle that repeats many times during the walk.

The steep parts of the walk can get very slippery and muddy, please take your time, stay safe, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

With this in mind, this walk is not accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs, etc. It is good for walkers, runners, and mountain bikes.

Restricted Times: To keep the walk off the A361, Beckhampton Stables allow foot-only access on their land. They use this land to train horses between 07:00 and 12:30 Monday to Saturday. Sometimes this does include Sundays. If you would like more information, the telephone number for Beckhampton Stables is 01672 539533. Please help out by collecting some of the litter that has been dropped or thrown from cars while you walk this stretch of land.

1) There is parking available at Cook's Plantation, which provides direct access to the Cherhill Downs.
It is said that c. 1859, the Mail Coach travelling past Cook's Plantation was robbed of its mail bags. The robber took the contents of the bags and soon came across a drunken man lying in a ditch. He left the empty bags beside the sleeping man. Mistaken for the robber, this poor man is said to have been hanged for stealing the bags.

2) Follow the route up to the Cherhill Downs, joining the Old Bath Road. 

3) As you reach the trackway that is the Old Bath Road, you'll get your first view of the Cherhill Downs and of Witch Plantation. Turn right and join the trackway.

4) Within the trackway, there is loose hedging. After around 300 metres, the track will curve to the left and lead you to a small metal gate attached to wooden fencing. Go through the gate and continue onward.

5) At this point the track straightens up and it's an enjoyable walk with views of the downs, and Witch Plantation, for around 1km. As you come to the end of this stretch of the route, you'll see a tumulus. This type is known as a bowl barrow. There are no records of any excavation, however two Beaker sherds were found in a rabbit scrape in 1949.
This is by no means the only tumulus along this route. Keep your eye out for others.

6) Soon after the tumulus, the track will meet a main track that is still used by vehicles. Turn left to join this new track. You will continue past the barn to where the track slightly splits, with a wide metal gate to the right. Ignore the gate and follow the main track. 

7) This part of the route undulates, a lot! However, in return for all the expended effort, the countryside offers many miles of fantastic views.

8) Here is one such beautiful view. The track continues to be fenced either side until we come to the end of it in just over a mile. Having such a well defined track means that you're free to be mindful of your own thoughts and enjoy the views that become available.

9) Before too long, you'll reach Witch Plantation. This is a beech woodland, however place name studies make it seem likely that this was originally a plantation of Wych Elm. Unfortunately, Dutch elm disease devastated the vast majority of Elm trees in this country. This plantation can be clearly seen on the 1886 OS map, however it's likely that this plantation could be much older than the 1880s. 
A short distance after the plantation, you'll come across a stile, which allows access on to National Trust land, which includes Witch Plantation, so feel free to have an explore before returning to the walk.

10) After passing Witch Plantation, follow the track to the right before taking another right, where the views will massively open up for you. Not only will you have views towards Morgan's Hill to the west, but to the east is Silbury Hill.

The track becomes a bit rough as you reach a RoW junction. Follow the dog leg until the junction, then turn left. You will then have Silbury Hill as your companion as you head towards it on this old Roman road for the next mile. This Roman road once connected Verlucio, close to Wans House, at modern day Sandy Lane, to Mildenhall, which is east of Marlborough.

11)  When you reach the A361 you need to do two things. 1) Be very careful at this busy road. 2) Turn left.

If you're on foot, as soon as possible climb the fence to continue in the field. Please remember that Beckhampton Stables use this land to train horses between 07:00 and 12:30 Monday to Saturday. Sometimes this does include Sundays. If you would like more information, the telephone number for Beckhampton Stables is 01672 539533.
While you're enjoying the comparative safety of the field, please help out by collecting some of the litter that has been dropped or thrown from cars while you walk this stretch of land.

12) When you come to the eastern edge of the field, I would suggest continuing within the field, turning left. The RoW path is on the other side of the fence, but leads to the A4, where it is more sensible to cross back into the field. At the A4, turn left again heading uphill.

Soon you will reach the car park for The Gallops, which is the name for the fields here, due to the horse training. The car park actually marks the location where the Bath road branched from the Bristol road. The Bath road marked as a secondary road. However, it was this road which the early coaches decided follow and which later became known as the old Bath road.
When Bath became known as 'the most fashionable town in England' in the early 1800s, the road became very well used. It was one of the first roads in Wiltshire to brought under the control of turnpike trustees.

13) As you follow the path past the car park, you will pass through a lovely beech plantation at Knoll Down. Interestingly, this part of the route was not only the Old Bath road, but these days, is part of the Wessex Ridgeway, which is a 138-mile trail running from Marlborough to Lyme Regis in Dorset.

There are some good stumps here, so if you'd like, take a minute to enjoy the surroundings, knowing that you're close to the finish line.

14) As you reach the western end of this plantation, the path will steer you upwards and left. Follow the path turning right as you reach the top.
Leaving the woodland now is ideal, as you will now be able to enjoy the expansive views once more. Keep an eye out for the red kites and buzzards that are common in this area.

15) You will soon arrive back that the junction that brought you onto the Old Bath road near the beginning of this route.

Take a right and head down, back towards Cook's Plantation.

16) It's not often that the last stretch back to the carpark is just as scenic as the rest of the journey. The views heading towards Cook's Plantation lead to Yatesbury and Windmill Hill.

Thank you for using this route!

Map from the lovely folks at OpenStreetMap. © OpenStreetMap contributors