Wiltshire: 40 favourite walks

The enigmatic Neolithic standing stones at Stonehenge and Avebury first drew footsore pilgrims to this landlocked area of Southern England more than 4000 years ago. Today there are scores of waymarked footpaths, bridleways and byways which connect the rolling downland, verdant valleys, white chalk horses, ancient settlements and vibrant historic towns of the 'great green county' of Wiltshire. This guide contains 40 circular routes which make the most of that network. Most walks can be completed inside two or three hours, though some will require half a summer's day, with a few full-day routes along the downland ridges.