The rolling downs north of Devizes are grand exercise for The Pack. This walk led by Guy is a smidgeon over five miles and involves a gentle decline and modest incline out of a sheltered grassy valley. When we walked it on January 8th we only encountered one field of sheep so the hounds should be able to run free for most of the walk. Two-thirds of the way round we come across The Wansdyke a most impressive ditch fortification that runs from Savernake maybe right up to Bath. Experts differ on how old it is but the section we walk along is thought to have been built in the 6th century ie after the Romans left and before the Anglo Saxons took over. It may have had a timber wall on top. We walk along the ramparts thinking all the time of how to dig up such an enormous amount of earth when equipped with a spade maybe made of antlers, no wheelbarrows let alone a JCB. Amazing.

We meet at a car park called Smallgrain picnic area ¼ mile north of N Wilts Golf Club (full route see here, pdf). Start 10.30 as usual. Postcode for Golf Club (SN10 2LP) for the SatNav addicts.

If coming from the south, drive through Devizes towards Swindon and Marlborough (A361). Two miles further on turn left marked on a brown sign N Wilts Golf Club. After a mile drive past the golf club which will be on your left and 400 yds past on the brow of a rise look for a small green sign to Smallgrain on your right (see photo top right).

From Calne take the A4 towards Marlborough. After approx 2 miles turn right to Bishops Cannings (there is a brown golf sign). Then look for the green sign BEFORE you reach the golf course. From Marlborough take the A4 towards Calne. At the Beckhampton roundabout take the first exit onto the A361 marked Devizes. Proceed for approx 2 miles and then turn right (there is a brown golf sign).

Any queries to Guy here please.

Impressive Wansdyke

Entrance to Smallgrain Picnic area
(seen coming from the south, past the golf club)

Calston Combes

"I spy sheep".

Walk along the Wansdyke.