CIRCULAR COUNTRY WALK VIA WILTON WATER Via Roman Road –2 km (1.25 miles) Via Wilton Water–2 km (1.25 miles) To return to the Windmill we leave the towpath at Combined circular walk – 4 km (2.5 miles) the head of Wilton Water and turn left to follow Approx. 30 minutes each way -1 hour total the path around it. Here the scenery changes a Some steep parts and can be muddy around little as we cross through the middle and lower Wilton Water. chalk and onto Upper Greensand. There is evidence of many wild birds and animals in this From the Windmill car park go down the hill past area, so some care is required, keep dogs on a lead the large house on the left towards Wilton please. On the hill to the left of Wilton Water, a village. Continue straight down the hill at the Y- new wood has been planted of mixed deciduous Junction until you see the footpath sign to trees, which are due to mature around the year Crofton Pumping Station after the two houses 2020. on your left and a small, disused quarry. Continuing on we reach the edge of Wilton village. At this point you can either turn right to cut VIA ROMAN ROAD through the village past the Swan Inn and continue left along up the road, or turn left to go across the This is part of the old Roman Road from Venta field to join the Roman Road at the point where the Belgarum (Winchester) to Cunetio (Mildenhall, previously mentioned signpost is. From here we near Marlborough). Continue up the Roman take a short walk up the Roman Road and then turn Road ignoring the wooden signpost pointing to left back onto the main road. Crofton Pumping Station. We will return this way later. Continue up the steep hill taking the right leg at the Y- junction. Wilton Windmill will now be in sight From the top there are fine views over Wilton and the car park is on your left. village and Wilton Water to the left. Just before the road starts to drop down Crofton Pumping Station can be seen below to your 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 Join PLANTLIFE Crofton Engine Pound brings you to the The Wild-Plant Conservation Charity Pumping Station. This is the highest point of the http://plantlife.org.uk/ canal between Reading and Bath. 14 Rollestone St., Salisbury Wilts SP1 1DX .