WILTSHIRE / FOREST WALK / POSTERN HILL
Savernake Forest Walk: Circular Route from Postern Hill
Walk from Postern Hill into Savernake Forest, following Grand Avenue before returning through the western woodland. This 8.7 km circuit is a half-day outing, with unmarked junctions that need more attention than the gentle-looking tracks suggest.
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At a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing
Savernake Forest is a good choice when you want the walk itself to be the day out: a few hours among trees, a picnic in your bag and no rush to reach a summit. This circular route starts at Postern Hill, joins Grand Avenue and returns through the western part of the forest.
The supplied KML measures approximately 8.7 km, or 5.4 miles. Allow 2½–3 hours as a planning estimate, with extra time for photographs, a picnic or slow going. It is longer than a quick wander from the car park, and the numerous similar-looking junctions make navigation the main consideration.
This is an unmarked walking circuit. Carry the route on an offline-capable mapping app, with a backup map, and check your position before taking a branch. The file is a conversion of a published walking route, compared with mapped tracks; it has not been recently checked on foot. Current closures always take priority. For more options, explore our woodland and countryside walks.
Route shape: Postern Hill → northeastern woodland approach → northern end of Grand Avenue → Eight Walks junction → southwestern ride → western woodland paths → Postern Hill.
The attraction of this circuit is its change of pace: a long, clear avenue followed by smaller connecting paths that need closer attention. The KML returns to the start area and includes planning markers at the main changes of direction. It does not include a detour to the Big Bellied Oak beside the A346.
Use the stages below to understand the route before you go, then navigate with the line and detailed mapping. There is no verified ascent total for this version. We rate it moderate overall because of its length, potentially muddy ground and navigation demands, rather than treating forest tracks as automatically easy.
Step-by-step directions
Follow the route
Start at Postern Hill
Locate the KML start in the parking area. Take the plotted woodland approach eastwards, following its bend towards the northeastern connecting tracks.
Route advice: Before walking, check that the map’s position marker agrees with where you are.
Reach the northern end of Grand Avenue
Follow the plotted approach northeast to the road junction. Turn back southeast onto Grand Avenue, taking care around vehicles.
Route advice: Stop before the road junction to identify the intended entrance; do not drift onto the carriageway.
Follow Grand Avenue to Eight Walks
Continue southeast along Grand Avenue until the multi-way Eight Walks junction. This is where the circuit leaves the avenue.
Route advice: Check the next direction before leaving this prominent junction. Do not simply continue straight ahead.
Take the southwestern ride
Take the southwestern branch shown in the KML. Follow it to the southern corner of the circuit, then turn onto the northwestern return.
Route advice: A picnic stop works best once everyone has confirmed the return direction. Keep the path clear.
Navigate the western return
Follow the plotted woodland paths north and northwest, checking the short connecting turns around the Great Lodge Drive area.
Route advice: This section has more changes of direction than Grand Avenue. Pause at each junction rather than correcting a missed turn later.
Return to Postern Hill
Continue northwest on the mapped return path to the parking area. The file closes back at the starting point.
Route advice: Leave time to change muddy footwear and exit before the posted gate-closing time.
Find places to stay nearby
Choose a base that fits your visit to Marlborough, Wiltshire, United Kingdom.
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Before you go
Practical information
Make the forest junctions easier to manage
- Load the route before leaving home. Check that your chosen app shows both the KML line and a detailed background map offline. A screenshot helps explain the overall shape, but cannot show your changing position.
- Use a stop-and-check routine. At a major junction, stop clear of the track, identify the path you arrived on, then choose the outgoing branch. At Eight Walks, taking the most obvious straight-ahead track would continue beyond this circuit.
- Keep the whole group together at turns. Agree that the front walkers wait at junctions. This is more useful than expecting everyone to follow a voice from somewhere among the trees.
- Turn back along a known route if necessary. Avoid trying to correct a missed turn by cutting through woodland. An extra few minutes retracing your steps is easier to manage than an uncertain cross-country shortcut.
Plan a comfortable half-day
Bring water, a snack, a waterproof and footwear with grip. Put muddy shoes in a spare bag afterwards. A small sit mat makes a picnic stop more flexible; choose somewhere beside an open path without blocking passing walkers. Pack food that needs no cooking.
For children, decide whether an 8.7 km walk is realistic before committing to the full circuit. Plan one main break and agree a turnaround point early in the outing. If someone is already tiring on the outward section, a shorter return by the route you know can be a better day than pressing on to complete a loop.
Choosing a base for a Wiltshire break
Look at Marlborough first if you want to combine the forest with a meal and an overnight stay. Check the property’s actual location, parking and route to Postern Hill before booking. A room described as being near Savernake may still need a car or a pre-arranged lift.
For another day’s walk, compare the locations and distances in our walking-route collection. Find more ideas for a longer trip in our England travel guides.
Route sources and checks
The KML uses geographic track data from the downloadable Wiltshire Walks Savernake circuit, converted to KML with a short closing connection in the start area. The measured file is 8.7 km; use that figure when planning this version. Map comparison used OpenStreetMap contributors’ data. Visitor information was checked on 24 September 2026. This guide is researched planning advice, not a first-hand report of current ground conditions.
Parking
Free at Postern Hill; check the entrance board for closing time
Tickets and booking
Forestry England currently lists forest entry and Postern Hill parking as free. The car park is listed as open 8am–7pm except Christmas Day, with gates locked at 7pm. Recheck before travel.
Seasonal considerations
Choose a calm day with enough daylight for the full walk. Autumn leaves can hide roots; wet winter ground can slow progress. Avoid woodland during strong winds and leave time to return before the gates close.
Toilets and refreshments
Forestry England lists toilets from Easter until the end of October half-term. Do not rely on them outside that period. Carry a picnic or plan a separate stop in Marlborough.
Terrain
Forest roads, gravel tracks and narrower woodland paths. Expect uneven surfaces, roots, puddles and muddy stretches, especially after rain.
Accessibility
This full circuit has not been assessed as an accessible route. Do not assume wheelchair or pushchair suitability from the broad tracks; narrower return paths and soft ground may be difficult.
Facilities
Postern Hill has a picnic area and seasonal toilets. Bring your own drinking water and food.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed. Keep yours under close control and use a lead near livestock, other visitors and road junctions. Close grazing-enclosure gates and take dog waste away.
Public transport
Plan a connection to Postern Hill separately from this circuit. Check current journey options to Marlborough, then confirm a safe walking link or arrange a taxi. The 8.7 km distance does not include travel from the town or a station.
Safety
Carry an offline map and a charged phone; leave your route and expected return with someone. Take care at the Grand Avenue road junction and stay out of vehicle lanes. Follow forestry instructions even when machinery is silent. In an emergency call 999 or 112 and give your location.
Important cautions
Forestry England’s 2026 works notice includes Great Lodge Bottom and other areas. Check the latest notice and on-site signs; access may change and this circuit cannot be assumed open throughout. Never pass a forestry closure.
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Useful answers
Savernake Forest Walk: Circular Route from Postern Hill FAQs
How long is this Savernake Forest circular walk?
The supplied KML measures approximately 8.7 km (5.4 miles), starting and finishing at Postern Hill. Allow 2½–3 hours as a planning estimate, plus any longer picnic stop.
Is the walk signposted or waymarked?
Forestry England says the trails are not waymarked. Use the route with detailed mapping and check your direction at junctions; do not expect numbered signs matching these stages.
Where should I park?
Start at Postern Hill, SN8 4ND. Confirm the gate-closing time on arrival and leave a comfortable return margin. The route distance starts in the parking area.
Is this an easy family walk?
Treat it as a half-day walk, not a short playground-style circuit. Distance, mud and navigation may be more demanding than expected. Choose according to your children’s stamina and be prepared to shorten the outing.
Can I take my dog?
Yes. Bring water, waste bags and a lead. Keep your dog close at junctions, around other walkers and wherever livestock or local notices require extra care.
Is the route suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
The complete loop is not verified as accessible. Broad tracks form only part of it; narrower paths and soft ground mean you should not rely on this as a step-free or all-weather outing.
Can we have a picnic or barbecue?
Bring a picnic that needs no cooking. Forestry England prohibits barbecues, fires and camping stoves in the forest. Take all litter home and keep gateways and paths clear.
Does this route visit the Big Bellied Oak?
No. The KML does not include the roadside Big Bellied Oak. Do not assume every named tree mentioned in a general Savernake guide lies on this particular circuit.
What if forestry work blocks the route?
Obey the closure and any signed diversion. If you cannot establish a suitable open alternative, retrace an open route you know. The KML is a planning file and does not certify current access.
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