The best walks and hikes around Savernake
4.6
(1028)
7,259
hikers
67
hikes
Hiking around Savernake Forest explores a large, privately-owned woodland in Wiltshire, characterized by ancient woodlands and a high concentration of veteran trees. The terrain consists of a network of surfaced and unsurfaced tracks that wind through open glades and stands of oak and beech. With minimal elevation changes across the area, the routes are generally accessible and follow well-defined paths.
Best hiking trails around Savernake
- The most popular hiking route is Savernake Forest – Old Paunchy Oak loop from Marlborough, a 5.9 miles (9.5 km) trail that takes 2 hours 33 minutes to complete. This route is one of the best circular walks in Savernake Forest for seeing its veteran trees.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Savernake Forest – Pointing Oak loop from Marlborough, a moderate 6.5 miles (10.4 km) path. The trail follows a mix of broad avenues and smaller woodland tracks.
- Local hikers also love the Troll Oak – Old Paunchy Oak loop from Marlborough, a 3.5 miles (5.7 km) trail leading through ancient oak trees, often completed in about 1 hour 31 minutes.
- Hiking around Savernake is defined by its collection of ancient oak trees, wide gravel avenues, and shaded woodland paths. The network of trails offers options for different ability levels, from short, easy walks to longer circuits.
- The routes in Savernake are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 900 reviews. More than 7000 hikers have used komoot to explore Savernake's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
4.6
(5)
58
hikers
5.70km
01:31
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
16
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
6
hikers
8.40km
02:13
80m
80m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
15
hikers
9.82km
02:36
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
5.00km
01:17
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Now part of the Collection https://www.komoot.com/de-de/collection/3600632/-naturdenkmaeler-besondere-baeume-und-weitere-schaetze-der-natur
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Now part of the Collection https://www.komoot.com/de-de/collection/3600632/-naturdenkmaeler-besondere-baeume-und-weitere-schaetze-der-natur
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Many of the ancient oak trees in Savernake Forest are believed to have served as boundary markers, predating the formation of England itself. There are around 30 in total and they are a beautiful addition to the forest.
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GPS is hit and miss around Savernake Forest so you can miss the paths you wanted.
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One of the hugest Oak trees in the forest. The Cathedral Oak is at least 1,000 years old, with a massive trunk.
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An ancient oak tree, probably at least 1,000 years old. Named due to the bulbous base to the trunk.
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Savernake Forest is a reminant of the vast ancient woodland which once covered much of Britain. It's a former Royal Stag hunting forest. Today it's privately owned but open to the public and managed by the Forestry England. It's home to numerous ancient trees, mostly Oaks between 1,000 & 1,100 years old. Many are individually named, reflecting the appearance and character of these amazing life forms.
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Erected in 1781, the Ailesbury Column is a defining feature of Savernake Forest. The column was built by Thomas Bruce Earl to thank his uncle for leaving him his estates. The singular column is made from limestone, with a bronze urn at its top.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to park for walks in Savernake Forest?
The main starting point for many trails is the Postern Hill car park, located at the northwestern edge of the forest. It offers free parking and provides convenient access to a variety of walking routes.
Are dogs allowed in Savernake Forest?
Yes, Savernake Forest is a popular destination for dog walkers. Dogs are welcome, but it's important to keep them under control, especially as you may encounter grazing cattle in certain enclosed areas of the forest.
What is the terrain like in Savernake Forest?
The terrain is generally gentle and accessible, with minimal elevation changes. The paths consist of a mix of wide, surfaced tracks like the Grand Avenue and smaller, unsurfaced woodland trails. This makes it suitable for most fitness levels with no serious slopes or obstacles.
Are the walking trails well-marked?
The forest has a network of paths and tracks. While major avenues are clear, some of the smaller paths can be less distinct. Using a GPS device or a navigation app like komoot is recommended to help you follow your chosen route and explore with confidence.
Are there any short, family-friendly walks?
Yes, the forest is ideal for families. There are numerous shorter routes available, such as the Savernake Forest – Old Paunchy Oak loop from Marlborough. This 3.3-mile (5.2 km) walk is on easy paths and offers a great introduction to the ancient woodland.
How can I see the famous ancient trees?
Many trails are designed to take you past the forest's collection of veteran trees. To see some of the most notable ones, consider the Old Paunchy Oak – Young Paunchy Tree loop from St Margarets. You can also spot the Big Bellied Oak from the A346 road.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Savernake Forest?
The routes in Savernake are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the magnificent ancient trees, the peaceful atmosphere of the woodland, and the well-maintained gravel avenues that make for pleasant walking.
How long are the typical hiking trails?
Trail lengths vary to suit different preferences. You can find short, easy loops of around 3 miles (5 km) that take about 1.5 hours, as well as more moderate circular routes up to 6.5 miles (10.5 km) that can take over 2.5 hours to complete.
Are there any pubs or cafes near the walking trails?
The forest itself does not have cafes or pubs within its boundaries. However, the nearby town of Marlborough offers a wide selection of options for refreshments before or after your hike. It is just a short drive from the main Postern Hill car park.
What is the best time of year to visit Savernake Forest?
Savernake Forest is a wonderful destination year-round. However, it is particularly stunning in late spring when the woodland floor is covered in bluebells, and in autumn when the beech and oak trees display spectacular fall colours.
How does hiking in Savernake Forest compare to West Woods?
Both are excellent choices for woodland walks. Savernake Forest is renowned for its unique collection of named ancient oak trees and grand, historic avenues. West Woods, while also a beautiful woodland, is particularly famous for its incredible display of bluebells in the spring.
Are there many circular walks available?
Yes, the majority of popular routes in Savernake Forest are circular. This allows you to start and end at the same point, which is convenient for parking. For a longer loop that explores different parts of the woodland, try the Savernake Forest – Pointing Oak loop from Marlborough.
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