Welcome to the Vale of Pewsey in Wiltshire

The Vale of Pewsey - one of the most beautiful and unspoilt places in the UK, just waiting to be explored!

Whether you are looking for an active walking or cycling break, or perhaps a canal holiday, the Pewsey Vale has it all.  As a Walkers are Welcome destination, the Vale has varied and good quality walking, with plenty of documented walking routes for you to follow.  We also have ideas for your walking or cycling holiday to help you plan your visit.

With unique and welcoming places to stay, friendly and atmospheric places to eat, drink and shop, as well as a lively and varied events scene, there's a lot for you to enjoy.

The Vale of Pewsey is located in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape and is at the heart of the Great West Way, the south of England's premier touring route.

The Pewsey Vale Circular Way

Our long-distance walking, cycling and riding route - the Pewsey Vale Circular Way - is now available!  Just one of our itineraries for you to plan when you Discover Pewsey Vale.

Find out what the Pewsey Vale Circular Way has in store!

Our video shows just some of the fabulous scenery and quirky things to see along the Pewsey Vale Circular Way.

Walking & Cycling Itineraries in the Vale of Pewsey

We've put together a selection of walking and cycling itineraries for you, following well-used tracks and taking you off on local detours that you otherwise wouldn't know about.  If you love getting out in the great outdoors, then look no further!

Ranging from one-day up to a week and beyond, there are routes and activities planned for you.  With lots of ideas on where to eat, where to stay and local transport options, our itineraries provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit to the beautiful Vale of Pewsey.

All you need to know about the Vale of Pewsey

Explore the Vale of Pewsey - find out about its beautiful landscape, villages, places to stay, things to do and ancient history.  Accessible by GWR train services, just an hour from London Paddington, in the heart of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape and the Great West Way®.

Discover Woodborough Yard

Home to an eclectic mix of cafes, showrooms, workshops and shops, Woodborough Yard is located on the edge of pretty Woodborough village. 

With fantastic walking, friendly independent businesses, free parking and a beautiful location - it's a must-see for anyone visiting the Vale of Pewsey.

It's also a great refreshment stop if you are doing our cycle routes or our Woodborough walking route.

Staying in the Vale of Pewsey

Plan your visit now!  Updated for 2024 - 2025, find out about the Vale of Pewsey and the unique accommodation you can stay in.  Whether it's traditional B&B, quirky or cosy self-catering, staying on a working farm or on the canal, wild camping or glamping under the stars, there's lots of choice.

The Vale of Pewsey - a place that is quintessential England - rolling countryside, country lanes, thatched cottages, magnificent wildlife, white horses carved into the hills, crop circles, spectacular views and plenty of space.  Find out more in our video.

Insider Guides to walking in the Vale of Pewsey

Get local insider knowledge about what to look out for on our many local walking routes by watching our series of videos.

Go to the Insider Guides.

Explore the history of the Vale of Pewsey

This beautiful map of the Vale of Pewsey was created in 1808 and you can use it to explore the history of the Vale - from prehistory through to modern times.

Find out more about the historic sites of the Vale of Pewsey.

Our thanks go to the Pewsey Area Board at Wiltshire Council for funding the online version of the map.

The Cattle Shed

Located in the beautiful village of Wilton, The Cattle Shed is home to a range of independent shops and workshops, including antiques and vintage, food and products for your dog, art, photography, craft workshops, homeware and gifts.  On a working farm, and with free all day parking, The Cattle Shed has views up the hill to Wilton Windmill and is just yards away from The Swan Inn.  Make a day of it - a visit to The Cattle Shed, lunch at The Swan and then a walk up to Wilton Windmill, taking in Crofton Beam Engines and the Roman road.

Vale of Pewsey Online Market

Support our local businesses and shop online!  Visit the Vale of Pewsey Online Market.

Latest News & Views from the Pewsey Vale

Two Sails on the Windmill!

Two Sails on the Windmill!

As any recent visitors will have noticed, there are two sails are missing from Wilton Windmill. In mid-September the team was milling successfully when suddenly there was a loud crack followed by splinters of wood falling down from above. They ...
Circling Back to the Vale of Pewsey

Circling Back to the Vale of Pewsey

Our thanks to Tim Baynes, a Wiltshire artist and lover of the Vale of Pewsey, for this beautiful article. ‘A restless sky, Beneath distant grumpy hills Somewhere young greens are stirring, Lights from clouds create different bolts of green, We ...
Spectacular Views with Hedley Thorne

Spectacular Views with Hedley Thorne

Walker and video-maker, Hedley Thorne, takes us on a journey across the Pewsey Downs in this fabulous video recently released on his YouTube Channel - Hills & Hillforts. The views are stunning. Hedley is supported by YouTuber, Warren Brand, and ...
The Romantic Vale:  The Magic of the Pewsey Vale

The Romantic Vale: The Magic of the Pewsey Vale

Artist, Tim Baynes, visited the Vale of Pewsey and has become completely smitten! Here, in this article, he describes how important the Vale is in our ancient and modern history and why it is so remarkable. Yellow train from Alton ...
Bike Repair Stand Now Available!

Bike Repair Stand Now Available!

A bike repair stand has been installed in Pewsey. You can find it in Goddard Road, just in front of the Pewsey Parish Council Office, close to the Bouverie Hall. What3Words is ///walkway.compacts.wriggle The bike repair stand has handles to ...
National Grid Work This Year

National Grid Work This Year

As of October 2024, the work has now been completed and closure notices have been removed. During 2024 National Grid will be upgrading the overhead electricity line between Bramley in Hampshire to Melksham in Wiltshire. The project involves both the ...
Secrets of the Bruce Tunnel

Secrets of the Bruce Tunnel

On the Kennet & Avon Canal, between Crofton Lock and Wootton Top Lock you'll find the Bruce Tunnel - the only 'proper' tunnel on the Kennet & Avon Canal (there are two at Sydney Gardens in Bath which are just ...
Walks for People who like Cake

Walks for People who like Cake

We all love a slice of cake and never more so than when we're out on a walk with friends or family. So here's a few suggestions for walks where you will be able to get a delicious slice or ...
History in the Landscape

History in the Landscape

Hidden Wiltshire discovers interesting history and stories of places and people across the county. This particular video and blog is about Alton Barnes and Alton Priors - two beautiful villages at the foot of the Pewsey Downs. David Carson MBE, ...
Just the Wright Words

Just the Wright Words

We love our local authors, some of whom write about the Vale or base their novels in the area. John E Wright is from Devizes and regularly writes and publishes poetry, humorous fiction, children’s books and self-help organiser books. He’s ...
Walking the White Horses

Walking the White Horses

There are 8 White Horses still visible today in Wiltshire. Carved into the chalk downland and visible for miles, two of the White Horses are in the Vale of Pewsey - one to the south of Pewsey and one at ...
Explore Wiltshire - Explore Pewsey

Explore Wiltshire – Explore Pewsey

Exploring Wiltshire's rich heritage is now accessible through the Explore Wiltshire app! The Explore Wiltshire app features information about historical landmarks, cultural sites and significant events that have helped to shape Wiltshire's landscape. The free, easy to use location-aware app, ...