Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 07

The North Wessex Downs Officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Wessex Downs covers nearly 700 square miles and encompasses parts of Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. If you're looking for wide horizons and quiet walks where you can stretch your legs, enjoy classic English countryside views, and feel your troubles float away – the North Wessex Downs is a good choice. Situated in the centre of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route, the countryside of the North Wessex Downs ranges from heaths to river valleys and ancient woodland to arable farmland. Cotswold Water Park Slightly north of the main <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route, where Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire meet, you will find the Cotswold Water Park. Here there are 150 tranquil lakes interspersed with peaceful countryside. There are miles of off-road paths to explore on foot or by bike, and lots of wildlife to spot, including a huge variety of migrating birds. While some of the lakes are devoted to leisure pursuits, like boating and wakeboarding, others are designated nature reserves. Cleveland Lakes for example, home to otters, water voles, lapwings, teals and tufted ducks. Windsor <strong>Great</strong> Park At nearly 30 square kilometres, Windsor <strong>Great</strong> Park is the largest public park in the whole of the UK. Which means that while this is a popular location with visitors and locals, there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs and get away from the crowds. From ancient forest to sweeping parkland to formal gardens, there's lots to discover in Windsor <strong>Great</strong> Park. Walk along the shore of Virginia Water for impressive views of the lake and waterfall, spot the red deer that roam through the deer park enclosure, or admire hilltop views of Windsor Castle. “If you're looking for wide horizons... classic English countryside views...the North Wessex Downs is a good choice.” Trooper’s Hill Cities need sanctuaries for nature and wildlife too. In Bristol, a local favourite is Trooper’s Hill. Tucked away amid a housing estate behind the River Avon, its acidic soils – unusual in Bristol – support a blaze of bright yellow gorse in early summer and hot pink heather in late summer. It also attracts a dazzling array of bird species including whitethroat, willow warblers, goldcrests, long-tailed tits and even green woodpeckers. There are excellent views of the city from this hilltop hideaway, too, best appreciated in the warm glow of sunrise or sunset. <strong>West</strong> Woods Come spring time these beautiful beech woods just outside Marlborough put on a spectacular display of bluebells, a quintessential British scene. Take along your camera for some souvenir shots or just take it all in via your senses – the delicate perfume, the flutter of the tree canopy overhead, the carpet of colour before you. The bluebells are at their best 26 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk

Did you know? The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> is home to many zoos and wildlife parks – so whether your favourite animal is a monkey, lion or a giraffe, you’re guaranteed a great day out. Don't miss Longleat, the home to England’s only Koalas, and spotting rare breads at Avon Valley Wildlife Park and children can get behind-thescenes access to a fascinating range of animals at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. here at the end of April, beginning of May, but there’s always other pretty plants and wildflowers to see, like primroses with their mellow yellow petals and sweet scent. Good to know: If you’re looking for more nature-based things to do in Marlborough, Stonebridge Wild River Reserve is a nice water meadow nearby. Pictured previous page: Roe deer; Comma Butterfly Clockwise from above: Horses in the North Wessex Downs; Noah's Ark Zoo Farm; Lamb; Bird watching through binoculars Next page left to right: Otter; Roe Deer Swimming Lower Moor Farm; London Wetland Centre Lydiard Park Snowdrops, which often poke their dainty heads above ground amid the freeze of January, are one of the highlights of a British winter. There are many places to see them along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, including the 260-acre parkland of this striking Palladian house near Swindon. There’s also a walled garden where you can see some more curated spring plantings including a 17th-century variety of jewel-like tulips. In summer, the beds are full of traditional English flowers such as roses and sweet peas. Top tip: Keep an eye on the Lydiard Park events pages as they sometimes run botanicalthemed rambles and tours. → <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk 27