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Crofton Discovery Trail
This route passes through gorgeous countryside, rich with wildlife, and offers some of the best sites in the South west.
Waypoints
2. Crofton Pumping Station to Wilton
The trail begins at Crofton Pumping Station. It is owned by the canal trust and is home to two historic Cornish beam engines. The engine house and engines are preserved in full working order and the adjacent lock flight of five locks are a scene common when canals were at their peak as a transport system. From the station, walk down the steps to the lock and cross to the towpath side of the canal. From here, walk to Wilton along the left hand side of the lake. You will pass Wilton Water Reservoir which was constructed in 1836 by damming the valley where springs were supplying the headwaters of the River Bedwyn. The reservoir was created to ensure an adequate water supply for the canal. The reservoir has a fantastic supply of fish and is rich in wildlife, particularly breeding moorhen, coot, mallard and tufted duck. You may want to stop off at the inn in the small attractive village of Wilton which has some stunning thatched cottages and a duck pond.
Easting: 426165, Northing: 162415
Walk out of Wilton uphill towards the windmill. You will cross the course of the Old Roman Road at the cross roads. From here, you may take a short return walk back to the canal by turning left and walking down the line of the Old Roman Road. Wilton Windmill was built in 1821 and ground corn until 1920. It was later restored in 1971 and 1976. From the windmill, you will see some stunning views of the countryside. The Brails are remnants of Le Broyle, one of five bailwicks of the original Savernake Forest which extended over the area in the 13th Century. Once at The Brails, you have a choice to take either a longer or shorter route. For the shorter route, walk straight on and down to New Bridge.
Easting: 426179, Northing: 162469
4. The Brails to Great Bedwyn Wharf
To take a longer walk, from The Brails turn right along a wonderful woodland walk. Having walked through the Brails, you will eventually come out onto Brook Street Lane. Walk towards Great Bedwyn and you will pass Reg Mills, the Basket Maker and his shop on the right. Reg can often be seen demonstrating his skills and you are welcome to call in. As you reach the canal at Great Bedwyn Wharf, you can either walk into Great Bedwyn or return along the towpath of the canal to Crofton.
Easting: 427775, Northing: 164405
5. Great Bedwyn Wharf to Mill Bridge
As you walk up into Great Bedwyn, you will come to the traffic island in the middle of which there is a lamp commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. The standard marks the site of the former Town Hall and the Market House. Many of the buildings in Great Bedwyn are more recent in origin despite the history of the village. This is the result of the fire in 1716 which destroyed many of the hosues. Continue through the village along Church Street, past Lloyds the stonemasons on your right to the village church, St. Mary the Virgin. The Doomsday Book records that a church existed here before the reign of Edward the Confessor. The present church dates from 1902. From the church, walk through the graveyard and field, taking care across the railway line. Return to the canal towpath via the bridge. On your walk back to Crofton, the first bridge you come to is Mill Bridge. It is near here that there used to be one of the oldmills that served Great Bedwyn until the time the canal was built.
Easting: 427775, Northing: 164405
