On 1st April, Gypsy and me (the picture is Gypsy; you don't want to see my picture!) are catching the 11:02 train from Melksham to Trowbridge (9 minutes) and walking back (about 3 hours). The walk takes us alongside the railway line in Trowbridge to the Kennet and Avon Canal, where we'll take a look at the aquaduct, then along the canal for several miles out into the open countryside and along the lane to Whaddon. A path leads down to the river and crosses the course of the old railway line to Devizes, then on to the Pack Horse Bridge - dating from the 17th Century and one of the Melksham Area's hidden secrets. The final section takes us through water meadows back to Melksham's bypass which we cross and make our way though the Conigre Mead nature reserve to the town bridge, and back to the station.
All are welcome (including dogs on this date), but please bear in mind that the going may be a little rough in places. Bring stout footwear and (we suggest) a bottle of water. The countryside between Trowbridga and Melksham is surprisingly remote, and many of the paths hard to find (but I know them from several past walks). The walk will be repeated on Wednesday 26th April. This time the walk starts from Melksham Station upon arrival of the train at 10:03, and takes you to Trowbridge, from wherethere are trains back at 14:20 and 16:27. This walk is organised / lead by Ann Light of Wessex Railway Walks (who has also done the walk several times before) and in this case it's "no dogs", I'm afraid.
