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Swindon ranked as one of the UK's best towns for outdoor adventure
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A new study has placed Swindon second in the UK for its accessibility to hiking routes, campsites and wild swimming spots.
Swindon has been recognised as one of the country's premier locations for outdoor enthusiasts, securing second place in a national study assessing access to adventure activities. The research, conducted by outdoor brand Blacks in collaboration with Ordnance Survey, evaluated 50 of the largest towns and cities across the UK.
Analysing the accessibility of hiking trails, campsites, and wild swimming locations within a 90-minute drive of urban centres, the study awarded Swindon a driving accessibility score of 9.12 out of 10. This high ranking places the town ahead of many major cities, including Manchester, Bristol, Sheffield and Derby.
The findings highlight the variety of local landscapes available to residents. For those seeking shorter, family-friendly walks, the study points to the established circuits at Coate Water Country Park and Lydiard Park, as well as the woodland trails found in Stanton Country Park and Shaw Forest Park. For those looking for more challenging terrain, the report identifies the North Wessex Downs and the Ridgeway near Barbury Castle as key destinations.
Practical tips for local explorers
While the study emphasises the ease of reaching these spots by car, it also provides guidance for those relying on public transport or planning longer excursions. A spokesperson for Blacks noted that whilst Swindon performs strongly for car-based access, the town also ranks third nationally when factoring in public transport links to nearby trailheads.
For those planning to explore the steeper terrain around Liddington Hill or longer linear sections of the National Trail, experts advise taking a cautious approach to logistics:
Plan your return: When tackling linear routes, such as sections of the Ridgeway, identify your finishing point and return transport before heading out.
Check connectivity: Transport services around rural trailheads can be limited, so ensure you have checked your final connection to avoid being stranded.
Combine activities: The proximity of campsites and swimming locations to the town allows for the planning of multi-activity weekends rather than just day trips.
The study suggests that the variety of the surrounding geography, ranging from the open chalk downland of the North Wessex Downs to more accessible parkland closer to the town centre, provides local adventurers with significant flexibility in how they shape their time outdoors.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original