Treacle Bolly and the margins of the River Kennet
Date Sunday 4th Jun 2023 | Length 1.75 miles | Start Time 2.00pm

Part of the North Wessex Downs Walking Festival - click the link above for full details and to book

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This walk passes the River Kennet before following George Lane to cross the Pewsey Road by the river bridge. We enter Treacle Bolly – a traditional footpath bordered by fields and the site of a once great medieval castle. Now bordered by Marlborough College, the castle motte, known locally as ‘The Mound’, overlooks the margins of the Kennet.

As we walk along Treacle Bolly, Granham Hill White Horse will come into view before the path reaches the road leading to St George’s Church, Preshute. The church houses a huge black font made from Tournai marble dating back to the 13th century. It is highly likely it was moved here from the Chapel of St Nicholas in Marlborough Castle.

The walk continues across the River Kennet, skirting former water meadows, following the pavement past Marlborough College to reach St Peter’s Church where Cardinal Thomas Wolsey was ordained in 1498. Despite heavy restoration in the 19th century, the church retains much of its 15th-century fabric. From St Peter’s, the walk continues back to the George Lane car park via the High Street.

The walk is of a gentle pace involving generally flat terrain, and some stone and gravel paths. Approximately half of the walk is on pavements and metalled surfaces. The walk is achievable for sturdy wheelchairs, but can get muddy in parts. Please contact us to discuss before booking, see useful information.

Walk leader/organisation: Nick Baxter, Wiltshire History Man