Benger Trails

To Kington Langley and back via Draycot Cerne

This is a fairly easy cross-country walk with hardly any climbs or descents; it is not suitable for bicycles, pushchairs or wheelchairs as it involves clambering over several stiles.

Unfortunately, it can be quite wet and muddy after recent rain. Waterproof footwear is advisable at all times. Also, there are some parts where there may be brambles, so long trousers would be better than shorts.

Trail Length 5 miles

Duration 1 hour 45 minutes (minimum); not including a stop for tea and cake in Kington Langley

Benger Trails

15. Draycot Cerne; 1

Arriving at the back of the Draycot Cerne houses, there are a gate or two to go through, and a few dog-legs around the fields and gardens, but the path ahead is quite clear and well marked. You will eventually arrive on the roadside in the southern corner of the village.

Go through the gap between two houses and you will reach the road in the village. Follow the road uphill directly in front of you to take you to the Draycot Crossroads. You will pass the chapel of rest on your left.

To Draycot Crossroads

The lane from the crossroads to Draycot Cerne used to be part of the main road from Chippenham to Sutton Benger, and onwards to Swindon. Until 1770 the main road followed a tortuous route from Kington Langley to Draycot Cerne (then known as Upper Draycot) and then to Swindon via Sutton Benger. The 'Draycot Straight' (or New Road) was built as part of the Turnpike from Chippenham, and created a much-needed direct route, by-passing Upper Draycot village. It is still possible to walk the route of the old road along footpaths to Kington Langley.

Lord Cowley, of Draycot House, donated land for a cemetery here, and paid for the building of the small mortuary chapel, or chapel of rest, in 1883. This was at about the same time as the relocation of the Lower Draycot houses to Draycot Cerne.

Chapel of Rest at Draycot Cerne

The chapel was renovated in 2015, including a re-roofing after the original stone tiles had been stolen, and was transferred to new Trustees.

Draycot Cerne Crossroads

Benger Trails

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