Maud Heath’s Causeway Walk
Maud Heath's Causeway is a pathway dating from the 15th century in rural Wiltshire, England. On both sides of its crossing of the River Avon, just west of Kellaway, the path rises above the floodplain on sixty-four brick arches (built 1812, largely reconstructed in the 20th century) alongside an undistinguished country road between Bremhill and Langley Burrell.
The causeway is the gift of the eponymous Maud Heath, who made her living carrying eggs to market at Chippenham. She was a widow and childless, and when she died she left money to improve and maintain the path along which she had tramped to market several times a week for most of her life. Over five hundred years later, the charity still maintains the path out of her bequest.
Since 1960, the raised section has been listed Grade 2* on the National Heritage List for England.
The details: Start at the Langley Tap Pub in Langley Burrell. Park on the road without blocking entrances.(GR ST 933752/ Postcode SN15 4LQ). OS Explorer Map 156 Chippenham and Bradford on Avon. An easy walk on minor roads, across fields, and rough footpaths.
How long:2 miles
The walk: Named after a medieval egg seller, this Victorian arched path weaves through the Avon floodplain, which used to inhibit access to the route during rainy periods. But Maud Heath, who walked the path daily, built a causeway to keep the feet of traders and travelers dry – parts of which can still be seen along the route today.
1. Begin at the Langley Tap Pub and turn right walking right down the road where you will see parts of the old path. At the junction turn right past a red brick house. Walk under the railway tunnel and along the 64 arch causeway. Look out for the memorial stone to Maud Heath on the left.
2. At the small chapel on the right cross the stile into the field and walk along the footpath. At the opening cross to the next field and follow the track around the field along the River Avon.
3. Go over the footbridge ahead and take the track to the right along the river. On the right is a gate leading to a lane. Walk up the lane to the bridleway junction. Turn right and walk up the track taking the railway bridge to the left. Continue up the footpath back to Langley Burrell.
(Maud Heath's Causeway - Wikipedia)
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