[1] With your back to the main entrance of the Link Centre – by the library – turn right and walk along the footpath, with the Link Centre on your right, for approximately 50 metres to another footpath going left. This is the cycle/footpath to Toothill and is way marked with a blue sign (caution, cyclists). Walk along here for approximately 50 metres to the next blue sign and turn right, this will lead you into Link Avenue. Turn left and follow the footpath until you come to Ashington Way. Along the way you will walk past a quiet grass area on your left (access by footbridge) with two small lakes (caution, open water), some modern sculpture,water fountains and a small seating area.

(A) The Link Centre is a family orientated leisure centre providing indoor facilities for a wide range of sports and activities including swimming, ice skating, racket and ball sports and fitness classes for all ages and abilities.

[2] Cross over Ashington Way (this is a busy road and it is advisable to use the pedestrian controlled crossing). Follow the footpath straight ahead. This is a quiet, grassed area (with a tarmac path) that meanders peacefully between the backs of the houses.

[3] At the end of the footpath you will be in Westlea Drive. Turn half right and cross the road diagonally towards the footpath by the bus stop opposite. This grassed area is known as the River Ray Parkway (or part of it!) and you now walk down this path with the hedge and the River Ray on you left (caution deep ditch and open water), passing the childrens play area on your right.

(B) The River Ray Parkway runs for 8 miles, roughly following the route of the River Ray along the disused Midland & South Western Junction Railway Line.

When you come to a T-junction in the path, bear left with the hedge and the River Ray still on your left and continue (signposted ‘the link’) until you reach Westlea Drive.

[4] Cross this road with care and carry on straight along the footpath opposite ( signposed ‘langstone meadow’) until you reach a foot bridge on your left. Turn left over this bridge and, with Westlea Primary School on your right, continue until you reach Langstone Way, by the bus stop. Carefully cross this road to reach the footpath opposite and then follow the path through until you come to Corton Crescent.

[5] Cross Corton Crescent at the pedestrian controlled crossing when safe to do so (caution: this road can be extremely busy)  and walk toward the West Swindon Centre. The paved walkway will take you past the rear entrance to the Centre. Bear slighty right here by the circular trolley park and walk toward the service road. Take care when crossing the service road (road in constant use) and walk on past the West Swindon Health Centre and retrace your footsteps to the Link Centre which is now right in front of you.

(C) The West Swindon Centre is a large retail outlet with a supermarket and a good variety of small shops. Public conveniences are to be found upstairs where there is also a fast food restaurant. The upstairs area can also be accessed using the lift.

This is a level route is along quiet footpaths and pavements, has dropped curbs at all relevent points and is suitable for buggies and wheelchair users.

There is plenty of free parking in and around The Link Centre and there are toilets within the West Swindon Centre.

Part of the walk is shared with swindon cycle routes and also National Route 45, so care is needed

to be aware of cycles.