The parish of Rowde lies to the south of Bromham on the Gault and Greensand strip beneath the western escarpment of Roundway Down. (fn. 1) The height of the land varies between 200 and 300 ft. above sea-level, being higher in the east, near the foot of Roundway Down. Rowde Ford, a stream which rises near the Down, flows westward through the parish, forming part of the boundary of Bromham and Rowde. The railway line between Melksham and Devizes passes through the extreme south of the parish. Bromham and Rowde Halt, in spite of its name, is in the parish of Seend. The Kennet and Avon Canal runs through Rowde slightly north of the railway, passing through a series of locks.