Downton - Barford Park - Avon Meadows - Downton

Matthew Drew

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This gentle walk starts from the edge of the picturesque village of Downton, cuts through the open fields of Barford Park Farm, then reaches a beautiful water mill before crossing open meadows to return to the village. A flat walk, it is best avoided shortly after rainfall as the section through the mill and water meadows can get very muddy. Wear appropriate footwear. A bright sunny day makes this walk a gem, with lovely views and plenty of wildlife to observe. It is deal for dogs, with only a couple of stiles, easily crossed.

England - South England - Wiltshire - River Walk

Features

Birds, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Pub, River, Wildlife

4/13/2015 - julia frampton

Did this walk with my elderly dog at Easter 2015. Bit worried by previous comments about closed path and expecting to be turned back. Am happy to report that the paths are now all open and easy to use. Super little walk that packs so much of interest into its relatively few miles!

5/9/2013 - Matthew Drew

Hi Niki Thanks for the comment. I checked this walk myself in April 2013 and the path just past the Mill (waymark 6) is still closed according to the signs. Whilst I do not advise it, we were able to use the path (as did another couple walking in the opposite direction) and there were no visible signs of erosion. That said, there is no other way of crossing the river and so no suitable diversion. I would recommend checking the Wiltshire County Council website (ref A3/JJC/12/101) to see if the footbridge has been re-opened before using this walk. I will check regularly and update the walk once it has been re-opened. It is a shame as the walk offers wonderful views and open countryside made impossible by a council that is arguably over-cautious and certainly slow-to-respond.

2/20/2013 - Niki Campbell

As of Nov 2012, and still current Feb 2013 the path and footbridge just past the Mill (waymark 6) is closed. This is due to erosion/undercutting of the path by the River Avon with a the flooding that has occurred. I did an alternative loop around Trafalgar Park, but be warned this does involve some road walking on a quite busy high speed B-road.