Old Sarum - Stratford-sub-Castle - Durnford - Lowe

Brian and Anne Sandland

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Not far from the centre of today's city of Salisbury is the site of a castle built by William the Conqueror. Also close to this site, the foundations were laid for the measurements needed for our precious Ordnance Survey maps (see information board near car park).

The walk will give you glimpses of three villages (unless you extend a little) and you may well have a shock when you happen across alpacas and a camel with donkeys in the quitessentially English parkland of Home Farm, through which your route passes.

There is a very interesting village church at Stratford-sub-Castle and a pleasant inn in Lower Woodford. Your route back over a ridge above the valley of the Avon (which was the outward leg of the walk) should provide evidence that this was once an ancient paved road.

England - South England - Wiltshire - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Castle, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Museum, Pub, River, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

7/2/2018 - Dave McVittie

We really enjoyed this walk. Maybe a bit too much on the roads which must have got busier since the walk was devised. At point 6 gr su128357 the path is impassable in June. A tree has grown to the left of the path and the pathway is overgrown. Alternative route is up through the farm and up the hill past the bench. There is a patch crossroads. Turn left towards the woodlands ahead. you then rejoin the route. Otherwise the route is great,

4/2/2017 - Barry Hynes

The road section between 4 and 5 and into Lower Woodford is busy in my opinion. We did this walk on a Wednesday and I don't know if it's better at a weekend but it did concern me about the speed and number of vans and cars using both sections. The second half of the walk is nice with views of the Iron Age fort as you head south in the final section.

3/13/2016 - Paul and Tracy Dawson

Very enjoyable walk on good paths, with lovely views. Plenty of photo opportunities and places to stop for a picnic. Lots of light aircraft and parachutists about on the beautiful day we did it. The phone box is back up at point 4. Good guide details

3/21/2014 - Valerie Monaghan

We did this walk in early March 2014. The distance we measured was 6.24 miles - somewhat longer than the publicised 5 miles! Point 3: turn right at the postbox to reach a gate - press the button on the wall on your left to open it. Point 4: the telephone box mentioned was lying on its side - it appeared to have been knocked down. Point 6: there is a narrow path on the right, just beyond a double gate. The main farm yard is on your left.

8/20/2011 - Gordon Ford

A really lovely walk, some road walking is involved in two sections of the walk, the roads are not paved and this may be a concern for parents or groups walking with children. It is a walk with an 'open' aspect affording great views. I have never seen access to a public footpath controlled by a motorised gate/door and what lies beyond is well worth seeing. The walk summary is accurate and as usual the photos always help. I think the walk may be a bit longer than the stated 5 miles. Thanks for a lovely day out

1/15/2006 - James Darby

Fantastic walk, great for children too.