Bishopstone - Croucheston - Faulston Down - Bishopstone

Jill Larby

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This is a pleasant walk with only one steep climb and can be tackled by all reasonably fit members of the family. The walk starts from the car park of the village hall and follows the small roads at the rear of the village to the bridleway of Croucheston, where it begins its meandering course up to the ancient ox-drove. There are stunning views of the chalk hills and valleys, along with an abundance of plant and wildlife. On its descent back into Faulston it is interesting to note the old graffiti on the large beech trees along the avenue, some dating back to the 1914-18 war (you have to look hard as the inscriptions are fading).

At Faulston Down Farm there is another short road stretch until you pass into the water meadows alongside the River Ebble. Upon leaving here you pass into Pitts Lane, so-called because it is suggested that it was the burial ground of the village victims of the Great Plague of London 1665. Upon leaving the lane and crossing the road, look for a small alleyway in the corner of The Croft housing estate which brings you back to the village hall car park. This walk is dog-friendly and has only two gates to open and close.

England - South England - Wiltshire - Countryside

Features

Flowers, Great Views, Pub, Public Transport, Wildlife

3/13/2016 - Caroline Ellis-Hill

Good walks for dogs -however there are sheep and wild deer -so you need to keep your dog on a lead at times

3/21/2014 - Valerie Monaghan

We did this walk in early March 2014. The route through the farm at Point 7 and the first part of the track beyond (Point 8) were extremely muddy and not pleasant! Some minor navigational issues: Point 1: would be better to say 'turn left out of village hall car park and follow the road as it bears round to the right'. Point 2: the first left track mentioned is just before the barn. Point 3: pass a Dutch barn on your right, then turn left at the fork and, after a short time, pass a second Dutch barn on the right. We thought the term 'lane' should be replaced with 'track'! Point 4: the steep climb mentioned is quite a way further on - don't confuse it with a earlier small climb! Point 5: there is no sign to tell you that you've reached the 'ox-drove'! Essentially, it's an obvious cross track and the way forward peters out. Quite a lot of water on the track here. Point 6: the farm is on the left, but there wasn't any obvious name sign. Point 9: follow the main track downhill. Point 10: when you reach a T-junction, turn right down the avenue of beeches.

10/16/2013 - Valerie Monaghan

Minor correction required. Guide states the map is the ' Explorer 184 Salisbury & The Plain'. It is actually the 'Landranger 184 Salisbury & The Plain'. The appropriate Explorer map is 'Explorer 130 Salisbury and Stonehenge'.

11/25/2012 - Valerie Rogers

This was also our first walk after joining Walking World. A marvellous walk made even better by the day of sunshine sandwiched between days of rain. Even after so much rain there were no sections of deep mud or impassable water. Beautiful views. Loved the beech trees.

10/9/2012 - Paul and Tracy Dawson

Really enjoyable walk, lovely views, plenty of wildlife to see. Mainly good paths, and easy to follow guide.

11/25/2010 - Geoff Symons

This was the first walk I attempted from this website and I have to say a big thank you to Jill who I believe posted it, the guides and photos were spot on and easy to follow. The views are fantastic with plenty of pheasant to be seen,a couple of deer and some unusual birds. The White Hart pub which is about 100m from the village hall is well worth a visit, The food is good, dogs are welcome and the staff very helpful and friendly.