10 Miles in The New Forest

The New Forest lies just to the west of Southampton and is a wild part of Hampshire crossed with undulating moorland and forest. Renowned for its beautiful landscapes and complex forests the area is one of the smaller National Parks in the UK, attracting many visitors to explore this amazing part of the country.

Distance             10 miles

Start/End           Brockenhurst

Map                   OS Explorer OL22

My route starts in Brockenhurst, one of the larger villages in the heart of the forest before exploring the land west of the village taking in a combination of woodland and moorland before returning to the village. Brockenhurst is a large village. It is traditional and old in parts with a handful of notable brown thatched roof cottages and red brick cottages thorough the village combined with some modern housing. Often an array of flowers all different and vivid in colour are present in the gardens and on the buildings making the village look beautiful. As one of the main villages in the area, there is a variety of small shops and plenty of tea rooms in the centre. Often wild horses and New Forest Ponies may be seen in the streets of the village. Following the main street and crossing the stone leads past the impressive stone church hidden behind a line of trees with its grand size and tall standing square tower built out of a bright grey stone. Turning right follows the road for a short while before coming onto the open moorland and taking the path through the middle of the field crossing beautiful, short, grassed heathland dotted by bushes and occasional trees. Cattle and New Forest Ponies are everywhere on this moorland with the heath surrounded by trees of great height and shaded green in colour. Crossing the heath, the path enters the woodland.

Property in Brockenhurst

Heathland just outside Brockenhurst

Upon entering the woodland, the first feature is a river crossed by Bolderford Bridge. Various trees overhang the dark brown but clear as river as it flows past. Continuing on just before the gate I turned left to head a small path into the forest. The path is traceable but in many parts crosses dark dense black mud and puddles of water. However, the forest is beautiful with many deciduous species in a canopy of green aligning all around with dark green mossed trunks. It takes time to absorb the forest and its awe. The route continues over a bridge before coming to a major gold coloured track where I turned left. The path crosses a Poundhill Heath, a beautiful small open stretch lined with dark purple bracken scattering the landscape with the occasional flowering trees and always enclosed by the dense forest. Passing onward the track follows into woodland with long pine trees rising with a moss covered floor either side of the track with occasional other patches of bracken, and small deciduous trees in parts of the track. The route is amazing and in a short distance has such variety. Turning left to follow track with the sign warning of a ford this passes slightly less dense forest filled with more New Forest Ponies. The track swings left then turns right with patches of open heathland before crossing the ford and continuing in beauty to the next road and turning left. Here the route passes The parkland and impressive Rhinefield House, a sizable grey stone blocked building with a tower on one side, ornately decorated and having numerous clay chimney pots with a clear open grass clearing with ornate trees in the area. This is now a hotel. Continuing past and back into the forest and at the next path on the right which emerges onto moorland.

Poundhill Heath

New Forest Pony

 

Woodland just after the ford

Rhinefield House

The moorland section of this route is filled with beauty right from the start with immediately the landscape opening up. The landscape is filled with texture and colour with patches of straw coloured grass amongst a deep purple bracken with occasional bushes and other plants emerging from the ground. The route follows the treeline rightward and over a very swampy boggy ground giving a good atmosphere to this walk. The forest is never far away and the diversity can be seen thorough this both near and afar. Taking the next path on the left took me on the main track crossing Wilverly Plain initially descending down into a small section of moss filled wood to cross a bridge over a stream. The path was clear and headed upward over the bracken landscape with an interesting with contrasting shades of tone. The area is bleak but beautiful. Continuing onward the path heads to the road and crosses it directly. The moorland is a very interesting part of the route with good views before continuing into Hincheslea Wood. Heading left in the small clearing after the first bit of woodland, the route I went took a path inward passing the dense forest with its many varieties of trees and a small pool before emerging on a track close to a property. Turning right then after a few hundred yards turning left takes another track leading out of the wood on the east side. From here the path goes across long grassed, boggy moorland before turning left at the next crossroads on the path. The route now heads back to Brockenhurst taking a footbridge then heading continually right until meeting a road. By carrying straight on at all opportunities leads to a footpath crossing fields and following a small stream before turning right to take the road back to the church in Brockenhurst.

Moorland just after the road

Bridge over stream crossing before Wilverley Plain

Wilverley Plain

The New Forest is an amazing and diverse unique landscape in the south and is wild. The forests are dense green and hold a variety of species both coniferous and deciduous in this magnificent environment juxtaposed by wild moorland and its array of colour and bracken with marvellous views both near and far with numerous wild horses roaming. The forest is beautiful and very distinct and a great place to walk. There are many great places to explore and adventures to have in the New Forest.

UNDISCOVERED HAMPSHIRE AND WILTSHIRE

A two-day adventure into the lesser known parts of Northern Hampshire and crossing into Wiltshire.

Hampshire is a county located in the south of England known for beautiful and diverse landscapes and picturesque quaint villages. With both the New Forest National Park and South Downs National Park there is some stunning scenery, however many parts of the county are little known about and have magnificent countryside and chalk landscapes waiting to be discovered. I planned a two-day walk heading from the station of Whitchurch north then passed St Mary Bourne before continuing into the Hampshire Highlands and crossing the border into Wiltshire to stop in Upper Chute and exploring this area and finally heading south ending the two-day expedition at the station in Gratley. The area has beautiful valleys and chalk downs, diverse woodland and quaint traditional villages easily explaining why it is part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The route started out in Whitchurch, a beautiful, small, pleasant town in the Test Valley. Arrayed with numerous traditional cottages and thatches it is a great small town. The River Test runs through lined with beautiful trees and The Mill is an interesting visit. The town is a short walk from the station. Upon leaving Whitchurch Station the route I wanted to follow took me right and down the discrete footpath on the right heading under the railway through a tunnel. Upon emerging the path turn and follow the left edge of the disused railway and left across the field where there is a footbridge crossing the A34. Then continuing on the path goes right then crosses a minor road known as the Harroway.

Crossing this and the countryside opens up with beauty all around and the sound of the A34 disappears despite its closeness. The route undulates passing a range of yellow reap seed fields and the green from growing cornfields broken up by patches of woodland and the odd isolated tree. The track is easy to follow and combines walking at the edge of the beautiful fields, and enclosed tree lined tracks. There are interesting views over the close landscape. Making sure at the signed fork that a right turn is made it is easy to follow and a great walk. At the next road stagger right then left to continue on the path to Egbury. This is a small hamlet with some incredible buildings and homes and flower filled gardens. Turning left follows a small lane to two small, traditional Hampshire styled homes. At this point the route swings right then left in a gap through a hedge and cross through the middle of the field. Following the track then crossing diagonal in the next field and through a line of trees. Emerging from this the path descends however the view is magnificent through the reap fields and onward down the chalk valley towards St Mary Bourne and the hills behind. This is one of the best parts of this route due to superb views of the landscape on this right of way. Crossing the first lane direct continues the amazing descent. Upon hitting the next lane there is a left turn followed by right to take a tree lined track emerging on the edge of St Mary Bourne.

Scenery on route to Egbury

Property in Egbury

Path towards St Mary Bourne

Path Towards St Mary Bourne

In St Mary Bourne the first lane that emerges, going left on the land follows a clear and green stream called the Bourne Rivulet which is beautiful and full of plant life and crystal clear. Following next to the fresh flowing stream are traditional thatched cottages surrounded by green countryside. The village is very traditional and quaint with a traditional atmosphere and church. There are plenty of footpaths taking through and around the village. The path around the back shows nice fields. Leaving the village by the cricket pitch the route follows upward through woodland and onto higher parts of the landscape. The path I followed went in a straight line until the next road following part of the Roman Road known as the Portway. Continuing the same direction on the road the next path on the right I followed crossing beautiful fields and distant rolling views. At the next road I went left and then to Upper Wyke where I followed the path diagonally across fields. Upon crossing a series of stiles the path emerges with good views north. Turn left and join the Test Way and follow to the next road. Then continuing on the Test Way down a road staggering rightwards. The footpath passes the back of an impressive home before following the hedge line into a forest with decent views on the Bourne Valley. The forest is very dense with a variety of trees both deciduous and coniferous. Turning and heading steep downhill the path emerges from the forest to descend following the edges of fields to Hurstbourne Tarrant.

 

Hurstbourne Tarrant is again a small quaint village with the river running through parts of the village adding to its attractiveness. The church is small in height with an attractive prism shaped tower and stone built in structure. There are many traditional properties and thatched cottages giving a picturesque village. There is a good pub. Next the route turns right onto the main road then takes the first footpath on the left, though this is difficult to find. This leads following the lush course of the river again clear with bright green and vivid landscape on its banks. This follows for just under a mile to come out at Ibthorpe, another settlement with almost all buildings being cottages either brick or stone and a high number are thatched. Ibthorpe Manor is the first building on the trail and is a grand and beautiful brick building. The Test Way continues by turning right then taking a right of way. This track gains in height to provide glorious views over the valley and chalk down land with isolated trees and is beautiful. The track becomes enclosed with an array of overhanging trees and follows a dense tree tunnel. Continuing ahead at all junctions I followed this track with odd glimpses through the hedges and vegetation besides the track onto the landscape. This track continues in a U shape to the village of Upton turning left at the end of the track to go to the village centre. Another small, quaint, picturesque village with thatches and traditional cottages. The route staggers and carries on up the road in the direction towards Wildhern.

Church in Hurstbourne Tarrant

Tree lined track after Ibthorpe

Shortly after leaving the village there is a track turning off to the right. This passes a beautiful tree tunnel heading steeply uphill for a short while. Looking back the view opens up with magnificent views initially over the lush green fields and tree covered patches, whilst onward looking into the distance the bright vivid chalk rolling hills marking the northern extremity of the Hampshire Highlands. Meeting one of the local farmers who was passionate about the beauty of the surrounding area showed me stunning locations and explained to me a lot about the area. This area is truly outstanding. The track carries onward twisting and turning in enclosed woodland before emerging onto a small lane passing beautiful cottages. Next turning right then the next bridle path on the left follows a tree covered path forking right to head towards the lower end of The Chutes.

View North overlooking Hampshire Highlands

The Chutes are a number of small villages in Wiltshire and all in the same parish, linked by lanes all quaint with cottages and thatches and a pleasant and remarkable atmosphere when walking through a beautiful and almost untouched area. Staying on the road my route passed Chute Cadley with impressive cottages all around before carrying on past Lower Chute another remarkable village with its impressive thatched pub and peaceful atmosphere. Heading left then taking a small path on the right crosses a field to lead to take a lane to Upper Chute. The views south are good being able to see far into the distance. In other parts, the area was peaceful and great to watch the sun go down over the rolling hills. The church is beautiful and traditional stone built and the village has a good atmosphere with a good pub on which the night I went there was a band on. I stayed in the vicinity of this amazing village to end what had been a great day exploring rural Hampshire and its lesser known parts.

View South from Upper Chute

Day 2

The second day started off with fog though not particularly dense but very atmospheric. I started early and headed to the church at Upper Chute before carrying on up the road and taking the first bridle path on the right. This is a track heading eastward with high hedges but undulating to give views of the dew lined green landscape and occasional buildings around Chute. Crossing the next road, the track followed into an amazing wide tree tunnel with a variety of trees and enclosed woodland lining the track with smaller wild garlic being present along the edges. Though fairly enclosed it is a beautiful track. The track swings left and this continues to cross another road before descending steeply through a track and in vegetation. The path is very green and dense and about halfway down the track passes amazing woodland. When passing there was a sea of wild garlic turning the floor of the forest white and extending well into the distance, a stunning and magnificent sight. The track continues down going left then right through the farm of Hippenscombe before heading steeply upward.

Early morning in Chute

Upon heading up the landscape opens up, though parts only visible for me due to fog. The route follows up Haydon Hill, a great wild traditional chalk down standing high on the surrounding landscape. Upon the hill there is the ancient hill fort of Fosbury. The area is beautiful and gives good views down the valley towards Vernham Dean, still spectacular despite fog. My route at the top turned left so as to head on a bridleway which follows the top of the hill. The area consists of green fields broken down by occasional woodland. The track follows the chalk land with good views through the haze of this part of Wiltshire, until reaching the next road. Here I turned left and followed this road for about a mile and a half until the second byway on the right.

Following a tree tunnel and heading right onto the next track put me on the edge of New Zealand Farm. Next tuning left and following the field leads to a path not often explored and limited in its way marking. Turning right and the route follows across a field with views over criss crossing landscapes and forest. Passing the Chantry, a small cottage the right of way continues with outstanding distant views emerging from the fog over a hazy chalk landscape and pleasant rolling hills whilst walking along the edge of green crop fields by the occasional traditional wooden hut. Where the right of way meets a junction, though there is no way marking, the right of way goes right then into the field on the left, continuing diagonally following the earthworks of an ancient field system easily identifiable on the ground. Following for a short while the path enters the forest and carefully following the path using a compass and map allows one to cross the forest. Despite its lack of way marking, it is beautiful with tracks and an array of wildlife and different species in this dense, green and interesting woodland. The forest is an impressive place to walk and is very peaceful. After careful navigation this emerges onto a clear track that follows magnificent fields in peacefully in small rolling hilled valley with the occasional woodland until coming onto the next major road. The last stage in Wiltshire leads down the lane leftward passing traditional buildings both beautiful and grand. First is Biddesen Farm an impressive complex of a traditional farmstead and secondly passing Bisddesen House Grand in its entrance, size and exterior and in an impressive style. Continuing along the road to the next junction leaves this impressive small part of Wiltshire behind and crosses into Hampshire.

View South

Woodland South of Chantry

Biddesden House

Immediately taking the road on the right and the track leads over Lambourne’s Hill and the site of an ancient roman villa visible in a few places if looked carefully through the trees. The route follows through the varied fields all looking beautiful before continuing straight on onto a lane then passing a large farmstead with its quaint and traditional built thatched cottages on the edge of Redenham Park before continuing to the main A342. Crossing then turning left and taking the next bridleway and this crosses a small railway line. Immediately after the landscape is beautiful with great views southward over farmland and into the chalk of Salisbury Plain to the West. The fields crossed are beautiful and paths undulate to take in this small part of undiscovered Hampshire. The fields are lush dotted with occasional trees. The route follows a bridleway to the next road before crossing and turning right and heading across the fields diagonally onto a track with beautiful yellow reap seed fields adjourning the landscape. The track continues through this unexpected beauty before heading to the Village of Kimpton. Turning left then the next footpath on the right passes a more modern part of the village before emerging into the older section with beautiful traditional buildings and an outstanding church. Here turning right leads to a very traditional pub not serving food, but with a great and friendly local atmosphere and great ales.

Reap Fields on path to Kimpton

The last stage of the route continued down the lane past the second footpath to follow across vivid fields with decent views. Upon turning left just before the horse gallops the track follows crossing a road with rolling downs to the right hand side. This then leads to the next part of the route being on roads due to few other alternatives. The route follows past Thruxton Motor Racing Circuit and Aerodrome before staggering to take the bridge under the A303. The lane continues past the village of Quarley a quaint and beautiful village with an interesting stone church and thatching’s. Continuing south, the route is straight until the road bends sharply to the right where it is necessary to leave the lane and cross a lush field with great views in all directions into the beautiful village of Gratley. It is a nice village with an impressive church and beautiful buildings. From here it was a mile along the road to Grately Station where my route ended.

Field looking north of Grately

North Hampshire and the Short Section in Wiltshire is a beautifully outstanding area of the Wessex Downs. Beautiful rolling hills and chalk valleys are present in this amazing landscape filled with beauty everywhere varying between dry and lush fields with a variety of crops grown or pastureland varied with colour and natural beauty. Quaint villages are throughout in this undiscovered area and give a traditional and pleasant atmosphere with good pubs and friendly locals. Some of the cottages, churches and buildings on the route are interesting in beauty and architecture. I had a great two days exploring this brilliant landscape not necessarily visited and overlooked by many.

There are many places that are great to explore in this area and the Wessex Downs, Wiltshire and Hampshire all offer outstanding countryside and a great place to plan new and exciting adventures. Many of the counties have areas not visited much and it is very easy to stumble on beautiful, quaint and peaceful English landscapes. In the future I hope to explore the beauty of these counties in a greater depth.

The Clarendon Way

A hike between Winchester and Salisbury through rural Hampshire and Wiltshire

The Clarendon Way is a path linking between Winchester the cathedral city of Hampshire, and Salisbury the cathedral city of Wiltshire. The route is approximately 25 miles in length. The route is well waymarked its entire route and shown on OS maps (130, 131, OL32). It passes out of Winchester over Farley’s Mount, across the River Test before passing through chalk hills and landscape with dense forests and tracks passing quaint villages and the historic Clarendon Palace to get to Salisbury. The walk takes in some undiscovered areas of Hampshire and Wiltshire and is an amazing walk full of beauty.

The route starts out in Winchester, an ancient and important city of England dating back to roman times. The city is beautiful and historic with magnificent buildings and a pleasant and traditional atmosphere. Though a small city, it has many attractions such as the beautiful and grand Winchester cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in the UK dating back to 1079 and built from ornate stone. Towards the higher part the city is the magnificent stone buildings forming part of Winchester Castle where the Great Hall is located, famous for its links with King Arthur and housing the Round Table. By the banks of the River Itchen there is the Old Bishops Palace, again an amazing site to visit. The River Itchen flows through a mill and beautiful gardens and parkland flowing giving a tranquil atmosphere. The streets are narrow but beautiful and traditional and a pleasant place to visit, dotted with many small interesting attractions such as the statue of King Alfred the Great and The Buttercross. There are many museums such as the city. The city is beautiful and historic and needs time to explore and to be enriched. It is a truly amazing city.

Entrance to Winchester Cathedral

The Great Hall Winchester

Heading out on the route follows the B3049 for about a mile passing traditional residential buildings before passing the impressive frontage of the hospital. The path then turns right down a residential street. Passing stone built university buildings and then heading straight on crosses into a green residential lane. This is followed to the junction past the golf course where the route turns right. By the road there is good views across the golf course with its ornate and coloured trees combined with a vivid green landscape, and onward views north-westward and across some of the flat chalk landscape north of Winchester. The road follows eventually becoming a small tree tunnelled track before emerging onto another minor road. At this point turn right. The route follows the road though often there is a small path on the right. This continues for approximately 2 ½ Mile. In this duration a wide variety of deciduous and coniferous woodland is passed in Farley Mount Country Park, and in some places giving way into views northward.

The path turns left onto a small byway and then turning left a short while after comes to a path leading up to Farley Mount. This monument is bright white and is dedicated to a horse that won a victory in 1734 after falling down a chalk pit a year earlier. From this point the views towards the south are incredible with the landscape opening in front of one’s eyes. Views into Southampton, The Isle of Wight and the beginning of the South Downs west of Winchester can be seen clearly with the beginning of Wiltshire in the distance. The viewpoint from here is amazing. Heading back to the byway and turning left the view north shortly comes into here with views into the Wessex Downs in the distance and clear views of the Test Valley. Turning right where the path forks into a bridleway again offers good views on its decent with the local countryside being vivid filled with an array of green fields and yellow reap seed fields slowly undulating. Upon meeting the road, the path turns left and follows a byway through beautiful woodland along the track occasionally opening out onto view fields. The Clarendon Way turns right and leaves the woodland passing the edge of a horse gallop. Then the path undulates over lush fields with views onto stunning countryside before descending into the village of King’s Sombourne. The route turns left and passes through a traditional and quaint village with a handful of vivid thatched cottages and numerous buildings in a stone and brick style typical of Hampshire. A reasonably quaint village with a stream running alongside the main road and in the heart of the village. After heading right across the stream in the village centre the Clarendon Way crosses the main A Road and continues up a quiet lane.

View from Farley Mont

Landscape North on descent from Farley Mont

Landscape before Kings Sombourne

The next path on the left follows the side of the road to the top of the hill before turning left down a tarmacked track. There are good views of the Test Valley from this point. The path slowly descends until crossing the first bridge, a small river which is a small branch of the River Test. The water is deep and clear and tree lined with overhanging willow trees in a very peaceful steady flowing river. Shortly after a bigger bridge is crossed over the River Test and its main channel. Here the tranquil river is reasonably shallow, beautiful and tree lined. The path carries onto the main road in the village of Houghton, again a very beautiful and traditional village. The route passes left onto the main road taking the next road on the right leaving the village and shortly becoming a farmer’s track. The track follows above Wallop Brook creating a beautiful green valley with rolling downs. The track undulates slightly before descending onto the outskirts of Broughton. The path goes right then left and follows the back of the village through a clear path before turning left and entering the village. The village of Broughton is a quaint traditional village consisting of vivid thatched cottages, old village buildings, beautiful gardens and a pleasant Hampshire atmosphere. Its stone church is impressive and beautiful in its grand style and stone buttresses. The village has two good pubs and marks the halfway point on the route and a good place to split if doing the route over two days.

1^st Crossing of the smaller part of the River Test

Traditional thatched cottage in Broughton

From the centre of the village the route goes to the main road, Crossing and turning right then left follows a dead end road. Where this splits into a byway take the path on the right. The route follows a beautiful tree lined track heading steadily upward with occasional views outward and a variety of deciduous trees and bushes. At the top the path splits again. At this point the Clarendon Way forks rightward. However, in the field on the left the view opens giving outstanding distant views southward and towards Pepperbox Hill. The views from this point are amazing and there is a trig point. Carrying on following the Clarendon Way the path undulates. It stays mostly as a track with occasional stunning views through its tree lined route onto the surrounding countryside. The route is peaceful and follows the course of a Roman Road. The route carry’s straight on onto a road at Buckholt Farm before joining a byway again with dense beautiful woodland and array of bluebells on the left hand side. The entrance into Wiltshire is marked by a hidden thatched cottage and interesting buildings. The stunning scenery continues down a track until meeting the next road.

Landscape before Buckholt Farm

The route carries down the road and in a straight on direction down a byway when the road turns. This is the entrance to the Village of Middle Winterslow, a large village with modern and old housing throughout. The route marked on OS maps and the signed route varies slightly. The signed route follows the back of the village initially crossing the first field on the left diagonally before following a track to another road. Turn Left then the footpath on the right brings out in the centre of the village where there is a shop and pub. The route carries straight on to follow the edge of the playing field to then follow the path coming out at West Winterslow Church after passing a beautiful white manor house. Winterslow Church with a large beautiful stone roof with a tower and a traditional Wiltshire Church and an impressive building.

The track crosses the road straight before taking the first footpath straight on. This follows the edge of fields with a view over the green and yellow landscape with a very chalky and rolling atmosphere. The area is quiet and very peaceful as it slowly descends. Farm buildings and Frisdown village can be seen. The countryside in the distance of Porton Down can be seen clearly and vividly. This is a beautiful section of the route. The path swings leftward and joins a track turning right to descend downward. Where this swings sharply right a bridleway carries straight on into the village of Pitton. The back of the village is mainly modern homes with some traditional however the route turns right to head towards the church. Pitton church is very small but incredibly beautiful in appearance with its small stone structure and prism topped tower. The route heads leftward down a quiet lane lined with traditional cottages and beautiful buildings with some thatches in a pleasant and beautiful small village. The route carries on straight at the crossroads, however there is a good pub by turning left and heading up the hill with good ales. The route leaves Pitton by turning right a few hundred yards past the crossroads.

Landscape before Pitton

Pitton Church

The next path ascends slowly before turning left and follows the edge of woodland passing a farm yard. The path changes into a woodland track passing a mainly coniferous and beautiful forest gradually becoming a traditional deciduous forest. The floor was carpeted with bluebells, an amazing sight. After just over a mile the path turns right and the route emerges into light. The path passes two sharp bends and on the right hand side there is ruins. This is the once grand and deeply historic Clarendon Palace which dates back to the 1200’s. This was the Kings Palace and over time was converted into being a royal residence with numerous buildings, halls and stables as to which the foundations of these lay in a sizeable sight. The Palace has many strong links as far back as King Henry II and had been previously a site used by royals with the surrounding parkland being some of the largest in England. The palace was used until it became derelict in 1645. The remains are being preserved but show much of its layout and some of the ruins in the structure of the great hall. This is an interesting and significant part of English History and is well explained by information boards when visiting.

Clarendon Palace

Next the route continues along the track and shortly a view of Salisbury Cathedral with its impressive size and spired structure dominates the valley ahead. The track continues with the cathedral getting ever closer. The surrounding countryside is beautiful and consists of chalk fields in a variety of green shades. The route turns left to join a diagonal path crossing a field to meet a tarmacked track. Following this to the left passes a farm and to the entrance of Salisbury. The route crosses the River Borne on a small stone bridge before continuing to the next main road. Turning left then crossing the railway the road carries on around. At the mini roundabout turn left which descends downward under the Salisbury bypass and into the city centre. The route through the suburbs had had a peaceful atmosphere and comes passed impressive stone building in a quiet residential area.

Salisbury is a beautiful and old city and the cathedral city of Wiltshire laid out in a medieval layout. The city has many ornate and architecturally interesting buildings with a pleasant atmosphere with many shops and attractions. History is present through this ancient and amazing city. The original city Old Saurm which is located a few miles north dates back up to 600BC but the city was moved in the 1200’s into the valley as New Sarum which is what Salisbury is now. The city is home to many museums and interesting and beautiful buildings. The centrepiece is Salisbury Cathedral, visible and dominant on the landscape for miles and beautifully stone construction. Building started in 1221 and is still present today with later additions such as its spire, one of the tallest in the UK. Apart from its size, its ornate decoration of a multitude of stone carved figures is outstanding and interesting. Another great city and place to end a great walk.

Salisbury Cathedral

The Clarendon Way runs the entire distance between Winchester and Salisbury which cities are both historic, interesting and amazing in their own rights. The history on route is interesting and important particularly in both cities and at Clarendon Palace. The impressive route combines some of the more undiscovered parts of Hampshire and Wiltshire and passes varied landscapes from woodland, to open fields, to views stretching well into the distance across the chalk down land. The route is peaceful as following the paths and tracks across the counties. A vivid and beautiful walk passing beautiful landscapes and quaint English villages. This is an outstanding well waymarked route to follow.

The route is beautiful and passes two rural counties. It would be interesting to explore more of the rural counties as many areas are undiscovered yet are beautiful such as the Test Valley in Hampshire. Hampshire and Wiltshire have many options for amazing and undiscovered walks.