Two Dogs and an Awning

Tag: Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway

  • Trafalgar Park and Barford Down

    Trafalgar Park and Barford Down

    In recent months I have done a couple of walks taking in Barford Down, but I have yet to walk there with Lynnie so today we are going to rectify this by doing a slightly shorter loop from Alderbury than my previous walks.

    We start from the car park besides the village hall and recreation playing field in Rectory Road, Alderbury (SP5 3BJ).  Leaving the car park we turn right along Rectory Lane to reach a junction of tracks, we turn left and soon pass Rectory Farm before continuing to a fork in the footpath where we go right across the southern edge of meadows.

    The path continues besides trees to reach a junction of footpaths where we turn right and follow the fence lined route past Matrons College Farm and then across a disused railway line.  Our route is now a path between arable fields to a junction of paths besides a hedge.  We turn right and follow the hedge line and then cross the disused railway line again and turn left to walk along besides the railway cutting.

    This was the route of the Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway, an 18-mile stretch that spurred off the Salisbury, Southampton line in Alderbury through Downton and Fordingbridge to West Moors where it connected with the main Southampton to Dorchester line.  The line was completed in 1866 and operated until May 1964. 

    We keep the disused railway to our left until Four Gates, where we turn right along the minor road. At a junction with Witherington Road we turn right going downhill towards Standlynch Farm.  Just before the entrance to the farm we take a footpath on the left that heads into woodland.

    These woods are part of the Trafalgar Park Estate and after passing through a gate we catch a glimpse of the main house.  As you might imagine with a name like Trafalgar this estate has connections with Admiral Horatio Nelson.  Following Horatio’s death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 his brother Rev William Nelson was created 1st Earl Nelson and apparently lobbied Parliament for an estate in recognition of his brother’s service to the nation.  Standlynch Park was the location chosen by the Treasury and it was renamed Trafalger Park.  Descendants of Horatio Nelson lived here until 1948 when it was sold by the 5th Earl Nelson.

    After crossing a field we go through another gate to follow a track through woods.  We stay with this path until reaching a concrete path, here we turn left to walk the short distance to the now disused St Mary’s and All Angels Church, said to have been founded in 1147 and rebuilt in 1677.  It was the private chapel for Standlynch Park and then the Trafalgar Estate and is the last resting place of many of Nelson’s relatives.  The church closed in 1947 and is not accessible.

    From the churchyard we make a slight detour from our route and turn right and follow the concrete drive downhill to reach the disused Standlynch Mill.  

    It is the first time Lynnie has been here, we follow the path to cross the River Avon to reach a stunning weir.

    After enjoying this beautiful spot we retrace our route up to the church and continue along the track with a fine view of Trafalgar House.

    On reaching a minor road we turn right and walk along the road with a brick wall to our right.  As the road bends to the right we take a bridleway on the left through the trees at the base of Barford Cliff.

    At a minor road we go straight on following the road under a railway bridge and then turn right along a footpath going uphill to a crossing of paths where we turn left taking a path across an arable field.

    At another crossing of tracks we go straight over continuing east across a field to reach a kissing gate.  Just to the right tucked away in the hedge line is an Ordnance Survey Trig point.  I have bagged this trig previously but Lynnie hasn’t.

    We go through the kissing gate and follow the path along the edge of a field.  There are fine views from here.

    The path steadily descends to a kissing gate and then to a junction of paths.  We turn right climbing uphill besides Langford Lane Wood.  At a crossing of paths we turn left and follow the broad track into Cheyney’s Wood.

    At a junction of tracks close to Privett Farm we turn left and follow a stony farm track that has cracking views from the top of Standlynch Down across to Salisbury.

    The farm track leads downhill to a junction with a minor road.  We ignore the road and turn right to take a track heading north below the downs. We go through a copse and continue on the track below Witherington Down.  The path ascends gradually towards the A36.  At a junction of paths, before the main road, we turn left descending besides the edge of a field.

    At another junction of paths we turn right going north on a path between fields towards Whaddon.  We now return on our outward route crossing the disused railway line and passing Matrons College Farm.

    We ignore a footpath on the left and continue to a track, Castle Lane.  At a junction of unmade roads we turn left, still on Castle Lane and stay with this track as it continues to the Southampton Road.  Here we turn left and follow the pavement back to our starting point at the Village Hall car park.  Our walk has covered nine and a half miles on a cracking afternoon.

    You can view this 9.5 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow our walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL130 Salisbury & Stonehenge; and OL131 Romsey, Andover & Test Valley

    For more information on this walk including car parking, amenities, refreshments and detailed walking directions visit my associated Walking Moonraker website.

    6th July 2020

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2020)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Barford Down Via Downton

    Barford Down Via Downton

    In March I did a walk from Alderbury taking me across Barford and Standlynch Downs.  Despite these downs being close to home it was the first time I had walked them and I vowed to return before too long.  

    Today I am out with my walking buddy Mandy and we are starting from the car park besides the village hall and recreation playing field in Rectory Road, Alderbury (SP5 3BJ).  Leaving the car park we join the Southampton Road and turn left to walk along the pavement.  On reaching Lights Lane we turn left and follow this minor road uphill to join School Hill.  After passing the old School Building we turn left onto a track, Old Vicarage Lane.

    We follow this track to the junction with Witherington Road where we turn left and stay on the road to pass Alderbury Farm.  After half a mile on the road we take a bridleway on the left heading up besides Treasurer’s Dean Wood. We stay with the bridleway as it turns right going through trees and around a reservoir.

    This route is part of a local circular walk and enters along the edge of the field.  The map shows a footpath crossing the field to head south, but we continue on the path along the edge of the field to the north eastern corner of the field and turn right to follow a path along the edge of the field.

    Our route continues alongside the disused Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway.  This 18 mile line ran from 1866 to 1964 and spurred off the Salisbury Southampton line at a junction in Alderbury, through Downton and Fordingbridge to West Moors where it connected with the main Southampton to Dorchester line. 

    We keep the disused railway to our left until reaching Four Gates, where we turn right along the minor road.

    At a junction with Witherington Road we turn right and follow this minor road downhill towards Standlynch Farm.  Just before the entrance to the farm we take a footpath on the left leading into woodland.

    These woods are part of the Trafalgar Park estate and after passing through a gate we catch a glimpse of the main house.  As you might imagine with a name like Trafalgar this estate has connections with Admiral Horatio Nelson.  Following Horatio’s death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 his brother Rev William Nelson was created 1st Earl Nelson. He lobbied Parliament for an estate in recognition of his brother’s service to the nation.  Standlynch Park was the location chosen by the Treasury and it was renamed Trafalger Park.  Descendants of Horatio Nelson lived here until 1948 when it was sold by the 5th Earl Nelson.

    After crossing a field we go through another gate to follow a track through woods.  We stay with this path to reach a concrete path.  Here we turn left to walk the short distance to the now disused St Mary’s and All Angels Church.  It is said that this church was founded in 1147 and rebuilt in 1677.  It was the private chapel for Standlynch Park and then the Trafalgar Estate and is the last resting place of many of Nelson’s relatives.  The church closed in 1947 and is not accessible.

    From the churchyard we turn right and follow the concrete drive down to reach the disused Standlynch Mill.  

    This is a cracking spot besides the River Avon.

    The footpath goes over weirs on the river. 

    After a series of small footbridges we reach a field and fork right to head towards Charlton-All-Saints.  The exit from the field is by way of an unusual turnstile gate.

    We turn left along a path to reach a road running through the village where we turn left to walk through the village along Lower Road.  As we pass Charlton Farm House the road bends to the right and joins Warren’s Lane.  At a crossing of footpaths we turn left along a track and follow this route south to reach fields.

    At a junction of paths we turn left and when we reach the Avon Valley Way footpath turn right along a farm track to pass New Court Farm and continue south to reach a lane, Gravel Close. We follow this into Downton where we turn left into The Borough.  

    I have driven through Downton hundreds of times but cannot recall ever stopping to take a look around.  Apparently in the 12th and 13th centuries this village was a thriving town and there are many old buildings along the main route through the village, known as The Borough.  Opposite the pub, that used to be called the White Horse but is now named The Goat, is the Borough Cross.  It is thought that the cross on the top of the structure dates from around 1208.  The cross is said to have been damaged in 1642 by Cromwell’s troops and then again during World War II.  It was restored and located in its present spot in 1952.

    Our route takes us along The Borough. 

    After crossing the River Avon we take a footpath on the left through houses built in the grounds of the converted old tannery and then continue to the splendid St Laurence’s Church.

    From the churchyard we leave through the Lych Gate, traditionally this is where a corpse is taken prior to a burial service, lich was a Saxon term for corpse.   In Saxon times there were no mortuaries so the dead were taken to the church and left under cover awaiting the arrival of the clergyman for the burial service.

    From here we go left along a footpath to Barford Lane, we turn left and soon take a track on the right leading between Hamilton House and Wellesley Cottage.  This track takes us steadily uphill to reach a road, The Sidings, here we turn left and follow a path along the route of the old railway line.  At a crossing of paths we turn right and head uphill towards Barford Down.  At another crossing of tracks we go straight over continuing east across a field to reach a kissing gate.  Just to the right tucked away in the hedge line is an Ordnance Survey Trig point.  I have bagged this trig previously but it is still worth a visit.

    We go through the kissing gate and follow the path along the edge of a field.  There are fine views from here.

    The path descends steadily to a kissing gate and then onto a junction of paths.  We turn right and head steadily uphill besides Langford Lane Wood.  At a crossing of paths we turn left and follow the broad track into Cheyney’s Wood.

    At a junction of tracks close to Privett Farm we turn left and follow a stony farm track with cracking views.

    The farm track leads downhill to a junction with a minor road.  We ignore the road and turn right to take a track heading north below the downs. We go through a copse and continue on the track below Witherington Down.  The path ascends gradually towards the A36.  At a junction of paths, before reaching the main road, we turn left and descend besides the edge of a field.

    At the next junction of paths we turn right and head north on a path between fields going towards Whaddon.  The path crosses the disused railway line and passes Matrons College Farm.  Here we take a footpath on the left just before a track.  This path leads along the back of properties and then across a meadow to reach Rectory Farm.

    Soon after passing the farm we turn right into Rectory Lane and follow this back to our starting point at the Village Hall car park.

    Our walk has covered thirteen miles and we have enjoyed some stunning views. 

    To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL130 Salisbury & Stonehenge; and OL131 Romsey, Andover & Test Valley

    You can view this 13 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    27th June 2020

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2020)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Cranborne Common from Martin Down

    Cranborne Common from Martin Down

    Following my trip to Martin Down last week I have decided to explore more of the area.  It is an ideal place to start a walk with a large car park providing immediate access to cracking countryside.  Today my aim is to walk further east to Cranborne Common which is close to the edge of the New Forest.

    I start my walk from the southern end of the car park and head out passing a metal barrier besides some information boards.  Initially the path heads through some shrub but soon reaches the vast expanse pf the 850 acre nature reserve.

    I continue down the track to reach the disused rifle range butt and here turn right on a path that heads a few hundred yards besides the butt to reach the Bokerley Ditch.  This ditch is thought to have been built in the iron age and fortified in the 5th century.  It runs for around 3.5 miles and is an impressive structure.

    On reaching the ditch I turn left and follow it heading south westerly for almost a mile towards a belt of trees.  I turn right on a footpath with a finger post for the Jubilee Trail and follow along besides the trees.  The Jubilee Trail is an 88-mile route across Dorset from Forde Abbey to the Bokerley Ditch. 

    After passing through a metal gate I continue along the edge of an arable field to reach a stile onto access land on Pentridge Down.  Now I follow a track that steadily ascends the downs.  This is a cracking spot with stunning views.

    At a junction of paths I turn right towards Penbury Knoll at the summit of Pentridge Down.

    I pass though the trees and continue on a path to reach a gate, after going through I stay on the track as it runs along the top of the down.  I have joined the Hardy Way which is a 220-mile route linking locations across Wessex associated with Thomas Hardy.

    At a junction of paths close to a wooden gate I keep left still following the Hardy Way as it starts to descend around Blackbush Down.

    I walked up this track towards the end of my walk last week, it was a hot day and I had covered over fifteen miles when I reached this point and it was a long haul up.  Today it is easy progress as I stride down the hill to reach Jack’s Hedge Corner.

    Here the Jubilee Trail goes to the right, but I stay with the Hardy Way and keep heading downhill on the track.  After passing a metal gate the track becomes a tarmac lane and continues down to reach Salisbury Street on the edge of Cranborne.  I follow this minor road into the village.

    After passing the Sheaf of Arrows pub I continue to reach the village store and turn right into Wimborne Street and then turn left into Castle Street passing the Fleur de Lys pub.

    Following Castle Street I walk through the village and as the road bends to the left I take a minor road on the right, Castle Hill Lane.  After a quarter of a mile I take a bridleway on the left which heads below the Motte and Bailey castle, I will make a return visit here with Lynnie to explore the castle site.

    Following the broad bridleway, Mill Lane, I am grateful for the tree covering as a shower sweeps through overhead. 

    I stay with Mill Lane ignoring a footpath on the right and then a track on the left to ford a stream to reach the site of an old mill.  There is very little to see here apart from the foundations of a few buildings. 

    I ignore a lane on the left and continue south on Mill Lane, this is now heavily rutted and then I reach a section that is flooded.  Given that it is June and we have experienced weeks of dry weather I hate to think what this is like in winter!  

    I manage to negotiate a route around without getting wet feet and then stay with the lane as it continues to the entrance driveway of the Dorset Heavy Horse Centre.  I recall visiting a heavy horse centre in Devon with my children thirty years ago, it was an interesting day, but I am not into horses so once was enough for me.

    I follow the entrance drive to a junction with a road.  I continue straight on heading east beside  the road, initially with a wide verge, but it soon narrows so I have to take care in the traffic.  It is with some relief when after a quarter of a mile the road bends to the left and I continue straight on along a track soon crossing a disused railway line.

    This is the southern section of the disused Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway.  This 18 mile line spurred off the Salisbury Southampton line at a junction in Alderbury through Downton and Fordingbridge to West Moors where it connected with the main Southampton to Dorchester line.  The line was completed in 1866 and operated until May 1964.  In March I walked a few miles besides the northern section of the line near Alderbury.

    At a junction of tracks I ignore the track on the right and continue straight on soon entering woods.  At the next junction of tracks I take the footpath heading through the trees up Pistle Hill.

    The footpath soon joins a forestry track heading towards a telecommunications mast and then I turn left on a track towards Cranborne Common.  Nearing the common I make a brief diversion to seek out an Ordnance Survey trig point tucked away amongst the bracken and brambles.  The area around my 207th bagged trig is a bit clearer.

    Back on the path I continue towards Cranborne Common.  At a bench overlooking the common I stop for lunch.  There are fine views from here.

    I follow the path heading north easterly across the common.

    On reaching a track I turn right and soon after left.  At a fork in the path I go left and then through trees to reach a car park for anglers.  The route now follows a track to reach the B3078 which I cross and take a track into Further Daggons Wood.  After passing houses the track continues through the trees to reach Hart’s Farm.

    I go over a stile and follow the footpath as it heads downhill to a junction of track.  Here I go right passing farm buildings at Lower Daggons two reach a minor road. After crossing the road I join footpath on the opposite side that leads along the edge of Lopshill Common.

    At a junction of paths I turn right heading towards Lopshill Farm.  I stop to check the route on the map and two women come along the path.  They enquire where I am heading and I explain I am going back to Martin Down.  It appears they think I am hopelessly lost and despite my explaining that I know where I am and where I am going they decide to change their plans to guide me through the woods and then onto Ashley Park Farm.

    I go through a gate and fork left to cross access land and then enter woodland and cross a stream.  The path heads north through the trees to reach Hyde Cross where I ignore a track on the left. A few hundred yards later we take a path on the right which goes north east between arable fields.

    It is obvious that the two women know these paths well and they chat about their local walks as we go along.  It is unusual for me to join up with anyone whilst walking.  But it is interesting to meet these two and after a couple of miles walking together we part company at Ashley Park Farm where I go left through the farm yard and join Stony Lane.

    I cross a minor road at Four Corners and continue on a track heading north west, this briefly joins a minor road and then as the road goes to the left I continue on a track heading towards a pig farm.  I smell it well before I reach it and the overflow from some yards has washed down the track making sections unpleasant to walk along.

    After passing the pig units I continue along the track and thankfully the wind is blowing in the right direction to make the air more pleasant.  I am used to the smell of pigs, as a nipper in the early 1970’s I worked on a pig farm, it had 300 sows which I fed at the weekends.  It was tiny compared to the operation I have just passed.  These days I much prefer to see pigs in fields rather than sheds.

    The track continues to a minor road where I stop to look at an old milestone on the right.

    Crossing the road I take the track as it heads steadily uphill and then at a junction of paths go through a gate onto Tidpit Common Down.  This is a cracking spot and a great place to be on a warm afternoon.

    I stay with the footpath across the down as it ascends steadily to reach a gate onto Martin Down Nature Reserve close to a Grim’s Ditch.  I now have a number of options to cross the downs to return to the car park.  I choose the track that heads to the north and then goes left.

    At a junction of paths I go right and continue on this track as it continues across the down to join a bridleway with a car park across the downs to my right.

    There are a few folk walking onto the down from the car park so I choose the quietest route which is to stay with the bridleway to a junction of tracks besides a Grim’s Ditch.  Here I take a track heading north east across the downs towards the Rifle Range.

    From the Rifle Range Butt I stay with the track to return to my starting location in the car park.

    To follow my walk, you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 118 Shaftesbury & Cranborne Chase; and OL 22 New Forest

    You can view this 19 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    Additional Information

    For more information on this walk including car parking, amenities, refreshments and detailed walking directions visit my associated Walking Moonraker website.

    5th June 2020

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2020)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Twenty Mile Circuit to Clearbury Ring

    Twenty Mile Circuit to Clearbury Ring

    For many years I have intended walking from Pitton to Clearbury Ring. As a circular walk it is over twenty miles, a distance I walk regularly.  In normal circumstances, when travelling with the caravan, time at home is filled with catching up on jobs around the house and garden.  So I don’t often take a day out for walking long distances.  However, with the current restrictions on travel getting out for a whole day sounds perfect.

    I have two reasons for wanting to visit Clearbury, there is a trig point I have not previously bagged and it was a spot we would often look towards when I was a teenager helping Jack Judd with his harvest.  It was always a diversionary tactic to take a breather, when it got hot working in the field stooking or collecting sheaves.  We would ask Jack to identify points on the skyline of which Clearbury was always a favourite.

    I start my walk from outside the Silver Plough pub in Pitton.  Leaving the car park I cross the road and take the track to the left of the village hall passing the village playing field.  Just after the tennis court the footpath leaves the track and follows a parallel route on the left.  This leads into a copse where just after passing Coldharbour Cottage I fork left and head steadily uphill through the copse to reach a fence lined path along the ridge with memorial benches.

    At a junction of paths I continue straight on along a track, Cock Road, so called because in medieval times local peasants used to net Woodcock along it. 

    I stay with this track until I reach a tarmac drive where I continue straight on to a junction with Lucewood Lane.  Here I turn right and walk along the road.  At a T-junction I turn left on to Clarendon Road and after a couple of hundred yards fork right into Green Drove.

    At the bottom of the drove I carry straight on to cross the River Dun and then go under the railway bridge.  Here I leave the road and take a footpath directly opposite.

    On reaching a road I turn right and walk through the village of West Grimstead.  The early morning chill has gone from the air and I stop at a bench on the green to take a layer off.  Resuming my walk I follow a path that runs inside a hedge parallel to Grimstead Road.

    Nearing Alderbury the path joins a pavement and crosses the A36.  I then continue down the road to a junction where I turn right onto the Southampton Road.  Prior to the by-pass this was the main Salisbury to Southampton route.  Within a hundred yards I turn left opposite the village shop to walk along an unmade road, Castle Lane.  When the lane forks I go left and then join a footpath on the right and stay with this to pass Matron’s College Farm.

    This footpath crosses the disused Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway and continues on a clear track across arable fields.

    At a junction of footpaths I turn right and then after crossing the disused railway line again turn left and walk along a permissive route parallel to the railway line.  The Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway was an 18 mile line spurring from the Salisbury Southampton line at a junction in Alderbury through Downton and Fordingbridge to West Moors where it connected with the main Southampton to Dorchester line.  The line was completed in 1866 and operated until May 1964.  This section of the line ran through a deep cutting.

    To my right I get a good view of Clearbury Ring in the distance it will be a couple of hours before I am up there. I keep the disused railway to my left until I reach Four Gates, after passing through a gate I turn right and walk along a minor road to reach a junction with Witherington Road where I turn right and follow this minor road downhill towards Standlynch Farm.  Just before the entrance to the farm I take a footpath on the left which heads into woodland.

    These woods are part of the Trafalgar Park estate and after passing through a gate I catch a glimpse of the main house.  As you might imagine with a name like Trafalgar this estate has connections with Admiral Horatio Nelson.  Following Horatio’s death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 his brother Rev William Nelson was created 1st Earl Nelson and apparently lobbied Parliament for an estate in recognition of his brother’s service to the nation.  Standlynch Park was the location chosen by the Treasury and it was renamed Trafalger Park.  Descendants of Horatio Nelson lived here until 1948 when it was sold by the 5th Earl Nelson.

    After crossing a field I go through another gate to follow a track through woods.  I stay with this path until I reach a concrete path.  Here I turn right and head downhill to reach the disused Standlynch Mill.  

    This is a cracking spot besides the River Avon.

    The footpath goes over weirs on the river.  I have not visited this spot before it is absolutely stunning.  I will have to come here again with Lynnie.

    After a series of small footbridges I reach a field and fork right to head towards Charlton-All-Saints.  The exit from the field is by way of an unusual turnstile gate.  I cannot recall passing through a gate like this before. 

    I now turn left along a path to reach a road running through the village where I turn right and walk along Lower Road.  At All Saints Church I turn left into Church Lane.

    After a few hundred yards on Church Lane I take a footpath on the right across a field.  This is the Avon Valley Path and I stay with it to cross further fields to reach a minor road where I turn right and follow the lane passing old barns and Matrimony Farm House. 

    At a footpath on the left I leave the road and cross a field to reach the A338 which I cross with care to join a footpath heading uphill besides a field.  I stay with this path as the Avon Valley Path goes through a gate on the right.  

    This is a steady ascent and after going through a gate carries on along the edge of a field of pasture to reach Clearbury Hill fort.  This is an impressive fort much of which is amongst trees.

    I make a brief diversion here to visit the trig point which is to the right, on the edge of the ring.

    Back in the pasture field I take a few moments to admire the view.  I can see for miles, but cannot immediately pick out the spot back in Pitton from where I used to look at this ring.

    The path follows around the ring on Clearbury Down.  After passing through a gate this becomes access land, I stick to the path continuing around the ring and then heading south looking towards the Cranborne Chase.

    The path descends steadily and then joins a track that heads uphill to a junction of tracks.  I turn right along a wide drove to reach the entrance to Yew Farm.  Here I continue straight on along a minor road towards Odstock Copse. There are fine views to my left.

    After going through Odstock Copse the road starts to descend to reach Odstock by the Yew Tree pub.

    At a crossroads I continue straight on along Odstock Road soon crossing the River Avon.

    As the road bends to the right I take a footpath on the left which initially goes through bushes and then reaches arable fields.

    This is a well-worn path that I follow heading west.  I ignore a path on the left and continue to a crossing of paths.  Here I turn right and go steadily uphill.  This path crosses a drove and continues up towards houses. 

    It then descends down steps to reach the A354 which I cross and take a footpath opposite.  Initially fenced this path soon reaches Bouverie Avenue South which I continue on as the road sweeps into Bouverie Avenue I take a footpath directly in front of me between properties.  This leads to steps which I take to head to the right and downhill to reach the Old Blandford Road.  From here I continue downhill to a junction with the A3094.

    I turn right and then cross the road at traffic lights and then turn left into Harnham Road.  This is the first time I have been in a built up area since the start of the lockdown, it is immediately noticeable how everyone is walking well away from each other.  With so little traffic about some are walking in the road.  I pass the Rose and Crown Hotel and continue towards Salisbury.

    To ensure I give people a wide berth I avoid the Cathedral Close, instead I follow the wall of the Close until I reach Exeter Street.  I am surprised how few people are in what is normally a busy street.  So rather than navigate a route through back streets I pass the White Hart Hotel and continue into Catherine Street.  At the junction with Milford Street I turn right and head out of the City Centre.

    After passing under the ring road I continue up Milford Hill.  I have recently been researching my family history and was surprised to discover that my grandfather owned a house on this road.  His daughter and her husband lived in it and when my father left school he lived with them.  It was whilst he was living there that he met my mother.  They both came from Southampton but met in Salisbury in the mid 1940’s and their courting continued after my mother’s family returned to Southampton.

    At the top of Milford Hill I fork right into Shady Bower following it as it descends to Milford Mill Road where I turn right and continue along to cross the River Bourne.

    After the river I turn left into Queen Manor Road and stay with it until I reach the gates to Clarendon Estate at Rangers Lodge.  I am now on the Clarendon Way and follow the Estate Road before forking right onto the footpath to cross a field heading towards Kings Manor Hill.

    The path continues up a track and as it bends to the right I continue straight on to visit the remains of Clarendon Palace.  This Royal Hunting Lodge was a major residence of Kings from the reign of Henry II to Henry VII.  When I was a youngster this site was overgrown and the ruins were lost in the undergrowth, now they have been cleared and it is an interesting and historic spot to visit.

    I leave the site of the palace by a gate in the north east corner and rejoin the Clarendon Way and turn left along a track.  Within a hundred yards I fork left leaving the track to follow the Clarendon Way sign into the woods.

    I now stay with the Clarendon Way as it follows a clear path through the trees to reach farm buildings and then continues around the back of Four Cottages and then back into Pitton.  At the cross roads I turn right and walk up White Hill to reach my starting point at the Silver Plough.

    You can view this 20-mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL131 Romsey, Andover & Test Valley; and OL130 Salisbury & Stonehenge

    Additional Information

    For more information on this walk including car parking, amenities, refreshments and detailed walking directions visit my associated Walking Moonraker website.

    21st April 2020

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2020)

    All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it.  To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
    Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk.  It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.

  • Barford Down from Alderbury

    Barford Down from Alderbury

    When we are travelling around the Country in the caravan I try to ensure that part of the trip includes bagging a trig point or two.  This usually involves spending time studying the map to plot suitable walking routes.  Surprisingly there are a few trig points not too far from home that I have yet to bag one is on Barford Down which is an area I have not previously walked.  

    The starting point for my walk is the car park besides the village hall and recreation playing field in Rectory Road, Alderbury (SP5 3BJ).  Leaving the car park I join the Southampton Road and turn left to head past the village sign.

    Wandering along the pavement there is very little traffic passing through the village, a far cry from the days when this road was the main A36, nowadays the village has been bypassed. On reaching Lights Lane I turn left and follow this minor road uphill to join School Hill.  After passing the old School Building I turn left onto a track, Old Vicarage Lane.

    I follow this track to the junction with Witherington Road where I turn left.  I stay on the road to pass Alderbury Farm.  Out to my right are the Alderbury Meadows currently flooded following the River Avon bursting its banks.

    After half a mile on the road I take a bridleway on the left which heads up besides Treasurer’s Dean Wood.

    I stay with the bridleway as it turns right going through trees and around a reservoir.

    This route is part of a local circular walk and enters along the edge of the field.  The map shows a footpath crossing the field to head south, but there is no sign of it so I continue on the path along the edge of the field to the north eastern corner of the field and turn right to follow a path along the edge of the field.  I assume the route has been diverted or this is a permissive path to avoid folks walking right across the field.

    The route follows alongside the disused Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway.  This 18 mile line spurred off the Salisbury Southampton line at a junction in Alderbury through Downton and Fordingbridge to West Moors where it connected with the main Southampton to Dorchester line.  The line was completed in 1866 and operated until May 1964.  This section of the line ran through a deep cutting, so passengers had no opportunity to enjoy the view out to the right across to Clearbury Ring.

    I keep the disused railway to my left until reaching Four Gates, after passing through a gate I turn left to cross the railway line and pause to look at the old track route.

    After crossing the bridge I turn right and follow a bridleway, now with the disused railway line to my right.  

    The path continues south to reach a minor road besides a railway bridge.

    After crossing the road I continue on a broad, uphill track.

    At a junction of paths I continue straight on and descend to a tarmac lane, Muddyford Road, here I turn left and walk back up Barford Down on a farm track.  At the summit of the hill there is an Ordnance Survey trig point tucked away in the hedge line.  This is the 197th trig pillar I have bagged.

    Just beyond the trig pillar is a junction of paths.  Here I turn right to go through a kissing gate and follow the path along the edge of a field.  There are fine views from here.

    The path steadily descends to a kissing gate and then on to a junction of paths.  I turn right and head steadily uphill besides Langford Lane Wood.  At a crossing of paths I continue straight on and pass woodland to reach a junction of tracks where I turn left and follow a path heading north besides Long Copse.

    The route continues into woodland.  It is not initially easy to identify the path, it is clearly not well walked but I soon spot the route others have been using to pick a way through the trees.

    At a crossing of paths I turn left and head towards Privett Farm.  After passing the farm I continue straight on at a crossing of paths.  This stony farm track has cracking views from the top of Standlynch Down across to Salisbury.

    The farm track leads downhill to a junction with a minor road.  Here I ignore the road and turn right to take a track heading north below the downs.

    I go through a copse and continue on the track below Witherington Down.  The path ascends gradually towards the A36.  At a junction of paths, before reaching the main road, I turn left and descend besides the edge of a field.

    At another junction of paths I turn right and head north on a path between fields going towards Whaddon.  The path crosses the disused railway line and passes Matrons College Farm. 

    I ignore a footpath on the left and continue to a track, Castle Lane.  At a junction of unmade roads I turn left, still on Castle Lane and stay with this track as it continues to reach the Southampton Road.  Here I turn left and follow the pavement back to my starting point at the Village Hall car park.

    My walk has covered just short of ten miles, there have been some stunning views.  I will have to return before too long.

    You can view this 10 mile walk on OS Maps and download the GPX File Here

    To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL 130 Salisbury & Stonehenge; and OL 131 Romsey, Andover & Test Valley

    For more detailed walking directions and GPX download visit my associated Walking Moonraker website.

    6th March 2020

    © Two Dogs and an Awning (2020)