Description:
This walk follows the White Horse Trail along the edge of the military firing range on Salisbury Plain and also goes through a number of small attractive villages in the Vale of Pewsey. Sections of this route follow country lanes through villages, these are not devoid of traffic so care needs to be taken.
Walk Grade:
Moderate
Distance:
12.5 miles / 20.1 km
Total Ascent:
633 feet / 193 metres
Time:
4 hours 15 mins / 5 hours
Parking:
This walk starts from the car park on Redhorn Hill (Grid Ref: SU059553).
Walk Route:
From the car park join the track on the edge of the Ministry of Defence firing range and turn right to head west along the route of the White Horse Trail. After 1.4km at the top of Urchfont Hill the track sweeps to the right and meets a junction with the Wessex Ridgeway (Grid Ref: SU044557). Head north on the Wessex Ridgeway path as it descends into Urchfont on a bridleway.
On reaching the B3098 (Grid Ref: SU040569) join the pavement and turn right to walk into the village. After 160 metres turn left into the High Street and continue to the village pond and turn right into Friars Lane (Grid Ref: SU041571). Follow this lane, keeping right when it forks, to reach the edge of the village. After passing a new housing development continue to the end of the lane on a footpath to reach arable fields (Grid Ref: SU046574).
After 750 turn left on reaching a minor road and follow this past Planks Farm Shop at Manor Farm to reach the A342 (Grid Ref: SU053579). Cross the road and take the footpath opposite, this soon turns to the north and then to the east to a three way junction of paths (Grid Ref: SU057582).
Here take the middle footpath heading south east across arable fields, after 500 metres on reaching Wedhampton turn left on to Green Gate Road and walk through the village to join the High Street. After passing the village notice board and defibrillator take the next left into Plum Lane (Grid Ref: SU060576).
At the end of the lane continue heading east on a footpath across fields to reach the edge of Connock. Continue along a lane into the village and then by a notice board on the hedge of a thatched cottage turn left into a lane (Grid Ref: SU067573). Soon the lane becomes a path and heads across fields to reach Chirton. In the village we turn left and walk through the village to pass the primary school and St John the Baptist Church. As the road sweeps to the left into Patney Lane take a lane in front which becomes a footpath (Grid Ref: SU075576).
The route is now 1.1km across fields to reach Marden. Now cross a minor road and continue east on a footpath, after 1.3km this reaches a minor road on the edge of Wilsford (Grid Ref: SU097572). Head east through the village to pass the village hall and church. At a road junction (Grid Ref: SU104570) take the lane signposted to Hilcott.
After passing the farmhouse at Cuttenham Farm take a lane on the right (Grid Ref: SU108570). After 100 metres at a junction of paths continue south to cross a stream and then head along the edge of a field. At the next crossing of paths turn left and follow the path heading east. Follow the path along the edge of the field with the Charlton Cat visible in front to the right. At a junction of tracks turn right to join the White Horse Trail and head uphill (Grid Ref: SU114560).
After crossing a stile continue on the footpath to reach the Charlton Cat cafe. Cross the A342 with care and join the track opposite, the Charlton Drove. Follow this track uphill for 2.1 km to Charlton Clumps (Grid Ref: SU102544). Now turn right to follow the White Horse Trail besides the edge of the Ministry of Defence danger area for 4.5km to reach the start point.
Toilets:
There are no public toilets.
Toilets are available in the pub on this route during opening hours.
Refreshments:
Urchfont: The Lamb Inn and Urchfont Community Shop are both a short diversion from the route by continuing past the village pond and following the sign posts.
Lydeway: Planks Farm Shop
Charlton St Peter: The Charlton Cat
To download GPX and print map click “Learn More” below:
To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 130 Salisbury & Stonehenge
Additional Information:
A narrative of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest can be viewed on my associated Two Dogs and an Awning website. (Note the Two Dogs and an Awning walk starts from Charlton St Peter where there is very limited parking)
© Walking Moonraker (2023)
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.