Independent Walking
Independent Walking
O ur unique walking holiday in southern England explores the beautiful countryside of the Wiltshire / Dorset border. Your walk starts in the historic city of Salisbury with its wonderful cathedral, boasting the highest spire in the UK; and finishes at Shaftesbury, a Saxon hill top town with stunning views and lovely historic thatch cottages. In between, your walking trail meanders through some of the finest landscapes in southern England with secluded valleys, idyllic villages and rolling chalk hills. Each day you ' ll discover a variety of interesting sites, such as Old Sarum, Wardour Castle and a host of charming historic villages. The most famous site is without doubt, Stonehenge, which surrounds the densest complex of pre-historic monuments in England. Your walking holiday also passes through rich wildlife areas such as ancient forests, carpeted in bluebells and protected chalk hills with orchids.
Wonders of Wessex Walk
Price p / p
Walking Profile
Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome in guest house in cathedral city of Salisbury in Wiltshire. Explore this lovely city and visit the cathedral with the tallest spire in the UK.
Day 2: Salisbury- Amesbury Today ' s walk starts by visiting Old Sarum. Located on a hill just outside of Salisbury, Old Sarum is the site of the ancient city, before a new city was built on its present day site in the 13th century. Afterwards you ' ll follow the delightful and secluded Woodford Valley with its small quaint villages and manor houses. 18km, + 240m. 5 night holiday goes direct to Broad Chalke, whilst 6 night version goes direct to Great Wishford.
Day 3: Amesbury- Stonehenge- Great Wishford Today you ' ll have the chance to visit a collection of prehistoric sites which are unrivalled in the UK. Visit the world famous Stonehenge with its enigmatic stones, as well as other mounds and earthworks. After crossing open downland you ' ll pass through the pretty village of Stapleford with its thatch cottages to reach the Wylye Valley. 17km, + 100m
Day 4: Great Wishford- Wilton- Broad Chalke Climb onto a chalk ridge covered in ancient forest at Grovely wood; a great place to see carpets of bluebells in the Spring lighting up the forest floor. Your walking trail follows the edge of the hills with great views of Salisbury Cathedral before descending to the pretty town of Wilton, ancient capital of Wessex. Chance to visit the impressive Wilton House and gardens, before crossing over the hills to reach the Cranborne Chase. 18km, + 290m.
Day 5: Broad Chalke- Ludwell Small transfer & then follow the ancient ridge top track( drove) that linked Salisbury and Shaftesbury. Beautiful views from the chalk escarpment and numerous historic earthworks. Afterwards descend the downs to reach the ruins of old Wardour Castle. Then follow Wessex Ridgeway through typical English Parkland and secluded Nadder Valley. 17km, + 300m
Day 6: Ludwell- Farnham The trail climbs steadily onto the hills to reach Win Green, the highest point in the area with stunning panoramic views which on clear days reach as far as the Isle of Wight and Glastonbury Tor. You ' ll follow a beautiful ridgeway before a gradual descent to the pretty village of Tollard Royal. Afterwards visit Larmer Tree Gardens. 13km, + 210m
Day 7: Farnham- Shaftesbury Your last day takes you back up onto the hills via the pretty village of Ashmore. Lovely historic cottages surround a large pond set on the chalk plateau. You’ ll then continue to Melbury Beacon, a great local viewing point before heading to the historic hill top town of Shaftesbury. You ' ll enter the town via Gold Hill with its steep cobbled street lined with thatched cottages. You ' ll be supplied with a walking route around the town. 17km, + 380m
Day 8 Departure- Departure after breakfast
5, 6 or 7 nights See Price List or Web Site for details
4, 5 or 6 days self guided walking, moving between guest houses. A moderate walking holiday with each day ' s walk averaging 17km or 10 miles with moderate ascents of about 120m at a time, with maximum daily ascent being 400m. The walk follows many different types of paths, tracks and small country lanes. Occasionally the walking trail is steep when ascending or descending the chalk escarpments, but in general the walking is gentle.
♦ Visiting exceptional historic sites: Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge, Wilton House, Wardour Castle & Gold Hill
♦ Beautiful unspoilt English landscape of chalk hills and valleys in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
♦ A unique and quiet walking trail
♦ Historic & picturesque villages and towns such as Ashmore and Shaftesbury with their thatched cottages
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT Price: Grade: Profile:
At a Glance
Dates: April
See Price List
Oct
Accommodation
7 nights B & B in a variety of small good quality guest houses with en-suite accommodation. Mixture of inns or pubs, B & B’ s & small hotels. They are located in delightful historic properties. The B & B ' s are generally 4 star AA rated. Lunches are picnic meals, whilst evening meals are taken in your guest house or in local pubs and restaurants. There will be plenty of local specialities to try and of course the local real ales. Example: Farnham Farmhouse is a wonderful historic property with great rooms and pool in a peaceful location.
Holiday Profile
5, 6 or 7 nights: 4, 5 or 6 days self-guided walking, moving between guest houses. Every day( subject to availability) from April to October
Included 5, 6 or 7 nights accommodation on a B & B basis, 4 lunches, full walking notes and maps, transport of luggage between guest houses
Not included Travel to Salisbury and from Shaftesbury( bus service between the two); 2 lunches, evening meals, visits, travel insurance
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Book now on + 44( 0) 7483 241 945 or visit www. highpointholidays. co. uk