Motorcycle Explorer February 2015 Issue 4 | Page 214

1) Salisbury Plain
The Plain is one of the few areas in the country
where trail riding is actually encouraged by the
landowner…the Ministry of Defence. This vast and
unpopulated area (94,000 acres) is crossed not
only by the ancient road network that was there
long before the army, but also by stone-surfaced
tracks that the army has created itself to access
the various firing ranges and exercise areas, many
of which are also open to motorcyclists when the
army is not using them.
You can see a leaflet explaining the rules on the
next page and you need to learn them and stick to
them.
Be aware when riding the chalk roads in wet
conditions: it’s more slippery than ice.
It’s quite easy to get lost on the Plain, but there is
no need to panic. The key to getting out again is
to always take the most major-looking track at
any junction, and you will eventually find yourself
on the army’s Perimeter Road on the edge of the
ranges, which you can follow in either direction
until you hit tarmac.
Straying off the legal tracks or ignoring red flags
can get you into serious trouble, and not just with
the Military Police. The Plain is used for live firing
with every kind of weapon ranging from
handguns to massive artillery pieces, and
someone who ignores warning signs could very
easily end up dead…which would probably result
in the whole area being closed to the public for
ever.
The Plain is also in the heart of Wiltshire: the
county that probably has more miles of Byway
Open to All Traffic than any other. Wiltshire
Council has a handy on-line map, showing which
routes are open to what class of user: http://www.
wiltshire.gov.uk/communityandliving/
rightsofway/publicrightsofwaymapping.htm or
you can just click the Wiltshire Council sign on
the opposite page to go there now! Welcome to
digital.
It also lists permanent and temporary closures.
This useful resource is backed up by clear
signposting on the ground.