We are the South Wiltshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Catherine P
6 miles along the upper Avon valley to Old Sarum and back, takes 2h30m including a stop.
We leave the cathedral close through the High Street Gate and walk alongside the Avon, through the Riverside Park and the green spaces surrounding the Five Rivers Leisure Centre. A gentle climb brings us past the Parliament Tree (scene of one of the last Rotten Boroughs) and up into Old Sarum. We stop here for the opportunity to explore the site and imagine being a castle guard in 1220 looking at the new building site down in the valley. The outline of the original cathedral is still here, although the stone was reused to form the walls – and indeed the gates – of the close. There are free public toilets; bring your own drinks and snacks. A narrow chalky path takes us down to Stratford Sub Castle where we cross to the far side of the Avon and follow it back into town. People will be able to leave the walk to visit St Thomas’s Church, the main square, or one of many cafes as we return to the cathedral down the busy pedestrianised High Street.
The first of a series of three walks, all starting (appropriately) from the Walking Madonna, and each following a different river, to fit with the cathedral’s “Spirit of Water” flower festival which is on at the same time.
All of these walks show how it is possible to walk to some lovely countryside quickly and easily from the centre of the city. There are no stiles on any of the walks.
Meet in the Cathedral Close by the statue of the Walking Madonna.
