We are the Dorset 4050 Ramblers. We are a friendly, mixed-age group of walkers.
With the ground showing little sign of drying out, this route is on relatively good tracks throughout with no stiles. It also has the advantage of a shorter alternative by not descending into Fovant from Chislebury Hill Fort which shortens the walk by roughly 3 miles (5 kilometres) however you will not see the Fovant Regimental Badges if you choose that option.
We commence our walk outside the Queens Head pub ( sadly closed for renovations currently) and head up to Stoke Down, giving us great views of Knighton Hill and Cranbourne Chase to our south. We will join the droveway between Donhead and Salisbury and head to the slopes above Burcombe before heading back to the droveway and heading west along Compton Down to our lunch spot on the Chislebury Hillfort overlooking the Nadder Valley and two country estates of Phillips House and Compton Park, hopefully in view.
After lunch we will descend the steep chalky slope into the valley through some of the Fovant Badges and climb out of the valley to Elm Hill. We descend into the village with fine views of the Badges and ascend the ridge on a zigzag fairly gentle slope back to the droveway. Those choosing the shorther alternative will have the chance to explore the Hill Fort and rejoin the droveway and meet the main group at the cross roads (GR SU 011 274).
Once together we will return to Broad Chalke on the track above via Knapp Down to our start point.
The alternative short route is approximately 10.5 miles (17km) and reduces the ascent by 490 feet (150 m).
Post walk we may take optional refreshments at the Horton Inn.
There are no toilets on the route, the ground is fairly well maintained but the descent from Chislebury Hill is steep and on chalk so I would recommend walking poles if you use them. Terrain is suitable for boots and trail shoes.
Please bring sufficient food and drink (though Fovant Post Office is open on a Sunday) and dress appropriately for the weather. We normally walk at a fiarly brisk pace but will have a morning stop and if necesary a post lunch stop.
To book a place on the walk please contact Tim 07825773363 and please specify if you would like to car share and I will try to put you in touch with others to reduce our carbon footprint.
No dogs except assistance dogs please.
The walk will begin from outside the Queens Head pub in Broad Chalke. Please park considerately in the village, there is parking on High Road to the east of the pub and the community hub on this road is closed on a Sunday. There is a car park at the back of the church on The Causeway. Coming from Sixpenny Handley on A354 pass Martin Down heading towards Salisbury and when it becomes Dual Carriageway turn left (signposted Broad Chalke) on a minor road to the top of Knowle Hill and then descend into the valley, foolow the road around a right hand corner and then a left hand corner , passing ther church on your left hand side, the car park is on your left and the pub is at the T juction. Please park considerately.
