We are the South Wiltshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
7 miles, starting with the Harnham Slope, pausing at the racecourse and finishing alongside the Nadder, takes 3 hours including a stop. Note that this walk is longer than originally published due to a path closure.
We leave the cathedral close through the Harnham Gate and cross over the Avon using the bridge that Bishop Bingham built in 1244. We walk past a cold war bunker to climb the Harnham Slope (60 steps) where we can pause to admire some great views of the cathedral and the ancient chalk pit that supplied the lime for the cathedral and many other buildings in New Sarum. Continuing past the bright exposed chalk soil of the latest building project, we climb gently up to the Old Shaftsbury Drove and walk alongside the racecourse, with excellent views over the Nadder and Ebble valleys. Just before entering the golf course we pause for a rest and a snack (bring your own drinks and snacks) before walking down the hill and across some fields to enter the woodlands around the Nadder. A grassy walk leads us to some unexpected views across the water meadows to the cathedral, before we cross the Nadder at the Old Mill and walk along the Town Path back to the cathedral. People will be able to leave the walk at the Old Mill if they wish, and directions will be given to the main square as we re-enter the Close via the High Street Gate.
The second 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 at the Walking Madonna Statue in the Cathedral Close
