Amesbury Town Council

Spring Stroll

A slightly longer walk at just under 4 miles takes you alongside the Avon as it winds its way out of Amesbury, and across the ridges that overlook the valley. Some sections can get swampy so good shoes are recommended. Starting at Bonnymead Park, head over the river at Ham Hatches. Turn sharp right at the cottages and follow the fenced track alongside the water meadows of the Avon (1). Keep an eye out here for wading birds such as Bewick’s swans and Gadwall ducks that often ride out the winter in these marshy fields. Follow the track around fields (2 & 3), until you come to a chalk pit on the side of the valley slope (4). Go left of the pit if you want to take a short cut, otherwise bear right and alongside the Avon. This wooded section of riverside hides Woodpeckers and the odd Kingfisher watching the river. At the end of the field follow the fence up the hill and then head left back along the ridge (5). From here you can see the extent of the Avon’s flood plain before the valley tightens as it heads into the Woodfords. Look out also for King Barrow to the NNW, which is visible at this time of year through the trees near the electric pylon behind West Amesbury. From here it is easy to appreciate the importance this ancient burial mound must have once had, with a dominating view of this whole area as well as Stonehenge Down on the other side of the ridge. Follow the path through the field into the gulley, through the gate onto the track (6). These fields are ideal for ground nesting birds such as the Lapwing, as they provide good visibility (to spot predators) and easy access to the Avon during the important breeding season that has just started. At the crossroads (7) go straight on for a shortcut, otherwise turn right. As the track nears the slope you get an impressive view over the Avon and Amesbury. At the fork in the track head left (8), and pick up the path alongside the Avon until you get to South Mill. Here a small footpath disappears along a white wall on the left, and takes you across the river in front of what was once a water-corn mill (9). Follow the footpath alongside the river, and you will occasionally see the remains of irrigation channels and an old gravel works. Once past the sewage works cross the slope beside you and head back into Bonnymead Park (10). 

Information supplied by Stephen Fisher.