Top 10 Places To Walk in Salisbury

Don your walking boots and use our top ten tips below to explore some of the interesting walks you can do in and around the Salisbury area.

1. Walk to Salisbury’s former settlement: Old Sarum

Pick up the river path upstream from behind the Library and follow along the River Avon past Five Rivers Community Campus and via the Avon Valley nature reserve, towards Old Sarum. At Old Sarum you can explore the ruins of the original city of Salisbury with the ruins of the old Cathedral plus there are some spectacular views of the city from the ramparts.

2. Walk along the Town Path

Start this walk in Queen Elizabeth Gardens and walk across a tarmacked path that sits along the water meadows. Spot wildlife along the way and see the location where Constable painted his famous Salisbury scene. The Town Path ends at The Old Mill at Harnham, a popular historic pub with riverside views. You can continue this walk from here and make a circular walk back via the Cathedral Close or via Broken Bridges. Download a copy of the Salisbury and Wilton Walking Map for details. 

3. The Cathedral Close

For a leisurely stroll head to the Cathedral Close where you will see some of the city’s beautiful architecture as well as the Cathedral itself. Be sure to bring your camera as there is plenty to photograph here! 

4. Walk on the greater Stonehenge landscape

With Durrington Walls, Woodhenge, the Cursus and lots more – enjoy walks on the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. Look out for guided walks of the landscape offered by both the National Trust and English Heritage too. Take a bus to Amesbury or pick up the Stonehenge Tour Bus, which drops people off at the Stonehenge visitor centre. 

5. Langford Lakes Nature Reserve

Enjoy a pleasant walk around the tranquil Langford Lakes Nature Reserve, owned by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Keen bird watchers will also be in for a treat here as many wetland birds can be spotted from the hides here, plus you may also be able to see an otter or two. The nature reserve can be found approximately ten miles west of Salisbury, just off the A36 (in the direction of Warminster). 

6. Grovely Woods

Just outside Wilton, approximately 3 miles from Salisbury is Grovely Woods. A walk which begins in Wilton can be seen on the following downloadable Salisbury and Wilton Walking Map. This walk is particularly spectacular during May when the bluebells are on display, carpeting some of the woodland floor.

7. The Clarendon Way

Beginning in Laverstock, on the east side of Salisbury, the Clarendon Way can be taken all the way to Winchester and passes via Pitton, the ruins of Clarendon Palace and then into Hampshire. Walk the entire distance (24 miles), or enjoy shorter walks along this long distance path.

8. The Woodford Valley

North of Salisbury along the River Avon lies the Woodford Valley. Discover pretty thatched cottages amongst beautiful countryside as you take some of the footpaths in the area. For sweeping views of the valley, head into The Devenish nature reserve and climb the stairs up to the top of the hill. 

9. The Avon Valley Path

Pick up the Avon Valley Path, this long-distance walk runs from Salisbury to the mouth of the River Avon at Christchurch. Walk the entire path (total distance 34 miles) or walk various sections of the route, such as Salisbury to Downton. 

10. Avon Valley Nature Reserve

Walk along boardwalks beside the River Avon and see if you can spot kingfishers and other wildlife. Pick this walk up at Five Rivers Leisure Centre. Benches can be found along the way.

Find out more about walking in Salisbury by visiting our walking page or by downloading a copy of the Salisbury and Wilton Walking Map. 

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