A Nordic Walk: West Woods to Gopher Woods. Poles optional!

About

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of West Woods and Gopher Woods as you walk, with several points of interest and magnificent views of the Salisbury Plain. Nordic walking uses poles and the power of the upper body. Anyone can have a go and walking poles are optional.
The walk starts by heading through West Woods on forest trails with a visit to a hidden long barrow. Huish Hill is reached through open farmland - the ascent is fairly gentle and the views towards Salisbury Plain are very rewarding. We then walk along a grassy section towards Gopher Woods, making our way through this ancient forest. We emerge from Gopher Woods to wonderful views across the Pewsey Vale – a great place to take a break and enjoy the landscape. We return down the hill and enter West Woods again, picking up the ancient Wansdyke trail.
The walk is around 7-8 miles (exact route will depend on ground conditions on the day) and will take 3.5 hours. We will break about halfway for a snack - bring something to sit on.
Please dress for the weather on the day and make sure you have a small backpack and sufficient water. The forest trail may be muddy in places. You are welcome to use poles on the walk, but these are optional. This walk is led by WALX Wessex, a local Nordic walking group.